"I have neither father nor mother."
"You are here on business?"
"Yes, lady, I came to present a petition to the Tzarina."
"You are an orphan; doubtless you have to complain of injustice or wrong."
"No, lady, I came to ask grace, and not justice."
"Allow me to ask a question: Who are you?"
"I am the daughter of Captain Mironoff."
"Of Captain Mironoff? He who commanded one of the forts in the Orenburg district?"
"Yes, lady."
The lady appeared moved.