30 6 
HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
4< Her figure attracted the notice of the inhabitants, and an officer of the colony, 
named D’Auband, who had been in Russia, recollected her. 
“ It was however with some difficulty, that he could persuade himself of the 
reality of what he saw. Indeed it was scarce possible to believe that a woman in 
such a situation, could be the daughter-in-law of the Czar Peter. However, to ascer¬ 
tain the truth, he offered his services to the pretended father, and at length formed 
an intimate friendship with him; so that they agreed to furnish an house, and live 
together at their common expence. 
" Some time afterwards, the gazettes which arrived in the colony announced the 
death of the Czarovitz. D’Auband then declared to the Princess his knowledge 
of her* and offered to abandon every thing in order to conduct her to Russia. 
“ But she, finding herself infinitely more happy than when she was within the 
verge of royalty, refused to sacrifice the tranquillity of her obscure situation, for 
all that ambition could offer her. She only exacted a promise from D’Auband 
to maintain the most inviolable secrecy, as well as conduct himself towards her as 
he had hitherto done. 
“He made the most solemn declaration that he would obey her commands; 
and it became his interest to be faithful. The beauty, understanding, and virtues 
of the Princess had made a very deep impression on him, and habitual intercourse 
had served to strengthen it. He was amiable and young, and she was not insen¬ 
sible to his attentions. They continued, however, to live in their usual way, but 
became every day dearer to each other. 
“ The old domestic, who passed for the father of the Princess, at length died; 
and she could no longer, according to the rules of decorum, live with D’Auband 
as she had hitherto done, under the apparent authority and protection of a parent. 
In this delicate situation, D’Auband unfolded to her the dispositions and sentiments 
of his heart; and proposed to add a new veil to her real condition, by becoming 
her husband. She consented to his proposition; and this Princess, who had been 
destined to wear the crown of Russia, and whose sister actually wore that of the 
German empire, became the wife of a Lieutenant of Infantry. In the first year 
of her marriage she had a daughter, whom she nursed and educated herself, and 
instructed in the French and German languages. 
“ They had lived ten years in this happy state of mediocrity, when D’Auband 
was attacked by the fistula; and his wife, alarmed at the danger which generally 
