"You appear too fond of Mikail's society," answered the Governor, sharply; "and that is just why I left him in St. Petersburg."
"Fool," replied Louise, half in jest, half in earnest. "Why, he is only my father confessor. You surely would not be jealous of a priest?"
"Yes, even of a priest, especially when he is as handsome and fascinating as our Mikail."
Louise broke into a merry laugh.
"Then that is why you were so solicitous about placing him with the Minister of War in St. Petersburg. You were afraid to bring him along on my account?"
"Candidly, yes. In spite of his priestly robes, I fancied he was too fond of your society and you of his, and I deemed it best for my peace of mind to leave him at the capital while we came here."
For a time Louise's mirth appeared uncontrollable.
"Why, you goose!" she said, after her laughter had subsided. "Mikail has never approached me but with the greatest respect. He knows that I have been his benefactress, and I am sure that, while he thinks me awfully ignorant, he respects me as he would an aged relative."
"And what are your feelings towards him?"
"I know what he was in the past; and, while I have unbounded admiration for his wisdom, I can never forget how he first came into our house."