"I was at my own apartments."
"Ah!"
It was evident that he did not believe me, and that he meant me to understand that he did not, but I was determined not to quarrel with him. Therefore I remained silent.
"May I venture to ask an explanation of the extraordinary proceedings of the evening?" he asked, icily.
"Yes; I think I owe you that much. But would it not be better if I first offered my respects to the czar? Then I can return here, and we can enjoy a long chat together."
"His majesty knows that you were to come to me first. After I have heard you, we will go to him together."
"Am I to understand, prince, that you have told his majesty of the occurrences of to-night?"
"You are to understand exactly that. I have told him all; at least all that I could tell."
"Indeed! In that case, we will go to him together. Such explanation as I have to make will be made in his presence. Whatever explanations there are to make are entirely in the princess' behalf, and I regret that I took you at your word and supposed that you would wait for me. She can offer you her own thanks at a more opportune time."
I saw that he was endeavoring with all his strength to control himself, but the veins on his forehead swelled until I thought that they would burst. For a full minute we stood facing each other thus, both silent, and then he turned and led the way in the direction of the official cabinet.