CHAPTER XIX
But Golitzine was not at his house. Corsini exchanged a few words with the Countess, who informed him that her husband was at the Winter Palace, closeted with the Emperor on important matters. She did not expect him to return till very late.
Under ordinary circumstances, Nello would have refrained from intruding himself on the Secretary when engaged with his Imperial Master, but the information which Ivan had given him was genuine: of that he felt assured.
Delay might be dangerous. The failure of Zouroff’s scheme to entrap the young director, the knowledge that there must have been treachery amongst his associates, would render the Prince a very desperate man. Whatever coup he meditated would be brought off swiftly, before the other side had time to strike.
He sent up a short note to Golitzine, stating that he had come into the receipt of most important information, obtained from a most unexpected quarter.
The Count showed the note to the Emperor, who read it, and said immediately:
“Have him up at once and let us know what it is. I have always had a notion that this young fellow would be useful to us. I believe he is born to be lucky himself and to bring luck to those with whom he is associated.”
So Corsini was shown at once into the august presence.