"There was a most sensational scene when I returned on the bay, followed by Taras-Bulba with his Grand Duke tied on to him. The hunt was stopped. They all came crowding round us. I had to tell the whole story and made a point of being as brief as possible, as one does with things of which one isn't too proud. But the injured man filled in the details. His fever made him eloquent and transformed me into a heroine. I had to put up with the congratulations of the whole Court. "The Kaiser, who magnifies and distorts everything, cried out: "'What a splendid girl she is--to save her fiancé's life the very first day!' "The Empress kissed me. It's a family mania. My father was radiant. "'My compliments to Your Majesty,' he whispered in my ear. "I was angry, though amused, and vented my rage on Taras-Bulba, who had more whip as we went back to the palace than he's ever had since. "I have one good quality. I like to know exactly where I stand. I realized that, largely by my own fault, I had put myself in a position from which there was no escape without one of those scandals which any princess, worthy of the name, hates more than the certainty of her own unhappiness. So I decided to acquaint my 'fiancé,' as the Court already styled him, with my conditions that very evening. "I asked him to receive me, and he complied at once, after sending out the attendant who was arranging the cage over his leg. "When we were alone, this is more or less what I said: "'My action in coming here will possibly astonish you, sir. But I am, and always shall be, in the habit of doing what I think advisable without undue concern for mere decorum. Now I think it is of the highest importance than you should know _this_: "'I came to Petersburg to be with my father, to witness some splendid celebrations and enjoy myself generally--not to find a husband. As regards husbands, you will do me the honour to believe that I have refused as many as there are provinces in Russia. The last was a Persian prince, who possesses a mountain in which emeralds are as plentiful as truffles in Périgord--and even larger. "'Well, I came here, and I don't know what has come over everybody, but, apparently, I must be married. I don't put it that way to offend you. After all, sir, we hadn't set eyes on each other until three days ago. "'However that may be, I'm practically bound to marry you. The circumstances are too strong for mere individuals like you and me. In our history there are four emperors and empresses, several crowns, and, no doubt, enormous fortunes. I am sure that Papa would fall ill if I didn't become a queen, now that he's seen there's a chance. But, above all, I have broken your leg.' "He made an impatient movement: 'Don't speak of that.'