After the Czar had spoken, there was silence until the Prince of Kiev said,
“My dear fellow, I had no idea that this was intended! My congratulations and, of course, my very best wishes to you both!”
He turned to the Czar and added,
“You have certainly contrived, Your Majesty, to join together two of the most remarkably handsome people who ever existed! At their wedding it will be difficult to know who the congregation will admire the most – the bride or the bridegroom!”
He laughed at his own joke and the Czar laughed too.
Then, with an unmistakably spiteful look in her eyes, the Princess Eudoxia moved towards Vida and held out her hand.
As Vida curtseyed, Eudoxia said,
“I am sure, Countess, that you will offer me your good wishes. It is so nice to see you again after meeting you at
