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“If your economic instincts lead to trouble, don’t blame me,” I returned a little sharply. “I repeat I think you should send notes.”

“Your Majesty can promise him anything. If he raises any difficulty he can come to me,” he added.

“There is nothing else I have to take?”

“Nothing except this ring of the Emperor’s. You had better wear it, as it is well known; and perhaps had better take a revolver, although I don’t think you will have any trouble calling for one.”

“One never knows,” said I, and decided to take his advice.

“You will, of course, be cautious not to attempt a word of Russian. Your accent would betray you in a moment. You can use French with absolute safety, as His Majesty’s unfortunate preference for that language is well known. That is most important.”

“I’m not likely to forget. I can understand everything in Russian, but I know my limitations.”

“Then I will go and get ready to accompany you on the first part of the journey to the rendezvous at the Square of St. Peter.”

Now that the time was so close I was a good deal excited and impatient for the curtain to go up.