Aurora knew, though she forbore to mention it, that Augustus had failed to fulfil his side of the bargain, and had not been able to raise a single regiment of the German troops promised to Peter, nor to pay him anything for the maintenance of the Muscovites sent into Lithuania.
“So you see,” added the Elector, with rather a bitter smile, “that my position is desperate on all sides.”
“Come here,” smiled Aurora.
He crossed to her chair; she took his hand and pressed her soft cheek against his rings and ruffles.
“My poor dear,” she said caressingly. “I wonder if I can help you now, to return a little all the joy you have given me?”
She would have kissed his hand, but he prevented her, eagerly lifted her face and kissed her lips.
“What have I done for you!” he cried. “Why, you have gilded all my life!”
“You have been very good to me,” she said, a little wistfully. “Men can be so cruel. I think you hardly know how grateful women are for kindness.”
He smiled tenderly; his handsome face lightened of half its care as he looked at her.
“Not women like you, Aurora!”