"Nicholas started at the sound of that voice, and looking up, recognized in his sovereign, The Little Man in Green.
"'Your pardon, sire!' he exclaimed falling upon his knees, and remembering with the great trepidation how scurvily he had treated royalty in disguise.
"'Arise, Colonel Dimitri,' said the Czar kindly; 'you need not think of what has past; I am satisfied that you are a true and loyal subject. But what possessed you to run away with this little rebel, man? Did you not know that she was affianced to Admiral Praxin?'
"'Pardon me sire, I did not,' answered Nicholas.
"'And you Olinska; you have disregarded our wishes, and thrown the gallant admiral overboard?' continued Peter, addressing the trembling girl, with a mixture of severity and good-nature.
"Olinska bowed her head.
"'What say you Praxin? Are you willing to yield your bride to the army, and let the navy remain a bachelor?'
"The Admiral had turned all colors, at the first entrance
of Olinska, but marking that she remained silent, he plucked up sufficient courage to reply.
"'I cannot accept the lady's hand without her heart.'