8.) yet she since that again has expressed her joy at the news of my

staying in this country.

What difference my being to be employed as Charge d'affaires

here and the flattering manner in which the Empress received my offer

of service will make in her disposition towards me I know not as yet, but I

soon will know, for I will write to her showing her the necessity of a

final determination and propose to her once more to set off &

marry privately. If I find she will not take any decisive step I must then

write to or wait upon the Uncle and assure him that I shall have no

further views on his Niece [Of this however I am not as yet decided. On

some accounts it would be better not.

June 12 th I have just now heard that on account

of my being known to have given over thoughts of leaving the country at

last for some time, the old Countess proposing setting off

soon with her daughter for Moscow, and that the Aunt as well as the Mother

were sick for two days at the hearing this news. The mother &

daughter disagree every what is white to one is black to the other

yet all their vexation in the family promise me but very faint

hopes, for the girl has not resolution enough to avow to her parents a

determination in my favour nor to take any decisive step

without their consent. Yet at the same time either She

refuses to give me up or her parents do not choose to take her word for her

having done it. They watch her as close as possible, and she sends me word

that she can not even at present contrive means of receiving a

letter from me.

1783 } S.B. Petersburgh June } to

12 } Q.S.L 23 } Amour - history Sh. II.

(II)