If there was really the danger of which Ivan had spoken, Helga certainly took it very calmly. But I could not be calm, and I paced up and down the room fuming and imagining many evil possibilities for half an hour, until a servant came to usher me to another room, where a meal was laid and Helga with Madame Korvata were awaiting me.
“Even if we are all going to die in ten minutes, we may as well have something to eat first,” said Helga.
“Considering the surprise and no notice, they haven’t done badly, Helga,” declared Madame Korvata critically, looking at the well-spread table. “What a blessing it is that when one reaches the age which appreciates the importance of food, one has good food to eat.”
I sighed, and Helga smiled at my impatience.
“As you invited yourself to Brabinsk, monsieur, I will not apologize for so impromptu a meal,” she said.
“A crust of bread and a glass of water would be more than enough for me in my present mood,” I answered restlessly.
“Is your digestion bad, monsieur?” inquired Madame Korvata sympathetically. “At your age you ought to be able to eat anything. You look well and strong too; I should never have thought it.”
“Thank you, I enjoy excellent health, madame.”
“That’s made a great change in your looks, monsieur. You are not so much like the Emperor now.”
“Have you ever seen the Emperor without his beard, Aunt Korvata?” asked Helga, with a glance at me.