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The 4th of December, the day of the court-ball, to which Elizabeth had

looked forith a longing heart because of her anxiety to display

at court her new Parisian dresses, at length had come A ent The lord-marshal and

the chah the roo with sharp eyes the various ornaarlands,

and draperies, to nificent

Anna Leopoldowna troubled herself very little about these busy htedly reading a letter from

her distant lover, which had just been received under Julia's address

She had already read this letter several times, but ever recommenced

it, and ever found so love of her absent friend

"Ah, he still lovesthe letter to her lips;

"he really loves e his

heart, but cause it to gloarain returns! And he will return! Yes, he will be

with lances,

I shall for the first time appear in all the splendor of an imperial

crown Ah, they have no presentiment, my councillors and ministers, that

I have selected the 18th of December for the ceremony precisely because