“His face belies him then,” I said dryly; “I never saw a face more shrewd. I bid your Excellency adieu.”
With this we parted, and he summoned Tikhon, and I heard hot words as I passed on. Dolgoruky was manifestly angered and surprised that I had fathomed his scheme of espionage, and I was well satisfied that I had been able to warn him that he had shown his hand.
Half an hour later, I went to my lodgings to find M. de Lambert but just returned from a fruitless visit to Zotof’s house. He was sitting moodily at the table writing a letter, and scarcely noticed me as I removed my cloak and sword. I was amused at his indifference, knowing that my tidings would speedily dispel his apathy.
“You should have visited the Kremlin to-day, M. Guillaume,” I said quietly.
He looked up at me carelessly, and with some little surprise at my apparently meaningless remark.
“It will be well for you to pass the Cathedral of the Assumption to-morrow afternoon,” I added, smiling.
In a moment he had caught my meaning, and his face kindled.
“You have seen her?” he exclaimed, springing up with his usual impetuosity.
“Seen her?” I repeated tormentingly; “that is certainly indefinite, monsieur. How many women are there in Moscow?”
“Ma foi!” he exclaimed impatiently, “you try me, M. le Maréchal; you understand me well enough, but you love your own amusement.”