176.] HORDT IS OF THE NEW CZARINA CATHARINE'S EVENING PARTIES.

"The Czarina received company every morning.

She received everybody with great affability and grace.

But notwithstanding her efforts to appear gay, one could perceive a deep background of sadness in her.

She knew better than anybody the violent (ARDENTE) character of her husband; and perhaps she then already foresaw what would come.