"What?"
"That the Emperor was paying a visit to his cousin."
"I wish he were," Allard sighed unguardedly.
"I never meddle with politics; pas si bête. But I wish I were the Emperor's favorite just now, as you are. There will be changes soon, hein?"
"I suppose so. No one can tell."
"No, of course not. Do you know, I would like to be off in the Nadeja next week."
"The Regent is coming," Allard warned, gladly seizing an escape from the conversation.
Vasili swung around and clicked his heels together, saluting stiffly. Allard stepped down from the carriage.
"You need not come, Vasili," Stanief remarked, as he took his seat. "Monsieur Allard will accompany me. Come, John; we are late."
The horses sprang forward.