[114]. The Princess Dashkoff, who had been the chief instigator of the conspiracy against Peter III. The ribbon worn by the Princess was torn, it is said by her own hands, from the person of her sister, the Countess Woronzow, the mistress of the unfortunate monarch; both of them being the daughters of Chancellor Woronzow.
[115]. The murder of the Czar did not take place for some days after his dethronement. If there be any truth in this story, which is questionable, it must have been the tidings of the success of the conspiracy that the Princess was so anxiously expecting.
[116]. At a later period, Paul was by no means remarkable for his conjugal fidelity. Of his personal appearance the following mention is made in Masson’s “Memoires Secrètes,” quoted by Mr. Kelly in his “History of Russia,” vol. ii. p. 154: “It is said that the people of Paris, crowding to see Paul, then a youth, cried, ‘My God, how ugly he is!’ and that he had the good sense to laugh at it. He is not improved since he is grown old, bald, and wrinkled. The Empress appears by his side like one of those beautiful women who are painted with a little deformed blackamoor near them, as a contrast to their dignity and grace. The singularity which he affects in his dress, and the severity of his manners, add greatly to his deformity. Without excepting even the Kalmuks and the Kirghaz, Paul is the ugliest man in his extensive dominions; and he himself considers his countenance as so shocking, that he dares not impress it upon his coin.” Miss Knight herself describes the Grand-Duke, in one place, as “the ugliest man I ever saw;” but this was before he had spoken to her.
[117]. Told on the authority of the Abbé Gabriel.
[118]. Père Jacquier died at Rome in 1787.
[119]. At the time of the flight to Varennes.
[120]. Through Miss Knight’s influence with Sir William Hamilton he was shortly afterwards restored to liberty. His family showed her the most grateful attentions when, in after years, she much frequented Paris.
[121]. This is explained elsewhere.
[122]. In inducing the King of Prussia to join the Allies against France.
[123]. The Viscount de Materosa and Don Diego de la Vega.