The Daughter of an Empress

"But it is not yet to be said that she is already yours!" said Stephano,

shrugging his shoulders. "As you will not employ force, your excellency,

you must have recourse to stratagem. I have hit upon a plan, of which I

think you will approve. They describe this so-called little princess

as exceedingly innocent and confiding. Let us take advantage of her

confiding innocence--that will be best! Now hear my plan."

Stephano inclined himself closer to the ear of the count, and whispered

long and earnestly; it seemed as if he feared that even the walls might

listen to him and betray his plans; he whispered so low that even the

count had some trouble in understanding him.

"You are right," said the count, when Stephano had ended; "your plan

must and will succeed. First of all, we must find some one who will

incline her in our favor, and render her confiding."

"Oh, for that we have our good Russian gold," said Stephano, laughing.

"And besides," continued the count, "our incognito is at an end. All

Rome may now learn that I am here! Ah, Stephano, what a happy time

awaits me! This Natalie is beautiful as an angel!"

"God grant that you may not fall in love with her!" sighed Stephano.

"You are always very generous when you are in love."