“Philippe!” she exclaimed reproachfully, “mademoiselle will think you lacking in courtesy.”
“No, no!” protested Najine, warmly, “I am sure that M. de Brousson has some good reason for his haste.”
“I have the best, mademoiselle,” I replied; “the czar will undoubtedly order your uncle to remove you from my house, and I have no authority to resist him.”
“I know it, monsieur,” she replied gravely; “it is as I said, I cannot remain here. Madame has urged me in her kindness, but it is impossible. Neonila and I must find a way to escape from Moscow at once.”
“How can they?” cried Zénaïde, casting an indignant glance at me,—“two women, and at this hour!”
“M. de Lambert and Pierrot will accompany them,” I replied firmly; “they must not lose an hour.”
“I must go with them,” Zénaïde exclaimed.
“Pardon me, madame,” I answered, “you must, on the contrary, remain here and detain the Councillor Zotof’s party.”
In a moment Zénaïde understood my scheme, and let me go to summon Pierrot and give my orders. It was nearly midnight, and he was sleepy and loath to go on his errand; but a few words from me roused him to meet the emergency. Then I sought M. de Lambert, and informed him of the measures which I had taken without consulting him, because I knew that it would be folly to expect his acquiescence, and fatal to delay Najine’s flight. He was angry and surprised at my action, and mastered his emotion with difficulty, for his nature was impulsive.
“This seems a hard measure for mademoiselle,” he exclaimed at once, “to send her away at this hour, when she came here for aid and protection.”