A Double Life Part 13

As the princess spoke the prince stood in his usual att.i.tude on the rug, eving me with a suspicious look, which annoyed me intensely and destroyed my interesting pallor bv an uncontrollable blush. I felt terriblv guiltv with those piercing black eves fixed on me, and appeared to be absorbed in a fresh bit of work. The princess chattered on till a salver full of notes and cards was brought in, when she forgot evervthing else in reading and answering these. The prince approached me then, and seating himself near my sofa, said, with somewhat ironical emphasis on the last two words: "I congratulate mademoiselle on her recovery, and that her bloom is quite untouched by her severe-sufferings."

"The princess in her amiable svmpathy doubtlessly exaggerated my pain, but I certainly have suffered, though mv roses may belie me."

Why my eves should fill and my lips tremble was a mystery to me, but thev did, as I looked up at him with a reproachful face. I spoke the truth. I had suffered, not bodily but mental pain, trying to put awav forever a tempting hope which suddenly came to trouble me. Astonishment and concern replaced the cold, suspicious expression of the prince's countenance, and his voice was very kind as he asked, with an evident desire to divert my thoughts from myself: "For what luxurious being do you embroider these splendid slippers of purple and gold, mademoiselle? Or is that an indiscreet question?"

"For my friend Adolph Vernay."

"They are too large, he is but a bov," began the prince, but stopped abruptly, and bit his lip, with a quick glance at me.

Without lifting my eyes I said, coolly: "M. le Prince appears to have observed this gentleman with much care, to discover that he has a handsome foot and a youthful face."

"Without doubt I should scrutinize any man w ith whom I saw mademoiselle walking alone in the twilight. As one of my household, I take the liberty of observing your conduct, and for my sister's sake ask of you to pardon this surveillance."

He spoke gravely, but looked unsatisfied, and feeling in a tormenting mood, I mystified him still more by saying, with a bow of a.s.sent: "If M. le Prince knew all, he would see nothing strange in my promenade, nor in the earnestness of that interview. Believe me, I may seem rash, but I shall never forget what is due to the princess while I remain with her."

He pondered over my words a moment with his eyes on my face, and a frown bending his black brows. Suddenly he spoke, hastily, almost roughly: "I comprehend what mademoiselle would convey. Monsieur Adolph is a lover, and the princess is about to lose her friend."

"Exactly. M. le Prince has guessed the mystery," and I smiled with downcast eyes.

A gilded ornament on the back of the chair against which the prince leaned snapped under his hand as it closed with a strong grip. He flung it away, and said, rapidly, with a jar in his usually musical voice: "This gentleman will marry, it seems, and mademoiselle, with the charming freedom of an English woman, arranges the affair herself."

"Helps to arrange; Adolph has sense and courage; I leave much to him."

"And when is this interesting event to take place, if one may ask?"

"Next week, if all goes well."

"I infer the princess knows of this?"

"Oh, yes. I told her at once."

"And she consents?"

"Without doubt; what right would she have to object?"

"Ah, I forgot; in truth, none, nor any other. It is incomprehensible! She is to lose you and yet is not in despair."

"It is but for a time. I join her later if she desires it."

"Never, with that man!" and the prince rose with an impetuous gesture, which sent my silks flying.

"What man?" I asked, affecting bewilderment.

"This Adolph, whom you are about to marry"

"M. le Prince quite mistakes; I fancied he knew more of the affair. Permit me to explain."

"Quick, then; what is the mystery? who marries? who goes? who stays?"

So flushed, anxious and excited did he look, that I was satisfied w ith my test, and set about enlightening him w ith alacrity. Having told why I met the young man, I added: "Adolph will demand the hand of Adele from her parents, but if they refuse it, as I fear they will, being prejudiced against him by Madame Bayard, he will effect his purpose in another manner. Though I do not approve of elopements in general, this is a case where it is pardonable, and I heartily wish him success."

While I spoke the princes brow had cleared, he drew a long breath, reseated himself in the chair before me, and when I paused, said, with one of his sudden smiles and an air of much interest: "Then you would have this lover boldly carry off his mistress in spite of all obstacles?"

"Yes. I like courage in love as in war, and respect a man who conquers all obstacles."

"Good, it is well said," and with a low' laugh the prince sat regarding me in silence for a moment. Then an expression of relief stole over his face as he said, still smiling: "And it was of this you spoke so earnestly when you fancied I w'atched you in the gardens?"

"Fancied! nay, M. le Prince has confessed that it was no fancy."

"How if I had not confessed?"

"I should have believed your word till you betrayed yourself, and then - "

I paused there w ith an uncontrollable gesture of contempt. He eyed me keenly, saying in that half-imperious, half-persuasive voice of his: "It is well then that I obeyed my first impulse. To speak truth is one of the instincts which these polished Frenchmen have not yet conquered in the 'barbarian,' as they call me."

"I respected you for that truthful 'yes,' more than for anything you ever said or did," I cried, forgetting myself entirely.

"Then, mademoiselle has a little respect for me?"

He leaned his chin upon the arm that lay along the back of his chair, and looked at me with a sudden softening of voice, eye, and manner.

"Can M. le Prince doubt it?" I said, demurely, little guessing what was to follow.

"Does mademoiselle desire to be respected for the same virtue?" he asked.

"More than for any other."

"Then will she give me a truthful answer to the plain question I desire to ask?"

"I will;" and my heart beat rebelliously as I glanced at the handsome face so near me, and just then so dangerously gentle.

"Has not mademoiselle feigned illness for the past week?"

The question took me completely by surprise, but anxious to stand the test, I glanced at the princess, still busy at her writing- table in the distant alcove, and checking the answer which rose to my lips, I said, lowering my voice: "On one condition will I reply."

"Name it, mademoiselle?"

"That nothing be said to Madame la Princesse of this."

"I give you my word."

"Well, then, I answer, yes;" and I fixed my eyes full on his as I spoke.

His face darkened a shade, but his manner remained unchanged.

"Thanks; now, for the reason of the ruse?"

"To delay a little the journey to Russia."

"Ha, I had not thought of that, imbecile that I am!" he exclaimed with a start.

"What other reason did M. le Prince imagine, if I may question in my turn?"

His usually proud and steady eyes wavered and fell, and he made no answer, but seemed to fall into a reverie, from which he woke presently to ask abruptly: "What did you mean by saying you were to leave mv sister for a time, and rejoin her later?"

"I must trouble you with the relation of a little affair which will probably detain me till after the departure, for but a w eek now remains of April."

"I listen, mademoiselle."

"Good Madame Bayard is unfortunately the victim of a cruel disease, which menaces her life unless an operation can be successfully performed. The time for this trial is at hand, and I have promised to be with her. If she lives I can safely leave her in a few davs; if she dies I must remain till her son can arrive. This sad duty will keep me for a week or two, and I can rejoin madame at anv point she may desire."

"But why make this promise? Madame Bayard has friends - why impose this unnecessary sacrifice of time, nerve, and sympathy upon you, mademoiselle?" And the prince knit his brows, as if ill-pleased.

"When I came to Paris long ago a poor, friendless, sorrowful girl, this good woman took me in, and for five years has been a mother to me. I am grateful, and would make any sacrifice to serve her in her hour of need."

I spoke with energy; the frown melted to the smile which always enn.o.bled his face, as the prince replied, in a tone of forgetful acquiescence: "You are right. I say no more. If you are detained I w ill leae Vacil to escort you to us. He is true as steel, and will guard you well. W hen must you go to the poor lady?"

"To-morrow; the princess consents to my wish, and I devote myself to my friend till she needs me no longer. May I ask when you leave Paris?" I could not resist asking.

"On the last day of the month," was the brief reply, as the prince rose, and roamed away with a thoughtful face, leaving me to ponder over many things as I wrought my golden pansies, wondering if I should ever dare to offer the purple velvet slippers to the possessor of a handsomer foot than Adolph.

On the follow ing day I went to xMadame Bayard; the operation was performed, but failed, and the poor soul died in my arms, blessing me for mv love and care. I sent tidings of the event to the princess, and received a kind reply, saying all was ready, and the day irrevocably fixed.

I pa.s.sed a busy week; saw my best friend laid to her last rest; arranged such of her affairs as I could, and impatiently awaited the arrival of her son. On the second day of May he came, and I was free.

As soon as possible I hastened to the hotel, expecting to find it deserted. To my surprise, however, I saw lights in the salon of the princess, and heard sounds of life everywhere as I went wonderingly toward my own apartments. The windows were open, flowers filled the room with spring odors, and everything wore an air of welcome as if some one waited for me. Some one did, for on the balcony, which ran along the whole front, leaned the prince in the mild, new-fallen twilight, singing softly to himself.

"Not gone!" I exclaimed, in unfeigned surprise.

He turned, smiled, flushed, and said, as he vanished: "I follow mademoiselle's good example in yielding my wishes to the comfort and pleasure of others."

CHAPTER VI.

The next day we set out, but the dreaded journey proved delightful, for the weather was fine, and the prince in a charming mood. No allusion was made to the unexpected delay, except by the princess, who privately expressed her wonder at my power, and treated me with redoubled confidence and affection. We loitered by the way, and did not reach St. Petersburg till June.

I had expected changes in mv life as well as change of scene, but was unprepared for the position which it soon became evident I was to a.s.sume. In Paris I had been the companion, now I was treated as a friend and equal bv both the prince and princess. They entirely ignored my post, and remembering only that I was by birth a gentlewoman, by a thousand friendly acts made it impossible for me to refuse the relations which they chose to establish between us. I suspect the princess hinted to her intimates that I was a connection of her own, and my name gave color to the statement. Thus I found myself received with respect and interest by the circle in which I now moved, and truly enjoyed the free, gay life, which seemed doubly charming, after years of drudgerv.

With this exception there was less alteration in my surroundings than I had imagined, for the upper cla.s.ses in Russia speak nothing but French; in dress, amus.e.m.e.nts, and manners, copy French models so carefully that I should often have fancied myself in Paris, but for the glimpses of barbarism, which observing eyes cannot fail to detect, in spite of the splendor which surrounds them. The hotel of the prince was a dream of luxury; his equipages magnificent; his wealth apparently boundless; his friends among the highest in the land. He appeared to unusual advantage at home, and seemed anxious that I should observe this, exerting himself in many ways to impress me w ith his power, even while he was most affable and devoted.

I could no longer blind myself to the truth, and tried to meet it honestly. The prince loved me, and made no secret of his preference, though not a w'ord had pa.s.sed his lips. I had felt this since the night he carried me in his arms, but remembering the difference in rank, had taught myself to see in it only the pa.s.sing caprice of a master for a servant, and as such, to regard it as an insult. Since we came to St. Petersburg the change in his manner seemed to a.s.sure me that he sought me as an equal, and desired to do me honor in the eyes of those about us. This soothed my pride and touched my heart, but, alluring as the thought was to my vanity and my ambition, I did not yield to it, feeling that I should not love, and that such an alliance was not the one for me.

Having come to this conclusion, I resolved to abide by it, and did so the more inflexibly as the temptation to falter grew stronger. My calm, cool manner perplexed and irritated the prince, who seemed to grow' more pa.s.sionate as test after test failed to extort any betrayal of regard from me. The princess, absorbed in her own affairs, seemed apparently blind to her brother's infatuation, till I was forced to enlighten her.

July was nearly over, when the prince announced that he was about to visit one of his estates, some versts from the city, and we were to accompany him. I had discovered that Volnoi was a solitary place, that no guests were expected, and that the prince was supreme master of everything and everybody on the estate. This did not suit me, for Madame Yermaloff, an Englishwoman, who had conceived a friendship for me, had filled my head with stories of Russian barbarity, and the entire helplessness of whomsoever dared to thwart or defy a Russian seigneur, especially when on his own domain. I laughed at her gossip, yet it influenced my decision, for of late the prince had looked ireful, and his black eyes had kept vigilant watch over me. I knew that his patience was exhausted, and feared that a stormy scene was in store for me. To avoid all further annoyance, I boldly stated the case to the princess, and decidedly refused to leave St. Petersburg.

To my surprise, she agreed with me; and I discovered, what I had before suspected, that, much as she liked me as a friend, the princess would have preferred her brother to marry one of his own rank. She delicately hinted this, yet, unwilling to give me up entirely, begged me to remain with Madame Yermaloff till she returned, when some new arrangement might be made. I consented, and feeling unequal to a scene with the prince, left his sister to inform him of my decision, and went quietly to my friend, who gladly received me. Next morning the following note from the princess somewhat rea.s.sured me: Ma CHERE Sybil- We leave in an hour. Alexis received the news of your flight in a singular manner. I expected to see him half frantic; but no, he smiled, and said, tranquilly: "She fears and flies me; it is a sign of weakness, for which I thank her." I do not understand him; but when we are quiet at Volnoi, I hope to convince him that you are, as always, wise and prudent. Adieu! I embrace you tenderly. N.T.

A curious sense of disappointment and uneasiness took possession of me on reading this note, and, womanlike, I began to long for that which I had denied myself. Madame Yermaloff found me a very dull companion, and began to rally me on my preoccupation.

I tried to forget, but could not, and often stole out to walk past the prince's hotel, now closed and silent. A week dragged slowly by, and I had begun to think the prince had indeed forgotten me, when I was convinced that he had not in a somewhat alarming manner. Returning one evening from a lonely walk in the Place Michel, with its green English square, I observed a carriage standing near the Palace Galitzin, and listlessly wondered who was about to travel, for the coachman was in his place and a servant stood holding the door open. As I pa.s.sed I glanced in, but saw nothing, for in the act sudden darkness fell upon me; a cloak was dexterously thrown over me, enveloping my head and arms, and rendering me helpless. Some one lifted me into the carriage, the door closed, and 1 was driven rapidly away, in spite of my stifled cries and fruitless struggles. At first I was frantic with anger and fear, and rebelled desperately against the strong hold which restrained me. Not a word was spoken, but I felt sure, after the first alarm, that the prince was near me, and this discovery, though it increased my anger, allayed my fear. Being half-suffocated, I suddenly feigned faintness, and lay motionless, as if spent. A careful hand withdrew the thick folds, and as I opened my eyes they met those of the prince fixed on me, full of mingled solicitude and triumph.

"You! Yes; I might have known no one else would dare perpetrate such an outrage!" I cried, breathlessly, and in a tone of intense scorn, though my heart leaped with joy to see him.

He laughed, while his eyes flashed, as he answered, gayly: "Mademoiselle forgets that she once said she 'liked courage in love as in war, and respected a man who conquered all obstacles.' I remember this, and, when other means fail dare to brave even her anger to gain mv object."

"What is that object?" I demanded, as my eyes fell before the ardent glance fixed on me.

"It is to see vou at Volnoi, in spite of your cruel refusal."

"I will not go."

And with a sudden gesture I dashed my hand through the window and cried for help with all my strength. In an instant I was pinioned again, and my cries stifled by the cloak, as the prince said, sternly: "If mademoiselle resists, it will be the worse for her. Submit, and no harm will befall you. Accept the society of one who adores you, and permit yourself to be conquered by one who never yields - except to you," he added, softly, as he held me closer, and put by the cloak again.

"Let me go - I will be quiet," I panted, feeling that it was indeed idle to resist now, yet resolving that he should suffer for this freak.

"You promise to submit - to smile again, and be your charming self?" he said, in the soft tone that was so hard to deny.

"I promise nothing but to be quiet. Release me instantly!" and I tried to undo the clasp of the hand that held me.

"Not till you forgive me and look kind. Nay, struggle if you will, I like it, for till now you have been the master. See, I pardon all your cruelty, and find you more lovely than ever."

As he spoke he bent and kissed me on forehead, lips and cheek with an ardor which wholly daunted me. I did pardon him, for there was real love in his face, and love robbed the act of rudeness in my eyes, for instead of any show of anger or disdain, I hid my face in my hands, weeping the first tears he had ever seen me shed. It tamed him in a moment, for as I sobbed I heard him imploring me to be calm, promising to sin no more, and a.s.suring me that he meant only to carry me to Volnoi as its mistress, whom he loved and honored above all women. Would I forgive his wild act, and let his obedience in all things else atone for this?

I must forgive it; and if he did not mock me by idle offers of obedience, I desired him to release me entirely and leave me to compose myself, if possible.

He instantly withdrew his arm, and seated himself opposite me, looking half contrite, half exultant, as he arranged the cloak about my feet. I shrunk into the corner and dried my tears, feeling unusually weak and womanish, just when I most desired to be strong and stern. Before I could whet my tongue for some rebuke, the prince uttered an exclamation of alarm, and caught my hand. I looked, and saw that it was bleeding from a wound made by the shattered gla.s.s.

"Let it bleed," I said, trying to withdraw it. But he held it fast, binding it up with his own handkerchief in the tenderest manner, saying as he finished, with a pa.s.sionate pressure: "Give it to me, Sybil, I want it - this little hand - so resolute, yet soft. Let it be mine, and it shall never know labor or wound again. Why do you frown - what parts us?"

"This," and I pointed to the crest embroidered on the corner of the mouchoir.

"Is that all?" he asked, bending forward with a keen glance that seemed to read my heart.

"One other trifle," I replied sharplv.

"Name it, my princess, and I will annihilate it, as all other obstacles," he said, with the lordly air that became him.

"It is impossible."

"Nothing is impossible to Alexis Demidoff."