“What a beginning to a reign!” he murmured.
“Sire, its future glory shall make men forget its beginning,” said Count Pahlen.
CHAPTER XIII
THE TRIUMPH OF BARANOFF
From the balcony the Czar withdrew to a stately hall to receive in audience his late father’s ministers.
As they advanced, one by one, Alexander with gracious air bade each continue in the exercise of his office. When, however, Baranoff approached, the Czar’s countenance underwent a change, and the Count recognised that his dismissal was at hand. The Franco-Russian Alliance had been mainly due to him, and it was no secret that Alexander had viewed it with disapproval.
“Count,” the Emperor began, “your policy in the past——”
But at this point Baranoff, though it be contrary to all Court etiquette to stop a sovereign in the middle of a remark, boldly made interruption, recognising that if his dismissal were once pronounced Alexander could not, without loss of dignity, revoke it.
“My policy, Sire,” said he, emphasising the first word. “Your Majesty errs in ascribing to me a policy of any character soever, other than this, ‘The King’s will is the highest law.’ He surely is the best minister who obeys his sovereign without questioning.”
Alexander wavered. There could be no doubt that the war with England had been the policy of his father.