“And then,” he remarked in philosophic vein, “we shall see what we shall see.”
With a view to keeping an eye upon departing majesty Wilfrid chose as his place of vigil a chamber whose door opened upon the corridor.
Among other ornaments decorating the walls of this chamber were several sabres. Carefully inspecting these he selected one, and girded it at his side, while Marie tremblingly asked his reason for this act.
“One may as well be prepared for emergencies,” he smiled.
Beneath the mask of his light and careless air Marie could see that he apprehended there might be danger, and she began to realise more vividly the nature of the coming ordeal.
What if the Czar, on seeing the man who had mocked him by not appearing at the rendezvous, should order his attendants or Pauline’s to arrest Wilfrid? Wilfrid, she well knew, would fight for his liberty against any odds. Or supposing the Czar should be tempted to renew his duelling proposal, what could Wilfrid do but respond to the challenge? Or what, too, if the Czar, in the exercise of his legitimate authority, should insist upon her returning with him to St. Petersburg?
Wilfrid, true to the promise she had exacted from him, would endeavour to prevent this; but what could his single sword achieve against the power of the Czar? Her lively imagination began to picture scenes of altercation and fighting, of bloodshed and death.
Let the mystery of her origin remained unsolved for ever if its attempted solution must bring danger upon the head of Wilfrid.
Her quick changing colour, the trembling of her hand within his, spoke eloquently of her fears.
Folding her within his arms Wilfrid tried both by words and caresses to infuse her with some of his own spirit.