Those words filled me with astonishment. I was silent, bewildered by the wild fantasies of this poor blinded creature.
On board the Three Hierarchs they hoisted a signal flag. Again the roar of the cannon was heard, mingled with the cries of “Hurrah!” The bands on all the ships again began playing; the flotilla was beginning its manœuvres. Enchanted by all this attention on the part of her future subjects, the Princess, still leaning against the side of the ship, seemed plunged in agreeable thought, as her eyes followed the curling smoke from the shots and the movements of the different ships.
I see her now, as she then stood, in her blue velvet mantilla, a small black straw hat, and a white parasol in her hands.
I also was lost in thought. Yes, all is finished now! The count has found a companion for life. He will know how to persuade her. Together they will fly to the feet of a merciful empress.
CHAPTER XIV.
TREACHERY.
“Your swords, gentlemen!” resounded a most loud and commanding voice near me.
I glanced round. Captain Litvenoff addressed himself by turn to all the adjutants and others in the count’s retinue, demanding their swords. The deck was covered with armed sailors. Admiral Greig, his wife, and the consul were nowhere to be seen. Quite bewildered, I surrendered my sword, as did all the others. The Princess, hearing the clatter of arms and loud words, turned rapidly round. She was as pale as death; she had taken in the situation at a glance.
“What does all this mean?” she asked in French.