“Yes, darling,” I told her. “I won’t leave Mamma alone—I’ll be somewhere near her, even if I have to sleep in the bath.”
I went to the Empress. “Madame,” I said, “will you permit me to remain near you to-night?”
“No, Lili, certainly not. If anything should happen, why should you be obliged to witness a tragedy?” she replied.
I returned to Olga and Tatiana, who, like Marie, were very anxious about their mother. “Lili, you must not leave Mamma alone. One of us has always slept with her[5]—she’s not strong. Promise, promise us that you won’t leave her alone;” and, when the Empress came to pay her last visit to the sick-room, the Grand Duchesses reiterated their request.
The Empress at first demurred ... but, when she realised how much the Grand Duchesses dreaded her being left alone, she consented. “Well, Lili,” she said reluctantly, “you see that the children must have their own way. But I will not allow anyone to think I am frightened. Undress upstairs, and, when my maids have left me, slip down the private staircase, bring your
HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY AND THE TSAREVITCH, 1913
