Page:The Czar, A Tale of the Time of the First Napleon.djvu/430

420 spoke very mournfully of the state of things in Siberia, whence the Governor-General, Speranski, has just returned, bringing sad accounts of the prevalence of corruption and dishonesty in the public service. For the present the vigorous measures of Speranski have checked these evils, though at the expense of removing the governor from every province save one. He has sent these unfaithful governors here for their trial; and most of them will probably be sent back to Siberia as convicts. But now his own health has broken down, and he is obliged to quit his post. There is need—great need—of faithful and active men to continue and carry out the reforms he has begun."

Here Ivan paused, took the hand of Clémence in his, and with a look full of tenderness continued his narrative—"The Czar said to me sadly, 'There are so few that I can trust. Will you help me in this thing, Prince Ivan Ivanovitch?'"

Clémence started, and her sweet face glowed with a sudden colour, then grew pale again as rapidly. "O Ivan!" she exclaimed. "And what did you say to him?"

"What could I say? Is it amongst things possible—conceivable—that my Czar should ask me to help him, and be refused?"

"No; nor that I should wish it. But, Ivan, this will bring a great change into our happy life."

"These were nearly his own words. He was very kind, he was even tenderly considerate for me and for you, Clémence. He would not, he said, ask from me more than a few years of my life. And for that time, could not your mother come to you?"

"Come to me?" Clémence repeated a little proudly. "Does he—or do you—suppose for one moment I would let you go to Siberia alone?"

"I don't believe he does," Ivan answered with a dawning smile upon his serious face. "He added, that should you prefer accompanying me, which indeed was what he expected, every possible comfort and luxury should be provided for you and for