"Fancy, with his powerful mind, indulging in such nonsense!" Princess Mary could not understand the boldness of her brother's criticism and was about to reply, when the expected footsteps were heard coming from the study.

The prince walked in quickly and jauntily as was his wont, as if intentionally contrasting the briskness of his manners with the strict formality of his house.

At that moment the great clock struck two and another with a shrill tone joined in from the drawing room.

The prince stood still; his lively glittering eyes from under their thick, bushy eyebrows sternly scanned all present and rested on the little princess.

She felt, as courtiers do when the Tsar enters, the sensation of fear and respect which the old man inspired in all around him.