Stanief smiled.
"My young cousin is a kitten for whom we are all toy mice, John. Which reminds me that the hour for my visit to him approaches."
"And recalls me to my errand. The Emperor requests that her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess will come to him this morning, if it will not derange her plans."
"You have told madame?"
"No, monseigneur. I thought perhaps you—" he looked at Stanief interrogatively.
"Would accompany her?" Stanief completed the question. "Perhaps."
He touched the bell, and the long regard in which he enveloped Allard held many blended emotions besides its affection.
"Has madame gone to drive, Dimitri?" he inquired of that attendant.
"Her Royal Highness at this moment descends the stairs, Royal Highness."
"Say to her that I would be glad to see her here, now, if she is at leisure."