Читать книгу When I Was Czar онлайн

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I was up betimes and found my head clear on one point.

There must be no more Emperor business, let the result be what it would. I would tell Helga the truth, even if the heavens fell; and I went down with this purpose strong in me.

Then I would tell her of my friendship with the Czar and offer my services as a direct intermediary to bring about an interview between them.

She was in the garden among her flowers, and in her simple morning costume, with the fresh colour in her cheeks, she looked even lovelier than on the previous night.

She welcomed me with a smile and held out some flowers.

“I am an early riser, you see. I love my garden. I have been out here more than an hour. You have slept?” she added, glancing at my face which was no doubt serious enough, for I rather dreaded what I had to say.

“Never better in my life,” I answered. “But I wish to speak to you.”

“And does that prospect make you so serious? I ought to apologize for exhaling such terrors.” She laughed gaily and bent over a flower bush, and then glanced up half-coquettishly. “Let us wait a while. Be merciful, and do not spoil my morning.”