"At last," he cried, as he perceived his belated friend turn a corner and hurry towards the house. "We shall soon have news from the Governor."
There was a hasty knock at the door and a tall young fellow entered, carefully locking the door behind him.
"Well, Paulowitch, I began to feel uneasy," said Loris. "What kept you so late?"
"I have just arrived from Pomeroff's," whispered Paulowitch. "He had a very large audience and it was some time before I could gain his ear."
"What was the result?" asked Loris, eagerly.
"He will come to-night. I told him that there would be a meeting of officers in honor of your birthday and that we would like to have him with us."
"Does he suspect anything?"
"How should he?"
"He will find out soon enough."
"You are mistaken, Loris, if you think he will join us. I know Pomeroff too well. Although he has had much to suffer from the arbitrary rulings of the Czar, the recollection of former favors will not permit him to desert his Emperor."