But the pursued knew how to elude protector as efficiently as pursuer. Whilst thus secretly escorted, the six-horsed sledge proceeded from barrack to barrack, the Grand Duke probably holding an inspection to satisfy himself that the officers on guard had not removed their tight stocks; the three-horsed sledge glided along the banks of the Moika Canal, drawing up, at length, before a long walled-in enclosure set with iron spikes. Alighting from his sledge the Czar took from his breast-pocket a key, opened the gate, and entered unattended, the unlit path marked by a line of oak-trees. No footprint was to be seen on the fresh-fallen snow. The path was unused by any but himself. In among the trees with their crows' nests an old-fashioned house was visible, its wooden steps leading to a low oaken door. The solitary man has with him a key to this door also; he opens it, and enters. Here it is so dark he has to take a lantern from his pocket in order to find the stairs leading to the story above. Having ascended the stairs, he proceeds on tiptoe down a long corridor. There is not even a dog to bark at him. As he opens a door two persons, engaged in conversation, look round in startled fear. They are an old man and woman. The old woman screams; the old man throws himself at the Czar's feet. "Who is this man, Helenka?" "My old man, my husband. Hold up your ugly pate, Ihnasko, that the Czar may see who you are." "You never told me you had a husband." "Why should one tell of the gout one is plagued with, or any other ugly thing one would rather forget?" "Well, what does he want here?" Here the old woman, covering half her mouth with her hand, whispers: "He has brought the king's daughter here." At these words the icy look melts from the Czar's severe features. "What! Bethsaba here?" "Yes; and she is to stay the night. They are playing draughts together." "How is Sophie?" The inquirer's voice falters. "Fairly well. She slept well last night, and took her chocolate this morning. She has not been so cross as usual to-day, since the doctor told her that giving way to temper was bad for her." "Has she followed the doctor's directions?" "Rather too closely. If I am a second after time in giving her her medicine, she rings for me." "Did the doctor say anything about diet?" "Yes; he said her Highness was not to observe the fast, but to eat meat and eggs daily; and that will strengthen her. But the Princess gave it him soundly. What was he thinking of? Did he mean to endanger her soul for sake of her body? And she has ordered me to pay no attention to what he said, and has threatened me with blows if I attempt to deceive her." "Indeed! And the doctor said that the observance of strict fast would be injurious to her health?" "Certainly. He said she wanted blood, she was anæmic, and that beans cooked in oil did not make blood." "What have you prepared for her supper to-night?" "The usual soup for the fast."