as the mother of the brave Marshal of Saxony, perceived that by not seconding the fortunate deceit of the Prince Alexis, and the nation in general, and by proclaiming her recovery, the unhappy Princess Sophia would expose herself to perish sooner or later by a more certain blow. She therefore persuaded her wretched mistress to seek refuge in Paris, under the escort of an old man, a German domestic Having collected as much money and Jewellery as she was able, the princess set out with her faithful servant, who remained with her in the character of father, which he sustained during his life; and truly he possessed the feelings and tenderness, as well as the semblance, of a parent.
The tumult and noise of Paris, however, rendered it a place of sojourn ill adapted to Sophia, and her desire of concealment. Her small establishment having been increased by a single maid-servant, she accordingly embarked for Louisiana, where the French, who were then in possession of this lovely portion of America, had formed extensive colonies. Scarcely "was the young and beautiful stranger arrived at New Orleans, than she attracted the attention of every one. There was in that place a young man, named Moldask, who held an office in the colony; he had travelled much in Russia, and believed that he recognised the fair stranger; but he knew not how to persuade himself that the daughter-in-law of the czar, Peter, could in reality be reduced to so lowly a condition; and he dared not betray to any one his suspicions of her identity. He offered his friendship and assistance to her supposed father; and soon his attentive and pleasing manners rendered him so acceptable to both, that a mutual intimacy induced them to Join their fortunes, and establish themselves in the same habitation.
It was not long before the news of the death of Alexis reached them through the public journals. Then Moldask could no longer conceal his doubts of the true condition of Sophia; and finding that he was not deceived, he offered with respectful generosity to abandon his pursuits, and to sacrifice private fortune, that he might reconduct her to Moscow. But the princess, whose bitterest moments had been there passed, preferred to live afar from the dazzling splendour of the court, in tranquillity and honourable obscurity. She thanked the noble-hearted Moldask; but implored him, instead of such splendid offers, to preserve her secret inviolable, so that nothing might trouble her present felicity. He promised, and he kept his promise; his heart ardently desired her happiness, in which his own felicity was involved. Living under the same roof, in daily communion, their equal age and ardent feelings kindled in the young man's soul a livelier flame than mere friendship; but respect controlled it, and he concealed his love in his own bosom.
At length the old domestic, who, in the character of father, had shielded the princess, died, and was followed to the tomb by the sincere grief of his grateful mistress—a Just recompense for such fidelity. Propriety forbade that Moldask and Sophia should inhabit together the same dwelling after this event. He loved her truly, but loved her good fame more, and explained to her, not without grief, that it was necessary he should seek another abode, unless that she, who had already renounced all thoughts of pride and rank, were content to assume a name dearer and more sacred still than that of friend. He gave her no reason to doubt that vanity, instead of love, was the origin of this proposal, since the princess herself was
