"But those are women of the lower class, not of the higher order, the aristocracy."
"Why should not a woman of the upper class who has opinions suit herself?"
"Women who are comme il faut cannot compromise themselves in the streets."
"They can act without leaving their homes."
"But why plunge us into these political questions?"
"In ordinary times it would be wrong for you to take any part, but in troubled periods like these it is your duty. The government has the right to ask your aid for the general good."
"And in what way can we be useful?"
"By enlightening us as to the situation. I swear to you that I have the good of the country at heart, within just limits and a firm union with Russia. Unfortunately, I and others can find out nothing."
Muse understood what he wished. She blushed at the suggestion, but the blush faded away rapidly. Lending herself to the colonel's views would, she thought, give her great power. It would raise her to great heights. Her imagination transported her almost to the steps of the throne, to the imperial dais. She looked at herself in the glass, and thought that her dreams of being at court had now some chance of being realized; and under this impression she replied:--
"Dear colonel, speak to me with entire freedom, I will listen."