"The word of the Czar is sacred," he cried, rising from his seat and addressing the assembly. "Barbara Lilieska is Princess of Czernova. Let the coronation proceed."
Paul, released from the cord that had confined him to the place of combat, here turned and confronted the emperor.
"Your Majesty," he remarked, with a somewhat cold expression, "ere claiming to exercise suzerainty in Czernova, will do well to await the arrival of your Foreign Minister now on his way hither."
The Czar stared haughtily at Paul, having no idea whatever of his meaning, while Zabern, equally mystified, murmured,—
"In the name of the saints, explain your saying."
Paul whispered a few words into the ear of the marshal, who received the communication with an expression of incredulity.
"It is true," asseverated Paul. "And," he added, "here comes the confirmer of my words."
A slight commotion here took place at the far end of the cathedral, and there entered a man of distinguished presence whom Zabern immediately recognized as the Russian Minister for Foreign Affairs. Then the marshal no longer doubted. His face became lighted with an expression of joy, succeeded the next moment by one of trouble.
"The Convent of the Transfiguration!" he murmured.
"There is our danger. We are lost if our secret documents fall into the Czar's hands. And how is it to be prevented with a Russian regiment in possession of the monastery?"