Araktseieff, on arrival at the palace, was received by Chevalier Galban.
"What has happened here?" he asked, as he changed his travelling-dress for his uniform.
"A startling change. Since his daughter's death the Czar has become reconciled to the Czarina, and is with her constantly. Every diplomatic action has been broken off. The Greek deputation has not been received, the commanding officers of the various regiments of the guards have been despatched back to their colonies."
"And what do the women say to all this? That's the main point."
"The women are deucedly hard to get at just now. Since the reconciliation of the Czar and Czarina, domestic fidelity has become the rage in St. Petersburg. Every man is seen driving out with his wife. Even Princess Ghedimin ostentatiously parades everywhere on her husband's arm, and conducts herself so prudishly that she scarce returns my bow."
"And Zeneida?"
"Is in disgrace. The court chamberlain has intimated that it would not give displeasure in high quarters if she were to pass the coming season under a more genial clime. Upon which she at once sent back her credentials as court singer. She is having a sale of her furniture, and is preparing for immediate departure."
"And the cause of disgrace?"
"Pushkin. You are aware that he was to have married Sophie Narishkin?"
"That is—it was a piece of medical jugglery. They proposed to prolong the invalid's life and make it happier by her betrothal."