“If one outlined her crime to her, do you believe she would confess it?” asked the Emperor.
“I am so sure of it that I have had her brought here. By now Koupriane should be here at the chateau, with Matrena Petrovna.”
“You think of everything, monsieur.”
The Tsar moved to ring a bell. Rouletabille raised his hand.
“Not yet, Sire. I ask that you permit me not to be present at the confusion of that brave, heroic, good woman who has loved me much. But before I go, Sire—do you promise me?”
The Emperor believed he had not heard correctly or did not grasp the meaning. He repeated what Rouletabille had said. The young reporter repeated it once more:
“Do you promise? No, Sire, I am not mad. I dare to ask you that. I have confided my honor to Your Majesty. I have told you Natacha’s secret. Well, now, before Matrena’s confession, I dare to ask you: Promise me to forget that secret. It will not suffice merely to give Natacha back again to her father. It is necessary to leave her course open to her—if you really wish to save General Trebassof. What do you decide, Sire?”
“It is the first time anyone has questioned me, monsieur.”
“Ah, well, it will be the last. But I humbly beg Your Majesty to reply.”
“That would be many millions given to the Revolution.”