CHAPTER XXXIII
RECONCILIATION
For three hours the unconscious Czarina lay as one dead; then life began slowly to return, news received with feelings of intense relief by Wilfrid and Ouvaroff, who, seated by the cheerful light of a log-fire—Prince Sumaroff, it seemed, hated the national stove—were discussing the situation.
“It’s satisfactory to know that Baranoff has gone to his long account,” remarked Wilfrid.
“It’s impossible to be sorry,” returned Ouvaroff, “though I would have saved the unworthy wretch if I could, but he sank like lead, and never rose again.”
The entrance of Prince Sumaroff put an end to this conversation.
“Gentlemen,” he said, taking a seat between them, “that the Empress has been spending a month of religious seclusion in the Convent of the Ascension, a story I have hitherto believed, is evidently untrue. You, I think, can clear up this mystery. As you shall see by-and-by, I do not ask this from idle curiosity.”
Thereupon Wilfrid frankly told the whole story of his dealings with the Czarina, beginning with Baranoff’s offer at Berlin, and ending with the events of that very night, Ouvaroff confirming him in such parts as he was able.
When Wilfrid had finished, Sumaroff rose to his feet.
“Pardon my absence for a few minutes. When I return I shall have a pleasant surprise for you.”
Wilfrid and Ouvaroff resumed their interrupted talk.