“Yes, did you not know?” the Countess asked. “The Czar has ordered that a Committee should be set up to discuss means by which the Russian Noblemen can give freedom to their serfs.”
“Oh, I am so glad!” Alida said. “I was not aware that anything like that was contemplated.”
“Only a few fools with Communist leanings have suggested such a revolutionary step,” Count Ivan remarked harshly. “His Imperial Majesty has been pushed into agreeing to consider the matter, which I assure you will get no further than the negotiating table.”
“But surely Russian Noblemen must realise that it is wrong to own serfs.” Alida said hotly.
Count Ivan laughed unpleasantly.
“We call them ‘souls’,” he sneered, “but I assure that you they are nothing but animals. They have no brains and freedom, if they obtained
