Indeed, Balgonie might as well have spoken of carbonic gas or the Atlantic cable, had he ever heard of such things; for the mind of the young Prince could not comprehend the most simple matters of every day-life. This was merely the result of his entire seclusion; but the adherents of the Empress, her favourites and lovers, industriously circulated through Russia the report that he was in a state of idiotcy.
"And this place that you spoke of?" he resumed enquiringly.
"The theatre?"
"Yes, Hospodeen; who lives in it?"
"One of the actresses performed a magnificent cantata, in honour of the Empress."
"Ah! 'tis she, I understand, who keeps me here," said the Prince, with a sad smile; and now in real terror, and quite repenting the introduction he had brought about, Father Chrysostom rose to hurry Balgonie away.
As they were retiring, the Prince said:—
"Hospodeen, you have dropped something."
It was the locket with Natalie's hair.
"What is in this?" asked Ivan, with childlike interest.