“It is nothing,” replied Pauline as she rose with the help of her maid. “Only a swoon.”
Vera could see that for herself; she wanted to know its cause.
“Your coming has been so timely,” observed Pauline, “that I must not scold you for disobedience. Tell me why you are here when I have said that I am not to be disturbed at my devotions?”
This question reminded Vera of her mission.
“My lady, if I tell my news you will swoon again.”
Pauline’s face became transfigured with a smile, such as Vera had never before seen, a smile that perplexed and awed her.
“Speak on, Vera,” she said gently. “Nothing that you may say can alarm me now.”
Vera hesitated, and then, taking courage from her mistress’s manner, said:—
“My lady, the Czar is in the castle!”