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A momentary pause followed Princess Elizabeth silently motioned her

friends to be seated, and drew her favorite Alexis nearer to her

Lestocq, her physician and confidant, with a solemn countenance, took a

place opposite her

"We are ready to hear your bad news," said the princess

"The regent, Anna Leopoldoill have herself crowned as empress,"

laconically responded Lestocq

Elizabeth looked at hiatively and with curiosity for the

continuation of his bad news But as Lestocq remained silent, she asked

with astonishment: "Is that all you have to tell us?"

"Preliminarily, that is all," answered Lestocq

Princess Elizabeth broke out with a joyous laugh

"Well, this is, in fact, very comic With a real Job's mien you announce

to us the worst news, and then inform us that Anna Leopoldowna is to be

crowned empress! Let her be crowned! No one will interfere to prevent

it, and she will be none the happier for it No woman who has taken

possession of the Russian throne as an independent princess has ever yet

been happy Or do you think that Catharine, my lofty step-mother, was

so? Believe me, upon the throne she trembled with fear of assassins; for

it is well known that this Russian throne is surrounded byonly the favorable moment Ah, whenever I have stood in front