Page:Julian Niemcewicz - Notes of my Captivity in Russia.djvu/241

Rh all her body appeared inanimate, except the abdomen, which moved convulsively.

As soon as the event was known, the Chamberlain Ilinski, a young Pole, who, since the partition, was attached to the person of the Grand Duke Paul Petrowicz, went in all speed to carry the intelligence to this Prince at Gatschina, his country seat. This eagerness was the source of many favours which were soon lavished on him; but either on account of the fickleness of the prince, or the giddiness of the courtier, they did not last long. In less than two hours the Grand Duke was already at the bed-side of his august mother, who was, as I have already said, motionless, except the abdomen, which still continued to heave. Severine Potocki, who was that day on duty, told me that this imperfect death of Catherine occasioned the courtiers the greatest perplexity; for they were in presence of two sovereigns; the one was, a few hours ago, mistress of their fortunes and life, and might, perhaps, yet recover, because she still moved; the other, in