'How?' she replied, 'the wife of the prince royal! You! his wife!'
This word recalled me to myself, and led me to comprehend the enormity
of my fault. I shuddered when I thought of the prince's anger, and I saw
but one chance for safety, and that was by confessing all to the
princess.
I fell at her feet, imploring, her to forgive the past, and keep our
secret. Whether she was offended by the tardiness of my confession, or
whether she thought she had gone too far to retrace her steps, I know
not, but she remained implacable, and with cold and repulsive dignity
commanded me to rise, saying:
'So great a lady should never be found at any one's feet, and I offer
you a thousand apologies for my conduct toward you.'
I attempted to kiss her hand, but she withdrew it, and ended by saying
that her house was unworthy of a lady of my quality, of a princess
royal, of an independent duchess, of the future Queen of Poland. She
then made all the preparations necessary for my departure.
I retained strength enough to control my feelings, for which I thank
God: a momentary flash of anger did not cause me to forget so many
proofs of kindness and affection, and, with the docility of a girl of
sixteen, I prepared to depart, although I was entirely ignorant where I
should go to, or who would offer me protection and an asylum.... I
believe the word _Sulgostow_ was uttered either by myself or by the
princess.
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