He was beloved by the Nation,
To the Empress true.”
“My name’s nothing to you. You are in a conspiracy against her; … you have persuaded her to go; … you have enticed her into a trap”;—whispered, with agitation, the Unknown, gripping my hand. “Swear! … or you are a monster; just such a ruffian as those who got others to ruin another innocent—in Schlusselburg!…”
I remembered my grandmother had told me about the bloody drama of Merovitch.
“Fear nothing,” said I; “before you, you see an honest officer.… I am only fulfilling my duty, and am convinced that only a better future awaits the Princess.”
The Unknown raised her hand, and silently pointed to the image of the Virgin Mary.
“I can only repeat what I have already said,” I whispered. “The Princess is safe, and a more happy fate awaits her.”
She shook my hand, bowed, and silently left the church.
I followed her as far as I could with my eyes, trying to guess who she was, and why she took so profound an interest in the Princess.