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The Daughter of an Empress

Page 113

"You would not have many to confess," said Elizabeth, "for your sins are

few. You are the pride of my court, and, as I am told, a true pattern

of all knightly virtues. Remain so, and who knows, my fair young count,

what the future may bring you? Love my Natalie now only as an angel of

innocence; let her grow up as such, and then--"

"And then?" asked the count, as the empress stopped.

"Then we shall see!" smilingly responded Elizabeth. "But now hasten

forward to announce us."

"Your majesty forgets that, to enable one to penetrate into this

enchanted castle, your written command is required!"

"Ah, that is true!" said Elizabeth, stepping to her writing-table. This

time she was not too indolent to write; no representations nor prayers

were needed. It concerned the seeing of her daughter--how, then, could

she have thought writing painful or troublesome?

With the same pen with which, a short time before, she had so

unwillingly signed the congratulatory letter, she now wrote upon a sheet

of paper, provided with her seal these words: "The Count Rasczinsky may be admitted.

"ELIZABETH."

She handed the paper to the count, who pressed it to his lips.

"You can retain this paper for all time," said the empress, as she

dismissed him. "I know that I can wholly confide in you. You will never

sell or betray my Natalie?"

"Never!" protested the count, taking his leave.

Hastily mounting his horse, he galloped through the streets, and when,

having left the city behind him, he found himself in the open country

where no one could observe him, he drew the paper Elizabeth had given

him from his bosom, and waving it high in the air, shouted: "Good fortune, good fortune! This paper is my talisman and my future!

With this paper I will give Russia an empress, and make myself her

emperor!"

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