replied O'Donahue; "and I know no other means than
running away with her."

"That would never do," replied the countess; "you could not leave
Petersburg without passports; nor could she leave the palace for more
than an hour or two without being missed. You would soon be discovered,
and then you would lose her for ever."

"Then what can I do, my dear madame? Shall I throw myself upon the
indulgence of the emperor?"

"No, that would not answer either; she is too rich a prize to be
permitted to go into foreign hands. I'll tell you what you must first
do."

"I'm all attention."

"You must make love to me," replied the countess. "Nay, understand me.
I mean that you must _appear_ to make love to me, and the report of our
marriage must be spread. The emperor will not interfere in such a case;
you must do so to avoid suspicion. You have been here very often, and
your equipage has been constantly seen at the door. If it is supposed
you do not come on my account, it will be inquired why you do come; and
there is no keeping a secret at Petersburg. After it is supposed that
it is a settled affair between us, we then may consider what next ought
to be done. My regard for my cousin alone induces me to consent to
this; indeed, it is the only way she could avoid future misery."

"But is the emperor so despotic on these points?"

"An emperor is not to be trifled with; a ward of the emperor is
considered sacred--at least, so far, that if a Russian were to wed one
without permission, he probably would be sent to Siberia. With an
Englishman it is different, perhaps; and, once married, you would be
safe, as you could claim the protection of your ambassador. The great
point is, to let it be supposed that you are about to marry some one
else; and then, suspicion not being awakened, you may gain your wish."

"But tell me, madame,--that I may be safe from the emperor's displeasure
is true--but would the princess, after he discovered it? Could he not
take her away from me, and send her to Siberia for disobedience?"

"I hope, by the means I propose, to get you both clear of the emperor--
at least, till his displeasure is softened down. Me he cannot hurt; he
can only order me out of his dominions. As for the princess, I should
think that, if once married to you, she would be safe, for you could
claim the protection of the ambassador for her, as your wife, as well as
for yourself. Do you comprehend me now?"

"I do, mada