‘Oh, ask Mazeppa himself; it is not my business!’ Sotsky laughed, and he went upon his way without further explanation.
Sotsky’s words and manner entirely puzzled me, and I scarcely knew how to approach Mazeppa, whether with sword in hand and accusations in mouth or as one who knows nothing.
Of what, indeed, could I accuse him?
Mazeppa betrayed no agitation. ‘He will play the fox,’ thought I, and I determined that I too would act both cautiously and with cunning equal to his own. But Mazeppa was frank, and disarmed me at once.
‘Your first question will be “Where is Olga?”’ he said, laughing. ‘And my answer is prepared, “She is in Moscow!”’
‘In Moscow!’ I replied, astonished. ‘What does she there?’
‘I do not wonder that you are surprised. If you had visited a dozen other houses in which dwell maidens of rank and good appearance, you would have found them also deserted, like the Paniefs’. During your absence there came a messenger from the Grand Duchess, the Regent. Do you remember when we were last in Moscow that you played the prophet and declared how one day they would cause the Tsar Ivan to take a wife? You were right, and I—who laughed the idea to scorn—was wrong. The word has gone out for the maidens to assemble in Moscow for the Tsar’s inspection.’
‘And to whom,’ I asked angrily, ‘was the selection entrusted in this district? To you, Mazeppa, I’ll be bound!’
‘You may see the letter of her Highness,’ said Mazeppa, producing the document and handing it to me. ‘If you are angry that Olga Panief was sent, you are wrong; for go she would, whether you or I willed it or willed it not!’
‘I think that is a lie, Mazeppa,’ I said fiercely. ‘I will tell you what has happened. In my absence you have sought to reap in my field, but Olga would have none of you, and in return you have included her name with those from among whom the Tsar is to make his choice.’