‘To-night? You must be mistaken.’
I smiled bitterly.
‘The Tsar of Russia has never said that to me, madam.’
‘But how?—when?—Your own agent told me—if he was your agent——’
I waved my hand impatiently.
‘All that was true three days ago, madam. Your Majesty told King Alexander, and the conspirators have advanced the hour in consequence.’
For the first time the heroic woman turned pale, and began to tremble.
‘At what hour to-night is it?’
‘I have not ascertained. For ought I know the assassins are at this moment surrounding the Palace. There may be just time for you to leave.’
‘But the King! Alexander! My husband!’