"Without doubt, you and he have perfectly fulfilled my intentions. I take not into the account the silver rouble, however," added the Czar, "let that be as it may, ten years hence this place shall be the scene of a similar festivity; and to let you see how I can surpass you, I will myself take charge of the preparations. You may smile, Alexandre, but you will be forced to admit, that without your aid I can arrange a nuptial feast. It is besides the less difficult, since the essentials are already decided upon--the persons to be married." These words were overheard by those present, and a profound silence ensued. "Would I be guilty of too much curiosity," said Menzikoff, "if...." "Ah! you wish to know the young couple," exclaimed the Emperor. "I ought, perhaps, to leave you in ten years' uncertainty; but thanks to this brilliant society whom I invite from to-day, you will know now. Alexis Nicolajewitz," continued he, in addressing the boyard, "you asked me the other day for certain lands near Tula, situated between the boundaries of your property and those of Prince Menzikoff." "I did, and your Majesty has thought fit to refuse them." "I refused them, because I had reserved them for another. I wish to give them as a dowry to your daughter." The astonishment of the boyard was great He attempted to speak. "Silence! I have attached to the grant one condition," said the Czar. "Your Majesty will order nothing contrary to my conscience and the honor of my house. I humbly ask, then...." "The condition is, that your daughter shall receive her husband at my hands." "I have sworn upon the tomb of my wife," responded the boyard, after a pause, "that my daughter shall espouse him only whom she herself freely chooses. But, she is still a child,... and in ten years...." "Indeed," interrupted the Emperor, whose countenance was sorrowful, "if your daughter should not accept him whom I would propose, the lands will yet belong to her; are you content now?" "And the rank, the condition of the parties?" "They are to be the same." "A single word from our gracious sovereign, is at any time sufficient to destroy all inequalities of rank," said one of the guests. "You are right, Kurakin," returned the boyard; "as to myself, I rely upon the word of our monarch, who has just said that there is nothing to equalize. Every one to his opinion upon that which concerns him."