The Daughter of an Empress

Tears of anger and love stood in her eyes as Razumovsky approached to

aid her in entering it. Hurling away his hand, she entered the carriage

without assistance.

"And may I not accompany you in the carriage as usual?" asked Alexis,

with tenderness in his tone.

"No," she curtly said, "go back into the hall, and again admire the

handsomest woman in the empire!"

Then, jealousy getting the better of anger, she beckoned to Alexis, who

was about departing in sadness, and commanded him to enter the carriage

without delay.

As soon as the carriage door was closed, with an angry movement she

seized both of Razumovsky's hands.

"Look at me," said she--"look me directly in the eye, and then tell me,

is Eleonore Lapuschkin handsomer than I?"