as he arranged and rearranged the tea-table; but when he actually began to make inquiries about the quality of the beverage itself, her eyes, so lately tearful, sparkled into a smile as she asked,—
"When did you become a connoisseur in these things, Ivan? I thought the difference between tea and coffee was the extent of your knowledge on the subject."
Ivan, instead of answering, kissed her; then taking a white camellia from a vase on the table, he fastened it at the throat of her plain black dress. "My Clémence must look her best to receive the Emperor," he said.
"The Emperor!" she cried in dismay. "Oh, Ivan, why did you not tell me?"
Before he could reply a sledge stopped at the door, and Ivan hastened down to welcome his guest.
Clémence had scarcely recovered her composure when the Emperor entered the room, saying pleasantly, "I must make my apologies to Madame la Princesse for inviting myself. Prince Ivan Ivanovitch is responsible: he gave me permission to take you by surprise, and promised me a welcome."
The promised welcome was given by Clémence, very gracefully and cordially, in spite of a little tremulousness in her voice and nervousness in her manner. One gentle, significant word of sympathy for her sorrow was spoken; then, all ceremony being waived, they took their seats together at the table, the Emperor declining the "fauteuil" Ivan placed for him, and choosing an ordinary chair instead.
"You know I am deaf," he said; "let me sit where I can best hear the voice of madame."[1]
- ↑ In the following conversation not only the sentiments but the words given are all those of Alexander himself. It was his habit to pay an occasional evening visit in the manner described above to those whom he esteemed. He was not particular as to their rank (some merchants' wives had poured out tea for him not unfrequently), but they were always persons noted for piety and good works.
