The Daughter of an Empress

"This, gentlemen," continued Anna, raising her voice, "is the simple

explanation of this mystery. I owe this explanation to myself, well

knowing that secret slander and malicious insinuations might seek

to implicate me in this affair, and that a certain inimical and

evil-disposed party, displeased that you should have a woman for regent,

would be glad to prove to you that all women are weak, faulty, and

sinful creatures! Be careful how you credit such miserable tales!"

Silent, with downcast eyes, stood the generals under the flashing glance

of the regent, who now turned to her husband with a mocking smile. "You,

my prince and husband," said she, "you I have to thank!--your tenderness

of heart induced you generously to furnish me with this opportunity to

justify my conduct to my most distinguished and best-beloved subjects

and servants, and thus to break the point of the weapon with which

calumny threatened my breast! I therefore thank you, my husband. But

see! there comes the emperor."

In fact, the folding-doors were at this moment thrown open, and a long

train of palace officials and servants approached. At the head of the

train was Julia von Mengden, bearing a velvet cushion bespangled with

brilliants, upon which reposed the child in a dress of gold brocade. On

both sides were seen the richly adorned nurses and attendants, and near

them the major-domo, bearing upon a golden cushion the imperial crown

and other insignia of empire.

Anna Leopoldowna took young Ivan in her arms; the child smiled in her

face, and stretched forth his hand toward the sparkling crown.

With her son upon her arm, Anna majestically advanced to the centre of

the hall, and, lifting up the child, said: "Behold your emperor! Respect

and reverence for your illustrious master! Upon your knees in the

presence of your emperor!"

It was as if all, servants, attendants, and generals, had been struck

with a magic wand. They all fell upon their knees, and bowed their heads

to the earth--venal slaves, one word from their ruler sufficed to set

them all grovelling in the dust!

With a proud smile Anna enjoyed this triumph. Near her stood the prince,

the father of the emperor, with rage and shame in his heart.

"Long live the emperor!" resounded from all lips, and the child Ivan,

Emperor of all the Russias, screeched for joy at the noise and at the

splendor of the assemblage.

"Long live our noble regent, Anna Leopoldowna!" now loudly cried Julia

von Mengden.

Like a thundering cry of jubilation it was instantly echoed through the

hall.

The generals were the first to join in this enthusiastic viva!

A quarter of an hour later the generals were permitted to retire, and

the emperor was reconveyed to his apartments.

Anna Leopoldowna remained alone with her husband and the newly-married

pair, who had retreated to the recess of a window and were whispering

together.