Sergius waited for what more she had to say.
"This afternoon a messenger came from her to my father, asking him to let me visit her."
The heart of the monk gave a jump of pleasure.
"And you will go?"
A little older and wiser, and she would have detected a certain urgency there was in the tone with which he directed the inquiry.
"I cannot say yet. I have not seen my father since the invitation was received; he has been with the Emperor; but I know how greatly he admires the Princess. I think he will consent; if so, I will go up to Therapia to-morrow."
Sergius, silently resolving to betake himself thither early next morning, replied with enthusiasm: "Have you seen the garden behind her palace?"
"No."
"Well, of course I do not know what Paradise is, but if it be according to my fancy, I should believe that garden is a piece of it."
"Oh, I know I shall be pleased with the Princess, her garden—with everything hers."