“No; but I have reason to hope I shall obtain that favor.”
“He is not sorry, I imagine, to escape the gibbet.”
“Not the gibbet; but as to death, I am sure he thinks it preferable to the fate that awaits him.”
“Poor fellow! but then, qu'allait-il faire?”—
“Dans cette galère?” interrupted the marquis with displeasure. “The question is certainly apropos, and I would ask him if I could obtain a reply that would avail him anything.”
“By the way,” said the other, “I suppose you know who has just arrived at St. Petersburg?”
The marquis questioned him with a look of uncertainty, for he was expecting more than one arrival that day.
“Why, the fair Vera, who has returned to her post.”
“Really!” exclaimed Adelardi eagerly. “In that case perhaps we shall see her here, for I am told she comes every evening when in the city.”
“Yes, but not till the empress dispenses with her services. It is nearly ten o'clock. She will probably be here soon. Our agreeable hostess is one of her relatives.”