Page:In the name of a woman (1900).djvu/172

 As I opened the door, Zoiloff and a couple of men with axes had come up.

"Good God! what has happened?" cried Zoiloff, falling back before my looks.

"Keep that hell-cat safe till I return," I shouted, and, hatless and dishevelled as I was after the tussle for the key, I dashed out of the house, and ran at my top speed through the street.

By good fortune I met one of my grooms exercising a horse close by the house; and before the man could recover from his surprise I had half pulled him from the saddle, clambered up in his place, and was clattering at full gallop towards the Princess's house, heedless of all or any that came in my path.

The moment I reached it I jumped off, sprang up the steps, pealed the great bell and thundered at the heavy knocker, never ceasing till the porter opened the door with a half-scared face.

"The Princess! Quick, man, quick, for your life!" I cried like a madman. "Where is she?"

"In her boudoir," answered the fellow, staring at me as if I had been a wild man, as indeed I almost was. I ran by him and mounted the stairs with leaps and bounds. On the landing above stood a footman, peering down curiously at the disturbance.

"The Princess's room! Show me instantly!" and my mien and voice were so threatening that he fell back pale and frightened, and pointed to a door.

I knocked, but did not wait for an answer.

"Are you there, Christina?" I cried, excitedly, not heeding that I used her Christian name only. "Christina!" I cried again, when I did not see her.

And then, to my inexpressible relief, she came out from an inner room. She was holding a small package,