“To the death! Such is Alexander’s determination.”
“A duel!” she repeated in hollow tones. “Between those two! Oh, it can’t be! You say this to frighten me. Emperors don’t fight duels.”
“Alexander acted, perhaps, on the spur of the moment in giving a challenge to the finest swordsman of the day, but having given it he will keep his word.”
“Lord Courtenay must be persuaded to withdraw.”
“Pshaw! As well bid the sun not shine! That his opponent is the Czar lends added zest to the fight.”
Pauline shuddered.
“He dare not kill the Czar.”
“Not purposely, perhaps, but in the hot excitement of——”
“Speak the truth, mon père,” interrupted Pauline with an indignant flash of her eyes. “Say that you are hoping to see the Czar killed!”