The Triumph of Count Ostermann

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903. Excerpt: ... Marfa curtsied low, and drew back. She was not anxious to attract the attention of this crowd, until she could explain her errand. She took refuge near a window, where she stood half hidden by the heavy folds of the curtain. Madame la Comtesse! This is indeed an unlooked-for pleasure! Marfa turned to meet La Chetardie's curious eyes. For the moment her mind was so centered on her coming interview with the Empress, that this meeting aroused no interest. Yours is a marvelous country, Madame! The Crown passes like a child's toy from one to another, without the nation having any special interest in the event. It seems a mere dream. We go to sleep under Anna, and wake to find Elizabeth on the throne; yet no one is the worse, not a sword is red, nor a gun fired in anger. It is marvelous! Still it was no surprise to you, Monsieur. Why not? I gave you a few little pieces of gold, because your poor cousin had not money to buy clothes. Who could have guessed that she would use it to buy ermine? That royal fur was cheap at two thousand ducats! In your land, the people are not consulted in their choice of a Sovereign. Not in ordinary times; but when one King tries to seize the throne from another, it means war. Our good Henry of Navarre spent much blood and treasure, not to speak of a change of religion, before he could win the Crown. Here all goes as in a play: enter the rightful Princess, exit the usurper and her evil counselors. Truly the Russians are a wonderful nation, and great is the power of beauty! Yes, I suppose that it is strange to make a revolution without fighting; but the Empress is merciful and opposed to violence. La Chetardie was examining her curiously all this time. Not the least strange incident of the day, to his mind, was the unbl...