"Let us see your master, if you please," said the minister, blandly.
"I have no master!"
"Nor mistress?"
"No, nor mistress. I am her master!"
Rose started, and looked mournfully at Paul.
"What is the lady's name?" she inquired.
"She has fifty names. To-day I believe she is the Empress of Russia."
"But she has a name?"
"Not for strangers. If you have any business here but to ask questions let me hear what it is; no one else will get a say in the matter, I can tell you."
Paul beckoned to the man who lingered in the shrubbery. He came up and held a few words of conversation with the servant, who seemed greatly disturbed, and at once attempted to close the door forcibly. The officer opposed him, and, placing a paper in his hands, bade him make way.