For several reasons, I said. First, I think Your Highness knows me quite well enough to be aware that I am your very sincere friend.
My best friend, she declared quickly; her manner changed in an instant from merry irresponsibility to deep earnestness. That night on the railway platform at Moscow you saved me making a silly fool of myself. It was most generous of the Emperor to forgive me. I know how you pleaded for me. He told me so.
I am your friend, I replied. Now, as to the future. You tell me that you find all the Court etiquette irksome, and that you are antagonistic to this host of young men about you. You are, in brief, sorry that you are back in Russia. Is that so?
It is so exactly.
And how about Prince Urusoff eh?
I havent seen him for fully three months, and I dont even know where he is. I believe hes with his regiment, the 21st Dragoons of White Russia, somewhere away in the Urals. I heard that the Emperor sent him there. But he certainly need not have done so. I found him only a foolish young boy.
Her Imperial Highness was a young lady of very keen intelligence. After several governesses at home, she had been sent to Paris, and afterwards to a college at Eastbourne where she was known as Miss Natalia Gottorp, the latter being one of the family names of the Imperial Romanoffs and there she had completed her education. From her childhood she had always had an English governess, Miss West, consequently, with a Russians adaptability, she spoke English almost without a trace of accent. Though so full of fun and frolic, and so ready to carry on a violent flirtation, yet she was, on the other hand, very thoughtful and level-headed, with a keen sense of humour, and a nature extremely sympathetic with any person in distress, no matter whom they might be. Hers was a bright, pleasant nature, a smiling face, and ever-twinkling eye full of mischief and merriment.
Well, I said, looking into her face, Ive been thinking about you a good deal since youve been away and wondering.
Wondering what?
Whether, as you have no love for Russia, you might not like to go back to England? I said slowly.
To England! she cried in delight. Ah! If I only could! I love England, and especially Eastbourne, with the sea and the promenade, the golf, and the concerts at the Devonshire Park, and all that. Ah! I only wish I could go.
But if you went youd fall in love with some young fellow, and then we should have another scandal at Court, I said.
I wouldnt. Believe me, I wouldnt, really, Uncle Colin, she pleaded, looking up into my face with almost childish simplicity.
I shook my head dubiously.
All Ive told you is the real truth, she assured me. Ive only amused myself. Every girl likes men to make love to her. Why should I be so bitterly condemned?
Because you are not a commoner.
Thats just it. But if I went to England and lived again as Miss Natalia Gottorp, nobody would know who I am, and I could have a really splendid time. Here, she cried, all the glitter and etiquette of Court life stifle me. Ive been bored to death on the tour round the Empire, but couldnt you try and induce the Emperor to let me go back to England? Do, Uncle Colin, theres a dear. A word from the Emperor, and father would let me go in a moment. I wish poor mother were alive. She would soon let me go, I know.
And what would you do in England if you went back?
Why, Id have my old governess, Miss West the one I had at Strelna to live with me, and Id be ever so happy. Id take a house on the sea-front at Eastbourne, so as to be near the old college, and see the girls. Try what you can do with Uncle Alexander, wont you? theres a dear old uncle, she added, in her most persuasive tones.
Well, I said, with some show of reluctance, if I succeed, you will be responsible to me, remember. No flirtations.
I promise, she said. Heres my hand, and she put her tiny white-gloved hand into mine.
And if I heard of any affectionate meetings I should put down my foot at once.
Yes, thats agreed, she exclaimed, with enthusiasm. At once.
And I should, perhaps, want you to help me in England, I added slowly, looking into her pretty face the while.
Help you, in what way? she asked.
At present, I hardly know. But if I wanted assistance might I count on you?
Count on me, Uncle Colin! she echoed. Why, of course, you can! Look at my indebtedness to you, and it will be increased if you can secure me permission to go back to England.
Well, I said, Ill do what I can. But you have told me no untruths to-night, not one ? I asked very seriously. If so, admit it.
Not one. I swear I havent.
Very well, I said. Then Ill do my best.
Ah! you are a real dear! cried the girl enthusiastically. I almost feel as though I could hug and kiss you!
Better not, I laughed. There are some people sitting over there, and they would talk
Yes, she said slowly. I suppose really one ought to be a bit careful, after all. When will you see the Emperor?
Perhaps to-morrow if he gives me audience. Then I related to her the story of the attempt in the Nevski on the previous morning, and the intention of assassinating the Emperor as he drove from the Nicholas station to the Palace.
Ah, yes! she cried. It is all too dreadful. For seven weeks we have lived in constant terror of explosions. I could not go through it again for all the world. Those days in that stuffy armoured train were simply awful. His Majesty only undertook the journey in order to defy those who declared that some terrible catastrophe would happen. The Empress knew nothing of the danger until we had started.
And yet the only danger lay within half a mile of the Palace on your return, I said. There have, I hear, been thirty-three arrested to-day, including my friends Madame de Rosen and Luba. You knew them.
Marya de Rosen! gasped the Grand Duchess, staring at me. She is not under arrest?
Alas! she is already on her way, with her daughter, to Eastern Siberia.
But that is impossible. She was no revolutionist. I knew them both very intimately.
General Markoff was her enemy, I said in a whisper. Ah, yes! I hate that man! cried Her Highness. He is a clever liar who has wormed himself completely into the Emperors confidence, and now, in order to sustain a reputation as a discoverer of plots, he is compelled to first manufacture them. Hundreds of innocent men and women have been exiled by administrative order during the past twelve months for complicity in conspiracies which have never had any existence save in the wicked imagination of that brutal official. I know it I can prove it!
Hush! I said. You may be overheard. You surely do not wish the man to become your enemy. Remember, he is all-powerful here in Russia.
I will speak the truth when the time comes, she said vehemently. I will show the Emperor certain papers which have come into my own hands which will prove how His Majesty has been misled, tricked and terrorised by this Markoff, and certain of his bosom friends in the Cabinet.
It is really most unwise to speak so loudly, I declared. Somebody may overhear.
Let them overhear! cried the girl angrily. I do not fear Markoff in the least. I will, before long, open the Emperors eyes, never fear and justice shall be done. These poor wretches shall not be sent to the dungeons beneath the lake at Schusselburg, or to the frozen wastes of Yakutsk, in order that Markoff shall remain in power. Ah! he little dreams how much I know! she laughed harshly.