"Is the man mad?" thought Korynthia.
"'If you desire to demand reparation for the affront, I shall be prepared to give you every satisfaction. You will find me in my country-seat at Pleskow.
"'Yours most sincerely,
"'Pushkin.'"
The Princess was amazed. The extent of the treachery never even dawned upon her.
"Well?" The Prince awaited an explanation. The best shield is cold-bloodedness, the best weapon a lie.
With a shake of the head, Korynthia made answer:
"But how does Herr Pushkin concern me? What have I to do with his mysteries?"
"Naturally, our friend Alexander Pushkin's proceedings have no special interest for you, nor should I desire it. But in this letter another was enclosed, having on the outside, in what seems to be a lady's handwriting, 'Princess Korynthia Alexievna Maria Ghedimin.' Probably in this we shall find the solution of the mystery. On that account I must beg you to break the seal and communicate its contents to me—if you do not feel it desirable to keep them secret."
It was now the Princess's turn to advance to the window, in order to read. No sooner had she the letter in her hand than she exclaimed, in surprise: