"I am stupid to-night, monseigneur. It is difficult to sit here and play chess when we are anchored at last before our goal, the city of excitements. One has the feeling that one should go ashore at once."
"When one arrives in a port near midnight, one does not arrive officially until next morning. Since my first act must be to go direct to the palace, you will comprehend that the hour is unfortunate."
"Yes. Although every one must know."
"Certainly. The approach of the Nadeja was undoubtedly signified to the Emperor hours ago. Play, play; to-morrow will come without our aid."
Allard moved a piece at random.
"I am not the only one impatient," he defended. "Count Rosal and Vasili spent the evening hanging over the rail toward the lights of the city, and telling me all we would do, from seeing Mademoiselle Liline dance to trying that new automobile. They went to bed at last from sheer exasperation."
"They do not have to stay awake to amuse his Royal Highness."
"Oh, I could not sleep, monseigneur. But I play bad chess."
Stanief shot a glance at him; perhaps he himself could have confessed a similar inability, if he had chosen, in spite of his indolent impassivity.
"You assuredly do," he agreed. "Checkmate. Set up the board again and avenge yourself."