“I thought I was well acquainted with all the personalities of the Russian court,” he remarked at the close of Wilfrid’s narration, “but I must confess that this Princess Marie is to me an unknown person. And the duel is to be to the death?” “So said the Czar.” “Then I hope you will kill him!” “Monsieur!” said Wilfrid, surprised at the vehemence of the other’s utterance. “I hope,” repeated the Marquis, slowly emphasising each word, “that—you—will—kill—him!” “You have suffered a wrong at his hand?” “Not yet, but it is certain to come if his life continue. It were better for—for some of us that he were dead. Therefore, as I have said, I hope you will kill him.” “He mayn’t give me the opportunity,” smiled Wilfrid. “Should I find myself his superior, I shall just show him what I _could_ do with his life if I chose; but as to killing him, what would Paul—the Baroness say if I were to slay the Czar? Is he not her hero? But, monsieur, on reflection I will ask you to withdraw from this affair. Though Alexander may pardon my wounding him his ministers may not prove so chivalrous. Should the Czar be brought home injured there will be a hue and cry for his assailants. Why should I imperil your life as well as my own?” “In asking me to be your second you have conferred a high honour upon me. This affair is certain to be famous. We shall live in history—you and I. You see,” he went on with a smile, “that vanity has something to do with my motives. Now, as your second, let me urge you to leave St. Petersburg at once, lest your uncle or Panine should communicate this matter to the police. The Czar they dare not meddle with, but they would not hesitate to seize his opponent. Did you tell your uncle the place of the rendezvous? You did not? And Panine does not know it? Good! Set off this minute. Take my carriage; it is drawn by my two fleetest horses. A little beyond the eighth verst-post you say? Ah! that is very fortunate, since near that same verst-post, but on this side of it, lives Ruric, the charcoal burner. He is one of Pauline’s freed serfs. You have but to mention her name, and there is nothing he will not do to serve you.” “I do not understand.” “To meet the Czar you must be near the rendezvous, but not too near.” “Why so?”