“It was the property of Count Paul Rasczinsky,” said Stephano. “But convicted traitors have no property. This criminal count has been convicted of high-treason. The mercy of the empress has indeed changed the sentence of death into one of eternal banishment to Siberia, but she has been pleased to approve the confiscation of all he possessed. In virtue of this approval, and by permission of the holy Roman government, I attach this house and its contents!” Natalie no longer heard him. Almost unconscious lay she in Marianne’s arms. Paulo was lost, sentenced to death, imprisoned, and banished for life--that was all she had heard and comprehended--this terrible news had confused and benumbed her senses. “Sir!” implored Marianne, pressing Natalie to her bosom, “you will at least have some mercy upon this young maiden; you will not thrust us out upon the streets; you will grant us a quiet residence in this house until we can collect our effects and secure what is indisputably ours!” “Every thing in this house is the indisputable property of the empress!” roughly responded Stephano. “But not ourselves, I hope!” excitedly exclaimed Marianne. “This imperial power does not extend over our persons?” Stephano roughly replied: “The door stands open, go! But go directly, or I shall be compelled to arrest you for opposing the execution of the laws, and stirring up sedition!” “Yes, let us go,” cried Natalie, who had recovered her consciousness--“let us go, Marianne. Let us not remain a moment longer in a house belonging to that barbarous Russian empress who has condemned the noble Count Paulo as a criminal, and, robber-like, taken forcible possession of his property!” And, following the first impulse of her noble pride, the young maiden took Marianne by the hand and drew her away. “They, at least, shall not forcibly eject us,” said she; “no, no, we will go of our own free will, self-banished!” “But where shall we go?” cried Marianne, wringing her hands. “Where God wills!” solemnly responded the young maiden. “And upon what shall we live?” wailed Marianne. “We are now totally destitute and helpless. How shall we live?” “We will work!” said Natalie, firmly. A peculiar calm had come over her. Misfortune had awakened a new quality in her nature, sorrow had struck a new string in her being; she was no longer the delicate, gentle, suffering, unresisting child; she felt in herself a firm resolution, a bold courage, an almost joyful daring, and an invincible calmness. “Work! _You_ will work, princess?” whispered Marianne. “I will learn it!” said she, and with a constantly quickened step they approached the outlet of the garden. The gate which led out into the street was wide open; soldiers in Russian uniform had been stationed before it, keeping back with their carbines the curious Romans who crowded around in great numbers, glad of an opportunity to get a peep into the so-long-closed charmed garden.