Then, as if surprised by their own boldness, the crowd became quiet again, waiting for the Czar’s answer. Would he grant the request thus irregularly made?
Alexander hesitated for a moment, as if reflecting, and then replied:—
“Depart quietly to your homes. The Czar will do justice.”
With simple and touching faith the crowd accepted this assurance of the Imperial tribune.
“The Little Father will punish the murderers! Hourra! Hourra! Now let us go. He will not let his word fall to the ground.”
Alexander, believing that his own withdrawal would accelerate the departure of the crowd, turned and entered the council-chamber.
He seemed to have derived fresh courage from this brief interview with his people. His air of restraint had vanished; he spoke with authority and dignity.
“Messieurs les Ministres, it must ever be the aim of a ruler to hold by the good-will of his subjects. You see for yourselves that I shall forfeit that good-will by retaining you in office. It behoves me, therefore, for the sake of public peace, to dispense with your services. Perhaps,” he continued, as if desirous of softening the humiliation of this dismissal, “perhaps, at some future day—it may be—that——”
Here he paused, not willing to make a rash promise.
“In thus dismissing us,” said Pahlen, “you break your written pledge.”