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The Daughter of an Empress

Page 422

A slight rustle made her rise. Almost with terror flew her glance

through the suite of rooms. There below she saw the approach of

something strange, singular, magical. It was a never-before-seen

form, but surrounded by a wonderfully bright halo, enveloped in rich,

glittering garments, such as she had never before seen. It was a

strange, unknown face, but of a sublime, heroic beauty, proud and noble,

bold and mild.

"That is he!" she breathlessly and sadly murmured--"yes, that is he!

That is a man and a hero! Ah, I shall die under his glance!"

He still continued to approach, and with every forward step he made

she felt her heart contract with anxiety, admiration, and a feverish

sadness.

Now he stood on the threshold of the boudoir--his glance fell upon her.

And she? She lay, or rather half knelt upon the divan, motionless, pale

as a marble statue, with that divine smile which we admire in ancient

sculpture.

Touching was she to behold, white and delicate as a lily, so humble and

devoted, so shelter-needing and love-imploring!

But Count Orloff felt neither sympathy nor compassion. He saw only that

she was beautiful as an angel, an admirable woman, whom he desired to

possess!

Proud as a king, and at the same time very reverential and submissive,

he approached and sank upon his knee before the divan upon which she

reclined in trembling yet blissful sadness.

"Princess Natalie," he murmured low, "will you be angry with your slave

for daring to intrude upon you without knowing whether he would be

welcome?"

She breathed freer. It was a relief to her to hear his voice--it made

her feel easier. He was no magician, no demon, he was a man, and spoke

to her with human words! That gave her courage and strength, it gave

her back the consciousness of her own dignity. She was ashamed of her

anxiety, her trembling, her childish helplessness. Yet she could say

nothing, answer nothing. She only gave him her hand, and with a charming

smile, an inimitable grace, and welcomed him with a silent inclination

of the head.

Taking her hand he pressed it to his lips. His touch seemed to kindle

in her an electric glow, and with something like alarm she withdrew her

hand.

"Are you, then, angry with me?" he asked in a tone of sadness.

"No," said she, "I am not angry, but I fear you. You are so great a

hero, and your sword has done so many brave deeds. I looked at your

sword, and it alarmed me."

Count Orloff gave her a surprised and interrogating glance. Why said

she that? Had she some suspicion, some mistrust, or was it only a

presentiment, an inexplicable instinct, that made her tremble at his

sword?

"No, she suspects nothing," thought he, as he gazed upon that

pure, innocent, childish brow, which was turned toward him in pious

confidence, and yet with timid hesitation.

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