XIII

AN EXPLANATION

Count Kallash and his sister had just breakfasted when the count’s French footman entered the study.

“Madame la baronne von Doering!” he announced obsequiously.

Brother and sister exchanged a rapid glance.

“Now is our opportunity to make sure,” said Kallash, with a smile.

“If it is she, I shall recognize her by her voice,” whispered Princess Anna.  “Shall I remain here or go?”

“Remain in the meantime; it will be a curious experience. Faites entrer!” he added to the footman.

A moment later light, rapid footsteps were heard in the entrance hall, and the rustling of a silk skirt.

“How do you do, count!  I have come to see you for a moment.  I came in all haste, on purpose.  I have come in person, you must be duly appreciative!  Vladislav is too busy, and the matter is an important one.  I wanted to see you at the earliest opportunity.  Well, we may all congratulate ourselves.  Fate and fortune are decidedly on our side!” said the baroness, speaking rapidly, as she entered the count’s study.

“What has happened?  What is the news?” asked the count, going forward to meet her.

“We have learned that the Shadurskys have just received a large sum of money; they have sold an estate, and the purchaser has paid them in cash.  Our opportunity has come.  Heaven forbid that we should lose it!  We must devise a plan to make the most of it.”

The baroness suddenly stopped short in the middle of the sentence, and became greatly confused, noticing that there was a third person present.

“Forgive me!  I did not give you warning,” said the count, shrugging his shoulders and smiling; “permit me! Princess Anna Chechevinski!” he continued with emphasis, indicating his poor, decrepit sister.  “Of course you would not have recognized her, baroness.”

“But I recognized Natasha immediately,” said the old woman quietly, her eyes still fixed on Natasha’s face.

The baroness suddenly turned as white as a sheet, and with trembling hands caught the back of a heavy armchair.

Kallash with extreme politeness assisted her to a seat.

“You didn’t expect to meet me, Natasha?” said the old woman gently and almost caressingly, approaching her.

“I do not know you.  Who are you?” the baroness managed to whisper, by a supreme effort.

“No wonder; I am so changed,” replied Princess Anna.  “But you are just the same.  There is hardly any change at all.”

Natasha began to recover her composure.

“I don’t understand you,” she said coldly, contracting her brows.

“But I understand you perfectly.”

“Allow me, princess,” Kallash interrupted her, “permit me to have an explanation with the baroness; she and I know each other well.  And if you will pardon me, I shall ask you in the meantime to withdraw.”