“Hush!” cried another, plucking at his sleeve, “it is Lykof.”
“Stand aside, in the name of the Czar Ivan Alexeivitch!” exclaimed the disguised boyar; and to my surprise, they let us pass, although they stared angrily at me, as if uncertain of their recognition.
There were only a few stragglers in the court, and keeping close together, we followed Ramodanofsky to a low gate behind the wing that I had never seen. It was already unfastened, and we passed out into a narrow and deserted alley. As soon as we were safely beyond the gate, the boyar placed Zénaïde on her feet and spoke a few words to her, which I did not hear; but I saw her glance up into his eyes with a look of awakening feeling. He drew her hand through his arm and walked on more slowly. Meanwhile, I had been reflecting upon the situation, and quickening my steps, I joined them.
“Have you a refuge selected, M. Ramodanofsky?” I asked.
“It is my intention, if possible, to reach the Kremlin, and place Zénaïde under the protection of the Czarevna Sophia,” he replied with some hesitation.
“That is hardly possible now,” I said at once. “Come to my quarters, monsieur; I think that they will scarcely be molested.”
After a moment’s thought, he assented.
“I believe you are right, M. le Vicomte,” he said slowly, “although I think it possible to reach the Kremlin, the risk with Zénaïde with me is double, and it is hard to tell to what lengths they will go. My daughter and I will therefore gladly accept your invitation, M. de Brousson,” he added, glancing at me with keenly observant eyes, and the shadow of a smile about his lips.
“No more welcome guests will ever cross my threshold, monsieur,” I said warmly, feeling the blood rise on my cheek at his tone, and noticing, too, Zénaïde’s embarrassed eyes.
We were walking rapidly, for there was no time to loiter, and we went by the lanes and alleys, making a détour to avoid a party of rioters. On the way, Ramodanofsky questioned Zénaïde about the cause of our return to his house. I helped her to explain the circumstances of the escape, and our search for Mademoiselle Eudoxie.