“Still the Czar must overlook it. Doubtless,” he added, with a twinkle in his eye, “he, too, has lingered considerably over the kisses he has bestowed upon the fair Pauline.”
“The four weeks of love-making at Castle Runö?”
“To be pardoned, when the circumstances are considered. She had forgotten her identity; you believed her to be an unwedded woman. The Baroness can testify to the truth of this—is testifying, perhaps, at this very moment.”
“All very good,” returned Wilfrid. “But there’s another difficulty—the greatest. The Czarina herself is opposed to a reconciliation. In her present state of mind, Alexander is an object of dread to her.”
“He’ll soon cease to be so,” replied Sumaroff with a mysterious smile. “But the hour is late; let us to bed. If the plan I have in view succeeds, by this time to-morrow all will be in harmony again.”
And so ended the most memorable day in Wilfrid’s career, a day in which he had won and lost the love of a wedded empress! It was a pleasure to think, as Prince Sumaroff had remarked, that through it all his honour had remained stainless.
Late in the forenoon of the following day Wilfrid was summoned to the presence of the Czarina. At first he demurred. Better, he thought, for the interests and happiness of both that they should never meet again.
“You had better see her,” said Prince Sumaroff, appreciating Wilfrid’s hesitation. “The sequel will, I trust, prove the wisdom of this advice.”
So persuaded, Wilfrid was conducted to a small cabinet where, the Prince retiring, he found himself alone with the Czarina.