"That evening as I was entering the car to go to the gala performance I was made to realize that Papa had committed me much further than he had dared admit.
"'Here's our little fiancée,' said the Kaiser, taking my hand.
"The Empress, more the brood hen than ever, kissed me on the forehead. It appears that this is a family mania.
"And so it went on up to the Czar, who remarked to the Kaiser, with one of his sad smiles:
"'So you're not satisfied with flooding me with your subjects, but must needs come to take away mine!'
"I put on my frankest smile, but cast many a sidelong glance at my red Hussar, who didn't know what to do. I said to myself:
"'You wait a bit, my fine fellow! You'll be paid out for this the day after tomorrow!'
* * * * * *
"The day came. My only fear was that the country we hunted would be too flat, too easy. I was quickly reassured. It is true that there were a good many paths in the woods, quite suitable for ladies, but there were also patches of thick scrub, several streams, and here and there some tricky ditches.
"Before we started I gave Taras-Bulba half a pound of sugar soaked in whisky, and he was very lively though full of dignity.