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Updated: June 19, 2025
"I well knew that your highness would so decide," said Munnich, with a smile, drawing a folded paper from his bosom. "In proof of which I hand this paper to your highness." "Ah, what is this?" said the duchess, unfolding the paper; "it is the ground plan of a house!" "Of the house we will have built for Biron in Siberia," said Munnich; "I have drawn the plan myself."
"The man is getting on rapidly, and will even now get the appointment of generalissimo," thought Ostermann. "That must never be; I must prevent it!" And just as Munnich was opening his mouth to prefer his request, Ostermann suddenly uttered so loud and piteous a cry of anguish that the compassionate and alarmed princess hastened to offer him her sympathy and aid.
Then, suddenly rising from his reclining position, and striding directly to Munnich, the duke threateningly said: "In my first observation I forgot to interpret a few of your thoughts and plans. I will now tell you why you wished for my appointment as regent. You desired it for the advancement of your own ambitious plans.
Unimpeded, stayed by no one, Munnich penetrated to the apartments of Anna Leopoldowna. She was awaiting him, and at his side she descended to receive the homage of the officers and soldiers, who had been commanded by Munnich to submit themselves to her.
Aide-de-Camp canters up a third time: 'Feldmarschall Munnich is for trying a scalade; hopes General Keith will do his best to co-operate! 'Forward, then! answers Keith; advances close to the glacis; finds a wet ditch twelve feet broad, and has not a stick of engineer furniture.
"But in your greatness and splendor you will not forget your faithful and devoted friends," said Munnich; "your highness will remember that it was I who chiefly induced the empress to name you as regent during the minority of Ivan, and that you gave me your word of honor that you would grant me the first request I should make to you."
Keith waits there two hours; his men, under fire all the while, trying this and that to get across; Munnich's scalade going off ineffectual in like manner: till at length Keith's men, and all men, tire of such a business, and roll back in great confusion out of shot-range. Munnich gives himself up for lost.
"Poor old man!" signed Elizabeth; "it must be very sad for him thus to pass his last years in suffering and deprivation." Lestocq seemed not to have heard her remark, and laughingly continued: "To Munnich I have thought to apply a jest of his own." "Ah, a jest!" cried Elizabeth, suddenly brightening up. "Let me hear it. You know I love a jest, it is so amusing! Quick, therefore, let us hear it!"
Friday, 18th November, Munnich had, by invitation, to dine with Duke Bieren; Munnich went accordingly that day, and dined; Duke looking a little flurried, they say: and the same evening, dinner being quite over, and midnight come, Munnich had his measures all taken, soldiers ready, warrant in hand; and arrested Bieren in his bed; mere Siberia, before sunrise, looming upon Bieren.
"In fact, you are a skilful architect, Count Munnich," said Ostermann, laughing, while casting an interrogating glance at the paper which Anna was still thoughtfully examining. "How well you have arranged it all! How delightful these snug little chambers will be! There will be just space enough in them to turn around in. But these small chambers seem to be a little too low.
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