The Daughter of an Empress

"And, moreover, I commenced my Russian career with a good omen," said

Joseph. "I have placed a murder at the head of my Russian deeds! That

is a promising commencement, is it not, Sir Count? You must know that

better than any one."

"Indeed yes, I must best know that," said the count, laughing, and

continually stroking his long black beard. "By a fair and well-timed

murder one can always make his fortune in Russia. A well-timed and

well-executed murder is with us often rewarded with a barony and

the title of count. Indeed, sometimes with the highest and tenderest

imperial favor and grace. Ah, a murder at the right moment is an

excellent thing, only one must be quite sure of himself, and not fail

of hitting the right man. An unsuccessful murder is a very bad, and,

indeed, a very dangerous thing. I would have nothing to do with one, and

never have had any thing to do with one. Whatever I have undertaken I

have always boldly and successfully accomplished. The good Emperor

Peter III. knew that, and consequently trembled when I, with Passeb and

Bariatinsky, entered his chamber. The good emperor! He did not tremble

long, it was soon finished. Yes, yes, that was a deed done at the right

time, and therefore has the great Catharine been so grateful to us, and

honoured us above all the illustrious grandees of her empire."(*) (*) Of the tragic and horrible events connected with

Catharine's accession to the throne, and of the

strangulation of Peter, in which he took so active a part,

Orloff spoke in Rome with the greatest freedom and evident

pleasure.

"My little opening murder has, indeed, less significance," sighed Joseph

Ribas. "What was it but to help a humble musician to the blessedness and

harmony of the spheres!"

"But that musician was your brother!"

Ribas shrugged his shoulders. "That is, he was so considered; but in

reality I believe he was only a half-brother. My mother, of blessed

memory, had many little adventures, and I think Carlo's birth was

somewhat connected with them. Nor am I sure that it was not a necessary

work to kill him, as it was surely my duty to avenge my father's injured

honor, which is all I have done! Upon these grounds has a good, honest

priest this day given me absolution, and I now stand before you pure and

sinless as a maiden! We can therefore begin anew, your excellency. Have

you still any commands for me?"

"You now have a very noble and sublime part to play," said Orloff,

laughing. "You must now appear as the benefactor of our Russian

princess, and as the mediating forerunner of my own person!"

"That will be indeed a charming role," said Ribas, rubbing his hands

with delight. "I shall admirably acquit myself as benefactor and

mediator. But give me some details, Sir Count!"