Part 42 (1/2)

”If you speak so angrily I shall not dare to tell you.”

”It is not anger but excitement that made me speak so sharply. He whom you love is forgiven everything.”

”Really? You do not forbid me to love somebody?”

”If only he is worthy of you. What is his rank?”

”An officer of the Body Guard.”

”I will give him a regiment and make him a prince, so that he may ask you in marriage.”

”Let me kiss you for that! But do not give him anything, father. Let him remain as he is; I love him for what he is now, and want him always to remain the same. He is more than a prince, more than a general! Higher far than they--”

”Who is it, then?”

”Well, Aleko.”

”What Aleko?”

”Oh! do you not know his name? Then stoop down and I will whisper it in your ear.”

The Czar drew her to him.

”Would you like to be his wife?”

For all answer the girl looked at him with eyes opened wide and radiant expression.

”Would you like to be his wife?”

”What else could I desire? Poor little foundling as I am, I should be happy indeed to have such a prospect. And we would be so happy together.

Aleko would not murder me for my faithlessness. But how can we let him know? So far, he has not had permission to come here.”

”From this time forth he shall.”

”But who can tell him?”

”I, myself. I will bring him to you.”

”You are as good a father as in one of Bethsaba's fairy tales.”

”I will see myself to all the preparations, will arrange your dowry, settle the day, and command the Patriarch of Solowetshk here to celebrate the marriage.”

”Oh yes, in summer, when the roses are out. My bridal wreath shall be of real roses.”

”I will have your wedding ornaments made from this nugget of platinum.

And now you really are as happy as I am, are you not?”