my eyes — I, who had never dreamed that her name would be mentioned in history, saw it beginning to be engraved on the rock of time in letters of hatred and loathing. And I found myself crying in his face: What would you do if you were in my position? And Perry answered calmly: I

would leave Europe at once — there is still room to save the situation — and if you decide to carry out this plan, I am ready to go with you.

I was in a state in which I could not think, and my spirit was crying out for a way of escape

to the outside, to a world of quiet and rest. And so I bowed my head before him, repeating: I am ready to travel — make the preparations for me!