"If I find you here when I return, and if you are still in the same
mood, I will take you to her, and she shall reply to that question for
herself."
I left him then, and having altered my appearance sufficiently so that
I would not be recognized in the darkness, and being assured that the
orders that I had given respecting the work of my men for that night
would be carried out, I hastened to the palace. I knew that I had a
difficulty to face, for although I had unlimited confidence in the
chivalry and generosity of Prince Michael, I also knew that he had an
ungovernable temper, and I began to fear that my delay in following him
might have led him to say something to the emperor, which would
encompass me with puzzling conditions. As soon as I arrived at the
palace I was told that the prince was awaiting me in his apartments,
and I hurried to him. He rose as I entered the room, and, bowing
stiffly, without extending his hand as was his invariable habit, said
coldly: "You are late, Mr. Derrington. I expected you an hour earlier, at
least."
"I am very sorry, prince," I replied; "more sorry than I can say, to
have kept you waiting, but I have been unavoidably detained."
"May I ask if it was at my house?"
"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.