Page:The Czar, A Tale of the Time of the First Napleon.djvu/361

Rh that he loves and follows his King? Nay, even the glory of my Czar will pass away, the jewels that sparkle in his crown of fame will pale and wane (that will not matter, for he will have cast it long ere then at his Redeemer's feet); but the glory of Christ will last for ever and ever."

"I know you really believe in the Christian religion. I cannot, but I respect those who can."

"I believe in Christ, Emile; and I want you to believe in him too. I want you to search and look, and never rest until you find out—first that he is, then that he is worthy of all your faith and love."

"Where do you want me to look?"

"If you will, at the lives of those who profess this faith. See if it does not produce better and nobler results than any other principle of action. But I had far rather you looked at the picture of Christ himself as you will find it in the holy Scriptures."

"Well, I will try," said Emile, evidently touched. "At least I can read. I have more than time enough for reading now. I study mathematics with Henri; but he is so tiresome that every lesson ends in a quarrel.—Last term I had the second prize at the Polytechnic, and now I expected the first. Was it not hard to be turned out?"

"Very; but you have the consolation of suffering in the cause of your Emperor. If I were you, Emile, I would study hard enough to show the world I was no loser. And, one word more; I would keep away from political meetings, secret meetings especially, and eschew plots and intrigues. They are only snares and pitfalls dug for the feet of those who cling to a lost cause."

"Lost!—Oh, Prince Ivan!"

"My friend, Napoleon has played his game and lost his stake. That is plain to every one. But you have the cards still in your hand. Do not spoil your chance."

"Do you mean my chance of success? I thought you despised success."