When a courier brought the news of the sudden death of Francis I., Emperor of Germany and of the Holy Roman Empire, the czarina being at Czarsko-Zelo, the count minister-tutor was in the palace with his pupil, then eleven years old.  The courier came at noon, and gave the dispatch into the hands of the minister, who was standing in the midst of a crowd of courtiers of whom I was one.  The prince imperial was at his right hand.  The minister read the dispatch in a low voice, and then said: 

“This is news indeed.  The Emperor of the Romans has died suddenly.”

He then turned to Paul, and said to him,—­

“Full court mourning, which your highness will observe for three months longer than the empress.”

“Why so?” said Paul.

“Because, as Duke of Holstein, your highness has a right to attend the diet of the empire, a privilege,” he added, turning to us, “which Peter the Great desired in vain.”

I noted the attention with which the Grand Duke Paul listened to his mentor, and the care with which he concealed his joy at the news.  I was immensely pleased with this way of giving instruction.  I said as much to Prince Lobkowitz, who was standing by me, and he refined on my praises.  This prince was popular with everyone.  He was even preferred to his predecessor, Prince Esterhazy; and this was saying a great deal, for Esterhazy was adored in Russia.  The gay and affable manner of Prince Lobkowitz made him the life and soul of all the parties at which he was present.  He was a constant courtier of the Countess Braun, the reigning beauty, and everyone believed his love had been crowned with success, though no one could assert as much positively.

There was a great review held at a distance of twelve or fourteen versts from St. Petersburg, at which the empress and all her train of courtiers were present.  The houses of the two or three adjoining villages were so few and small that it would be impossible for all the company to find a lodging.  Nevertheless I wished to be present chiefly to please Zaira, who wanted to be seen with me on such an occasion.  The review was to last three days; there were to be fireworks, and a mine was to be exploded besides the evolutions of the troops.  I went in my travelling carriage, which would serve me for a lodging if I could get nothing better.

We arrived at the appointed place at eight o’clock in the morning; the evolutions lasted till noon.  When they were over we went towards a tavern and had our meal served to us in the carriage, as all the rooms in the inn were full.

After dinner my coachman tried in vain to find me a lodging, so I disposed myself to sleep all night in the carriage; and so I did for the whole time of the review, and fared better than those who had spent so much money to be ill lodged.  Melissino told me that the empress thought my idea a very sensible one.  As I was the only person who had a sleeping carriage, which was quite a portable house in itself, I had numerous visitors, and Zaira was radiant to be able to do the honours.