conversation turning upon
Laudohn's journey, she said to me, "The baths are necessary to the re-
establishment of your health, Trenck." I was ready, and followed him in
two days, where we remained about three months.

The mode of life at Aix-la-Chapelle and Spa pleased me, where men of all
nations meet, and where princes mingle with persons of all ranks. One
day here procured me more pleasure than a whole life in Vienna.

I had scarcely remained a month before the Countess Parr wrote to me that
the Empress had provided for me, and would make my fortune as soon as I
returned to Vienna. I tried to discover in what it consisted, but in
vain. The death of the Emperor Francis at Innsbruck occasioned the
return of General Laudohn, and I followed him, on foot, to Vienna.

By means of the Countess Parr I obtained an audience. The Empress said
to me, "I will prove to you, Trenck, that I keep my word. I have insured
your fortune; I will give you a rich and prudent wife." I replied, "Most
gracious Sovereign, I cannot determine to marry, and, if I could, my
choice is already made at Aix-la-Chapelle."--"How! are you married,
then?"--"Not yet, please your Majesty."--"Are you promised?"

"Yes."--"Well, well, no matter for that; I will take care of that affair;
I am determined on marrying you to the rich widow of M---, and she
approves my choice. She is a good, kind woman, and has fifty thousand
florins a year. You are in want of such a wife."

I was thunderstruck. This bride was a canting hypocrite of sixty-three,
covetous, and a termagant. I answered, "I must speak the truth to your
Majesty; I could not consent did she possess the treasures of the whole
earth. I have made my choice, which, as an honest man, I must not
break." The Empress said, "Your unhappiness is your own work. Act as
you think proper; I have done." Here my audience ended. I was not
actually affianced at that time to my present wife, but love had
determined my choice.

Marshal Laudohn promoted the match. He was acquainted with my heart and
the warmth of my passion, and perceived that I could not conquer the
desire of vengeance on men by whom I had been so cruelly treated. He and
Professor Gellert advised me to take this mode of calming passions that
often inspired projects too vast, and that I should fly the company of
the great. This counsel was seconded by my own wishes. I returned to
Aix-la-Chapelle in December, 1766, and married the you