Chapter FourPrincess Ysevolsov and Tania called first on an ancient member of the Ysevolsov family, who lived in a fabulous Palace on the banks of the River Neva.
She was so old and had lived through so many dramatic events in her life that she was not particularly interested in what was happening at present.
She was, however, a tremendous admirer of the Czar and talked incessantly of his charm and his commanding appearance.
She had recently been visited by Madame de Staël, the French writer who had extolled him to all and sundry, saying that she was deeply affected by the noble simplicity with which he entered upon the great interests of Europe.
“Alexander,” the old lady went on, “is exactly the type of Czar that the Russians have wanted for many centuries and you will see that histor
