For a moment the Czar looked as if he doubted his own hearing.
“Accusation?” he exclaimed haughtily. “Of what nature?”
“Ah! Sire, I fear to say, knowing what a blow it will be.”
“Tush! Am I a child? The weakling king who desires to hear nothing but what is pleasant will never hear the truth. What is this accusation?”
“It concerns the honour of a lady, who—how shall I say it?”
“Go on,” said Alexander sharply, as Baranoff paused again.
“Your Majesty will surely understand me when I say that she whom the Czar loves should keep herself sacred to the Czar.”
His Majesty didn’t seem to understand, to judge by his perplexed looks.
“What would you imply?”