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A cloud passed over the brow of the princess "Yes, you are right," said

she, "we must avoid that at all events, and if there are no other means,

very well, I shall knohat to decide upon--I shall venture an atteent and make myself empress! But, my friends, let

that now suffice I need rest Call ht, reat and

powerful eraciousness she extended her fair hands to her friends,

who respectfully pressed them to their lips and then departed

"Alexis!" called the princess, as Razumovsky was about to withdraith the others--"Alexis, you will re

slu so splendidly!"

Alexis smiled and remained

A quarter of an hour later deep silence prevailed in the dark palace

of Elizabeth, and through the stillness of the night was heard only

the sweetly- his

slu to the princess

From this day forward her four trusted friends left the princess no

peace They so stormed her with prayers and supplications, Alexis

so well kne to represent his despair at her approaching and

unavoidable e, that the amiable princess, to satisfy her friends

and be left herself at peace, declared herself ready to sanction the

plans of her confidants and enter into a conspiracy against the regent