"All the same, Pushkin was her husband elect, and the Czar was deeply hurt that the very day of Princess Sophie's funeral Pushkin should go and get married to the lovely Bethsaba, whom he ran away with from the Ghedimins'!"
"Hullo! So he ran away with the little Circassian princess!"
"The Czar was very cut up at his heartlessness. Hence his displeasure with Fräulein Ilmarinen."
"But what had she to do with it?"
"She was witness to the marriage."
"What, she? And she who worshipped Pushkin! That is a dangerous woman!"
"Fortunately she can't do much harm now. She begged an audience of the Czar; but his Majesty answered that he would only receive her in your presence."
"Then it shall be a hot reception for her! Thanks for the good news!"
And Araktseieff hastened off to the Hermitage, where the Czar was to be found before noon.
Alexander extended his hand with emotion to the returned favorite, who had travelled night and day to obey his behest.