‘What is your business with me?’ the Prince somewhat roughly demanded as Gerald advanced.
‘Will your excellency do me the favour of introducing me to the Czar before he leaves the island in the morning?’ Gerald said, at the same time making a low bow.
‘For what purpose do you wish to be introduced to his Majesty?’ Mentzikoff abruptly asked.
‘Please your excellency, I have a favour to request.’
‘What, boor? Dost thou think to enter the Czar’s service? Thou art a dainty lad for thy station, but thou’rt not quite to his mind I fancy.’
‘I do wish to enter the Czar’s service,’ Gerald replied; ‘my request is that he will let me labour on the public works.’
The minister looked up as if doubting whether he heard aright:—‘Art thou in earnest, boy,’ he demanded, ‘or art thou jesting with me?’
‘I would not take the liberty to jest with your excellency,’ Gerald replied: ‘indeed my errand is not a matter for jest. I am in earnest. I wish to take the place of a man who has been more than a father to me.’
‘Ha!’
‘One Michael Kopt, once a fisherman on the Neva, has been upwards of two years upon the works, but his strength is failing, he can now be but of little use to his Majesty, and I have a strong arm.’