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Even-for what I have in my heart I will to-day speak out frankly;

let not the Chamberlain take it ill of me-when I was getting that

wonderful centre-*piece from the treasure room, then even the

Chamberlain, even he made fun of me, saying that this was a

tiresome, antiquated contrivance-that it looked like a child's

plaything and was unfit for such famous men as we have with us

to-day! Judge!-even you, Judge, said that it would bore the

guests! And yet, so far as I may infer from the amazement of the

company, I see that this is fine art, that it was worthy of being

seen! I doubt whether a like occasion will ever again return for

entertaining at Soplicowo such dignitaries. I see, General, that

you are an expert at banquets; pray accept this book: it will be

of use to you some day when you are giving a feast for a company

of foreign monarchs, or perhaps one even for Napoleon himself.

But permit me, before I tender the book to you, to relate by what

chance it fell into my hands."