As with everyone, her face assumed a forced unnatural expression as soon as she looked in a glass.

She went on reading: All Moscow talks of nothing but war.

One of my two brothers is already abroad, the other is with the Guards, who are starting on their march to the frontier.

Our dear Emperor has left Petersburg and it is thought intends to expose his precious person to the chances of war.

God grant that the Corsican monster who is destroying the peace of Europe may be overthrown by the angel whom it has pleased the Almighty, in His goodness, to give us as sovereign! To say nothing of my brothers, this war has deprived me of one of the associations nearest my heart.