[12]CZAR. They don't die fast enough, then. You should put more of them into one cell at once. You don't keep them long enough in the mines. If you do they're sure to die; but you're all too merciful. I'm too merciful myself. Send her to Siberia.[12] She is sure to die on the way. (_Enter an AIDE-DE-CAMP._) Who's that? Who's that? AIDE-DE-CAMP. A letter for his Imperial Majesty. CZAR (_to PRINCE PAUL_). I won't open it. There may be something in it. PRINCE PAUL. It would be a very disappointing letter, Sire, if there wasn't. (_Takes letter himself, and reads it._) PRINCE PETRO. (_to COUNT ROUVALOFF_). It must be some sad news. I know that smile too well. PRINCE PAUL. From the Chief of the Police at Archangel, Sire. "The Governor of the province was shot this morning by a woman as he was entering the courtyard of his own house. The assassin has been seized." CZAR. I never trusted the people of Archangel. It's a nest of Nihilists and conspirators. Take away their saints; they don't deserve them. PRINCE PAUL. Your Highness would punish them more severely by giving them an extra one. Three governors shot in two months. (_Smiles to himself._) Sire, permit me to recommend your loyal subject, the Marquis de Poivrard, as the new governor of your Province of Archangel. MARQ. DE POIV. (_hurriedly_). Sire, I am unfit for this post. PRINCE PAUL. Marquis, you are too modest. Believe me, there is no man in Russia I would sooner see Governor of Archangel than yourself. (_Whispers to CZAR._) CZAR. Quite right, Prince Paul; you are always right. See that the Marquis's letters are made out at once. PRINCE PAUL. He can start to-night, Sire. I shall really miss you very much, Marquis. I always liked your taste in wines and wives extremely. MARQ. DE POIV. (_to the CZAR_). Start to-night, Sire? (_PRINCE PAUL whispers to the CZAR._) CZAR. Yes, Marquis, to-night; it is better to go at once. PRINCE PAUL. I shall see that Madame la Marquise is not too lonely while you are away; so you need not be alarmed for her. COUNT R. (_to PRINCE PETROVITCH_). I should be more alarmed for myself. CZAR. The Governor of Archangel shot in his own courtyard by a woman! I'm not safe here. I'm not safe anywhere, with that she devil of the revolution, Vera Sabouroff, here in Moscow. Prince Paul, is that woman still here? PRINCE PAUL. They tell me she was at the Grand Duke's ball last night. I can hardly believe that; but she certainly had intended to leave for Novgorod to-day, Sire. The police were watching every train for her; but, for some reason or other, she did not go. Some traitor must have warned her. But I shall catch her yet. A chase after a beautiful woman is always exciting. CZAR. You must hunt her down with bloodhounds, and when she is taken I shall hew her limb from limb. I shall stretch her on the rack till her pale white body is twisted and curled like paper in the fire.