In spite of the daily increase of their sufferings, Their Majesties still cherish hope that among their loyal friends some may be found to attempt their release. Never was the situation more favourable for escape, for there is as yet no representative of the Bolshevik Government at Tobolsk. With the complicity of Colonel Kobylinsky, already on our side, it would be easy to trick the insolent but careless vigilance of our guards. All that is required is the organised and resolute efforts of a few bold spirits outside. We have repeatedly urged upon the Czar the necessity of being prepared for any turn of events. He insists on two conditions which greatly complicate matters: he will not hear of the family being separated or leaving Russian territory. One day the Czarina said to me in this connection: “I wouldn’t leave Russia on any consideration, for it seems to me that to go abroad would be to break our last link with the past, which would then be dead for ever.” [Illustration: THE CZAR SAWING WOOD WITH ME. BEHIND, THE LITTLE GREENHOUSE ON THE ROOF OF WHICH WE MADE TWO SEATS AT THE END OF WINTER SO THAT WE COULD ENJOY THE SUN.] [Illustration: ALEXIS NICOLAÏEVITCH SITTING ON THE STEPS OF THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE. STANDING BY HIM IS THE SON OF DR. DEREVENKO, WHO WAS ALLOWED TO COME AND PLAY WITH HIM WHEN WE FIRST WENT TO TOBOLSK. {_Facing page 256._] _Monday, March 18th._--During the first week of Lent the family will perform its devotions as usual. There is a service morning and evening. As their different occupations prevent the attendance of the choir, the Czarina and Grand-Duchesses sing with the deacon. _Tuesday, March 19th._--After lunch the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was discussed. It has just been signed. The Czar was very depressed, saying: “It is such a disgrace for Russia and amounts to suicide. I should never have thought the Emperor William and the German Government could stoop to shake hands with these miserable traitors. But I’m sure they will get no good from it; it won’t save them from ruin!” A little later, when Prince Dolgorouky remarked that the newspapers were discussing a clause in which the Germans demanded that the Imperial family should be handed over to them unharmed, the Czar cried: “This is either a manœuvre to discredit me or an insult.” The Czarina added in a low voice: “After what they have done to the Czar, I would rather die in Russia than be saved by the Germans!” _Friday, March 22nd._--At a quarter past nine, after the evening service, everyone went to Confession--children, servants, suite, and finally Their Majesties.