Page:The Czar, A Tale of the Time of the First Napleon.djvu/437

 CHAPTER XLIII.

HIS KING SPEAKS TO THE CZAR ONCE MORE.

LTHOUGH the fast of Easter eve is the strictest known in the Greek Church, yet on this occasion willing hands quickly prepared a meal for the travellers, since, as Pope Yefim observed, "Mercy is better than sacrifice." Whilst Ivan's retainers took care of the companions of Henri, he himself was waited upon like a prince by Clémence and Ivan in person, with the assistance of Pope Yefim and little Alexander. In reply to their eager inquiries, he told them the incidents of his journey, which had not been without its dangers and vicissitudes. But, through all that he said, Clémence thought she perceived the shadow of some great sorrow. Her foreboding heart turned at once to what was to both of them equally and intensely dear. Three times she tried to shape the inquiry, "Henri, how is our mother?" and three times the words died upon her lips. But at last she summoned courage to ask the question.

His answer relieved her at once: "Never better, thank God. Such at least is her own report. I bring you letters from her, which she enclosed to me."

Then her anxious thoughts turned to his betrothed, the bright, brave-hearted Stéphanie; but she shrank from uttering her