So, accompanied by Beauvais, Pauline went the same day to St. Petersburg, but made no attempt to see Prince Ouvaroff.
While the doctor was transacting some private business, Pauline visited first the British Ambassador, and had an interview with him, which terminated with these words on her part: “Never mind how he was persuaded to give up the duel; you have my word for it that St. Petersburg and the Czar will see him no more. That surely ought to content you.”
And it did, the Ambassador breathing a sigh of relief that the awkward business was over.
The bureau of Loris Baranoff, Chief of the Secret Police, was the next place to receive a call from her, and to judge by her smile as she quitted his office the result of her mission was a complete success.
CHAPTER XXVII
THE CZAR’S PORTRAIT
While Pauline was absent on her mission to St. Petersburg Wilfrid was spending a pleasant time with the Princess, who, avowing herself to be quite well again, refused in defiance of the orders left by Dr. Beauvais, to remain any longer confined to her chamber, but went forth, under Wilfrid’s escort, for a ramble around Pauline’s insular demesne.
It was a still summer day, and the island with its pine-groves and green lawns lay like a lovely garden upon the bosom of the Neva, whose waters were tinted with the delicate sapphire of the sky.
Wilfrid was certainly a fortunate fellow. Resident at the fairest season of the year in a picturesque old castle upon an island lovely by day, more lovely perhaps by night, with a beautiful young Princess for his companion—what more could he desire?
The pair had reached in their rambling a blue tarn, so smooth and beautiful as to have received from Pauline the pretty name of the Fairies’ Mirror. By the water’s edge was a rustic seat, and here the two sat down.