I ought to take you; or, stay, should I not send for the
midwife, that she might lend you her yellow gown with flounces?"
But the lackey declared that the Tzarina wanted Marya Ivanofna to come
alone, and in the dress she should happen to be wearing. There was
nothing for it but to obey, and Marya Ivanofna started.
She foresaw that our fate was in the balance, and her heart beat
violently. After a few moments the coach stopped before the Palace, and
Marya, after crossing a long suite of empty and sumptuous rooms, was
ushered at last into the boudoir of the Tzarina. Some lords, who stood
around there, respectfully opened a way for the young girl.
The Tzarina, in whom Marya recognized the lady of the garden, said to
her, graciously--
"I am delighted to be able to accord you your prayer. I have had it all
looked into. I am convinced of the innocence of your betrothed. Here is
a letter which you will give your future father-in-law." Marya, all in
tears, fell at the feet of the Tzarina, who raised her, and kissed her
forehead. "I know," said she, "you are not rich, but I owe a debt to
the daughter of Captain Mironoff. Be easy about your future."
After overwhelming the poor orphan with caresses, the Tzarina dismissed
her, and Marya started the same day for my father's country house,
without having even had the curiosity to take a look at Petersburg.
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