"I must go and talk with them, Vasili," said the Grand Duke quietly.
The old man took a step forward.
"If I might make so free——"
"Speak——"
"Not to-night, Master——"
"Why not?"
"It will be dangerous. Last night their voices were raised even against you."
"Me! Why? Have I not done everything I could to help them? I am their friend—because I believe in their cause: and they will get their rights too but not by burning and looting——"
"And murder, Master. Two of Prince Galitzin's foresters were killed."
The Grand Duke turned. "That's bad. Murder in Zukovo!" He flicked his extinguished cigarette out of the window and made a gesture with his hand.