How he had
never dreamed that immediate danger threatened her, or that the King was
there, or he would not have left her for any peril to the Excellency, who
was after all a man and could fight. And How Vasili, being younger and more
quick of wit, had suspected, hearing his message as he gave it to the
Excellency, that all was not well, and had hastened to the house--too late
to save his Queen.
And then the faithful servant took up Anna's tale. How this good girl had
been watching on the side of the villa towards the town, and had heard the
King come battering at the gate. How she had flown to warn her mistress,
but that the _Imperatorskoye_ had sent her back to watch, saying she
herself would call Dmitry to protect them. Of course--as they now
guessed--on purpose that Anna should not hear her message to him--as the
Queen knew full well if he--Dmitry--heard from Anna the King was there, and
she--the Queen--in danger, he would not leave her, even to do her
bidding. Then of how the King had thrust the frightened servants aside, and
strode with threats and oaths into the hall, accompanied by his two vile
men. And how Anna had implored the Queen to hide while there was yet time.
But how that shining one had stood only listening intently for the
sea-bird's cry, and then when she heard it, had turned in triumph to the
entering King, saying to Anna that nothing mattered now the Excellency was
safe!
On her face, as she looked at this monster, was no dread of death, or aught
but scorn and fearless pride.
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