"Why, just this; I haven't seen one good-looking woman since I've been in this good-looking town of yours; now, that's the truth." "There's more truth than treason in that," replied the courier; "but still there are some beautiful women among the higher classes." "It's to be hoped so; for they've left no beauty for the lower, at all events." "We have very beautiful women in Poland," said the courier. "Why don't you bring a few here, then?" "There are a great many Polish ladies in Petersburg at this moment." "Then go down and order another bottle," said McShane, "and we'll drink their healths." The second bottle was finished, and McShane, who had been drinking before, became less cautious. "You said," observed he, "that you have many Polish ladies in Petersburg; did you ever hear of a Princess Czartowinky?--I think that's the name." "Czartorinski, you mean," replied Dimitri; "to be sure I did; I served in the family some years ago, when the old prince was alive. But where did you see her?" "In England, to be sure." "Well, that's probable, for she has just returned from travelling with her uncle." "Is she now in Petersburg, my good fellow?" "I believe she is--but why do wish to know?" "Merely asked--that's all." "Now, Macshanovich,"--for such was the familiar way in which Dimitri addressed his supposed brother-servant--"I suspect this Princess Czartorinski is some way connected with your master's coming here. Tell me the truth--is such the case? I'm sure it is." "Then you know more than I do," replied McShane, correcting himself, "for I'm not exactly in my master's secrets; all that I do know is, that my master met her in England, and I thought her very handsome." "And so did he?" "That's as may be; between ourselves, I've an idea he was a little smitten in that quarter; but that's only my own opinion, nothing more." "Has he ever spoken about her since you were here?" said Dimitri. "Just once, as I handed his waistcoat to him; he said--`I wonder if all the ladies are as handsome as that Polish princess that we met in Cumberland?'" "If I thought he wished it, or cared for her, I would make inquiry, and soon find out all about her; but otherwise, it's no use taking the trouble," replied the courier. "Well, then, will you give me your hand, and promise to serve faithfully, if I tell you all I know about the matter?" "By the blessed Saint Nicholas, I do!" replied Dimitri; "you may trust me." "Well, then, it's my opinion that my master's over head and ears in love with her, and has come here for no other purpose." "Well, I'm glad you told me that; it will satisfy the police." "The police; why murder and Irish! you're not going to inform the police, you villain?" "Not with whom he is in love, most certainly, but that he has come here on that account; it will satisfy them, for they have no fear of a man that's in love, and he will not be watched. Depend upon it, I cannot do a better thing to serve our master."