“Your Majesty sees my apartment,” she replied with a graceful gesture; “mademoiselle is not visible there, certainly.”
“These are words, madame,” he exclaimed impatiently; “Najine is concealed there, and you know it.”
Zénaïde drew back haughtily. “The room is open for your Majesty’s inspection,” she said quietly; “it is mine, but I will not attempt to oppose the czar, since I am suspected of falsehood.”
Her manner had a strange effect upon him; he regarded her intently, admiring, I think, her beauty and her dignity.
“Your husband has made many objections to my search of this house,” he said slowly, “because he is an ambassador of France. I appeal to you, madame, would not the king my brother do likewise in my case?”
She looked up quickly. “Your Majesty means to ask if the king my master would search this room?” she asked in her sweet voice.
“I do, madame,” he replied gravely, watching her.
“His Majesty would not dream of it in the like case,” she replied at once, and with decision.
The czar glanced at her with surprise. “And why not, madame?” he asked quickly.
Zénaïde looked at him calmly, her blue eyes as innocent as they were steadfast.