Page:The Czar, A Tale of the Time of the First Napleon.djvu/420

410 children's nurse, she said, "Come in," without looking up. An attendant entered instead, announcing a visitor—"M. de Salgues."

In delighted amazement Clémence stood up, placed Feodor on the ground, and hastened to welcome a guest who seemed a part of her dear native land. "This is an unexpected pleasure, and a very great one," she said, warmly grasping the hand of Emile.

But Emile, with his old effrontery, saluted her on the cheek, saying, "Permettez-moi, madame ma cousine."

A few explanations followed. Clémence and Ivan knew already that Emile intended to visit them; for he was about to make the tour of the European capitals, and had, as he himself expressed it, every possible inducement not to omit St. Petersburg. But the time of his visit having been left uncertain, it had pleased him to surprise his friends by travelling rapidly and directly from Paris to the city of the Czar.

"You will be glad to hear that my grandmother's health has improved," he said in answer to the inquiries of Clémence. "Madame de Talmont also is very well; and your brother is flourishing, in every sense of the word. I have a portmanteau full of letters and packages for you. How is Prince Ivan?"

"Well, thank you. I am sorry he is out just now; but I expect him home in an hour or two.—My little son, ring the bell for thy mother."

The little mujik, who had been looking at the stranger with large, blue, wide-open eyes, instantly obeyed.

"Come here, my little man," said Emile, stretching out his arms to him. "What a fine boy! Ma cousine, is this your eldest?"

"My first-born is in heaven, as you know," said Clémence in a voice low and gentle, but not sad. "This is our eldest boy—Alexander."

The little Alexander came willingly to Emile, and considered