Dinner was served. Alexandra had never appeared more lovely; her toilet was exquisite. She had remarked the serious deportment of her betrothed; for she made use of every species of blandishment in order to regain possession of his heart. But something happened which brought matters to a crisis. The dessert had just been laid, when a servant of the governor handed him an official paper. He had only read a few lines, when a grim smile diffused itself over his face. “I have a surprise for you, gentlemen!” said he. “The nearest Prussian police-station has had the kindness to deliver up to me the Jesuit F. Indura, so that I may forward him to his native place, Kosow.” “A Jesuit? Oh! that’s imperial!” exclaimed Alexandra, filled with curiosity. “I have heard so much of the Jesuits, and wish to see one. Papa, will you not have him brought here?” “If it gives you pleasure, why not? That is, if our honored guests have no objection.” “None at all, governor!” replied Adolph von Sempach, with stern formality. “You alone have to decide.” “And I think that it is always praiseworthy to be willing to see and hear a Jesuit,” said Beck. “Tell the commissioner of police,” commanded Rasumowski, “to bring before me without delay the Jesuit of Kosow!” “Oh! that will be interesting!” exclaimed Alexandra. “I am so anxious to see a man who belongs to that terrible order which has sold itself to the devil, and labors only in the interest of hell.” “Do you really believe what you say, mademoiselle?” asked Von Sempach, in astonishment. “Certainly! I have often read in the newspapers shocking things about the Jesuits. They are said to possess in an extraordinary degree the power of deceiving people, and they owe this spiritual power to Satan, with whom they are in league.” “You have derived your information from the Vienna _New Free Press_, is it not so?” “It may be, I do not know exactly. The new German Empire, in its fear of God and love of morality, acts very prudently in expelling these diabolical Jesuits.” “But suppose these diabolical Jesuits come to Russia?” “Oh! we are not afraid of them; we will send them to Siberia!” “Here comes the Jesuit,” said Rasumowski, when he heard the clattering sound made by the guards’ sabres. Deep silence reigned in the dining-room. All sat with their eyes intently fixed upon the door. In the hall were heard heavy, weary steps, as though an aged or sick man was moving forward with great difficulty. Then a hand appeared, grasping the side of the door, and finally the Jesuit father, a tall, thin man, very much bent, and leaning on a cane. “Come in, quick!” cried out Rasumowski roughly. F. Indura staggered into the room. The door was closed after him.