"'Restrain your passion; be prudent, I entreat you,' exclaimed the Countess, grasping his wrists. 'Olinska loves you, and you alone; but I am her guardian, and she submits to my wishes, as duty bids her. Be yourself, Nicholas, and avoid any rash action. You cannot see Olinska to-night.' "'Has your ladyship combined with my enemies to make a madman of me?' asked the officer, with great bitterness. "'Have my actions been those of an enemy?' responded the Countess, with a reproachful smile. 'My dear Nicholas, I would have spared you a pang, but you compel me to tell all. My ward is to have an interview with Admiral Praxin to-morrow, by order of the Czar.' "'With Admiral Praxin!' exclaimed Nicholas, starting to his feet. "'Such is the truth. I do not believe that Peter will compel Olinska; but his command was imperative, and must be obeyed at all risks. Do not fear for Olinska--she is wholly yours, though a king should ask her hand. The Admiral can only sue to be rejected, and after that you must fly.' "'Lady, I submit to your wishes,' said Nicholas. 'I honor the Czar, as all Russians should honor him, but Olinska shall be mine, though he should send a dozen admirals to thwart me.' "After some further consultation of a desultory character, the officer of Cossacks took his leave, and retired to a bed rendered sleepless by doubts and fears. "On the following morning, before he had completed his toilet, a servant entered the apartment to announce a visitor, followed by a little creature, not more than three feet in height, dressed in a livery of blue and silver. "'This gentleman desired to speak with you, sir, immediately,' said the grinning servant, pointing to the new comer, and bowing himself out of the room. "The minute specimen of humanity said not a word, but assumed an air of great consequence, and with much ceremony presented a letter. Nicholas could not repress a smile at the messenger's grotesque appearance, but his mirth sobered into surprise when he read as follows: "'NICHOLAS DIMITRI: The bearer of this missive is my servant, who will be of great service to both you and myself, in events about to transpire. Answer his questions without hesitation, and rest assured that Olinska shall be yours, despite the Czar and Admiral Praxin, or I am much mistaken. I will be present at the wedding. Your friend, "'THE LITTLE MAN IN GREEN.' "The young officer dropped the note from his hand, and eyed the dwarf in silent amazement. "'Is that your death warrant?' asked the latter, ironically. "'Who wrote this?' demanded Nicholas. "'My master.' "'And who is your master?' "'The Little Man in Green. Ha! ha!' laughed the dwarf. "'His name? I must know his name!' exclaimed Nicholas. "The abbreviated Mercury placed a finger beside his little nose, in a very knowing manner, at the same time winking sagaciously.