“I will hear no more: it is the emperor’s will!” exclaimed the governor.
The words “It is the emperor’s will” had the most disheartening effect upon the poor people. The haggard, wretchedly-clad assemblage gave way to despair, but a low murmur was all that was heard.
Rasumowski looked triumphantly at his guests, as if he had said in so many words: “You see what the will of the emperor can do!”
But the professor was not to be deceived. The suppressed wrath plainly visible in the faces of the men did not escape him.
A young man rose humbly from his knees, and looked with strangely glittering eyes upon the governor.
“It is not true!—the emperor does not, cannot wish us to suffer!” he exclaimed.
Rasumowski looked with astonishment at the bold youth.
“How do you know that it is not the will of the emperor?” he asked.
“The emperor is human, but what you command is inhuman!” answered the intrepid peasant.
The Russian governor absolutely trembled with anger.