"'I can permit no such familiarities,' replied Nicholas, angrily, attempting to release his arm. 'Are you intoxicated, that you do not perceive I am an officer? Let go my arm, sir, or I will call the patrol, and place you under guard.' "Notwithstanding this threat, the little man still hung on, and walked boldly beside him with great good humor. "'Ha! ha! you think I belong to the army, Mr. Officer,' he observed, with much jocularity. 'I know rather more about the sea, and never tip my cap to anything less than a frigate captain. But never mind that. This street should be better lighted, and yet if it had been, I should never have known you--don't you think so? Now really don't you think the Emperor or Czar should pay more attention to lighting the streets? I should think the people would grumble about it--don't they?' "Seeing that his new acquaintance was determined to walk beside him, the officer had resolved to let him talk without venturing a reply, but this slur upon the Czar wounded his pride, and he answered impatiently, "'You cannot be a Russian, sir, or you would not dare speak thus disrespectfully of the greatest, noblest, and best living sovereign. Why should we need more light, sirrah, when the moon is shining brightly? Let me warn you not to speak this way before others, or you may receive rough treatment. Every Muscovite honors and loves the Czar as a father, and a slighter cause than that just given by you has cost many a foreigner his life in St. Petersburg.' "As the young man spoke, he seemed to forget his companion, and yielded his whole soul to the enthusiasm of loyalty. "'I like you,' said the little man, heartily. "'Indeed!' "'Yes, and will help you.' "'Help me?' asked Nicholas, stopping suddenly in his walk, eyeing his companion with mingled astonishment and suspicion. "'I said so. Is there anything extraordinary in that!' "'Who are you?' demanded the officer, sternly. "'No matter about that. I am your friend.' "'How do I know that?' asked Nicholas, still more astonished. "'I will prove it. You are in love!' "'Most men are at some periods of their lives.' "'Very true, but _you_ are in love _now_, and the lady of your affection is far above you in station.' "'How in heaven's name do you know this? Who are you?' exclaimed the officer, completely thrown off his guard, and staring wildly at his odd companion. "'It matters not how I know, or who I am. Let it suffice to say that I _do_ know, and can aid you,' said the little man, with a more dignified air than he had before assumed. 'Restrain your feelings, and merely answer yes or no, to what I am about to say. You are loved by the lady?' "'I believe--or, rather, trust so.' "'She is the Countess Walewski?' "'No.' "'Her ward Olinska?' "'I shall answer no more questions,' said Nicholas, compressing his lips.