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 Jesuits, which is at last settled to my satisfaction, that for the time being I laid everything else aside. You turned me just in time from my one-sided activity; and I think I have spent my time here very conscientiously in making arrangements to the best of my ability for the prosperity of your peasant friends. I have given orders that the granaries of the army be opened and the grain sold at the lowest possible price; cheap bread will be baked in the public bakeries, and that will surely put an end to absolute want. Likewise, I have provided that the nobles supply their vassals with grain for seed, and I hope to succeed in getting the Empress to grant a donation of two million florins for the Bohemians. Is Countess Felsenburk satisfied with Joseph II.?”

Maria Felicia thanked the Emperor, not only with her lips, but also with her eyes, which filled with tears.

“But let us now leave these affairs,” added the Emperor, moved by her emotion; “let us talk about you, Countess. Much has changed