"That is the name by which I am known to a large staff of creditors,"
replied he.
"If you will go to No. 4, Passage Kazan, at the back of the cathedral,
second-floor back room on the left at the top of the stairs, and go
straight into the room, you will find a friend who wishes to see you,"
she said, as one repeating a lesson by rote.
"And who are you, my dear young lady!"
"I--I am no one. I am only a paid agent."
"Ah!"
They walked on in silence a few paces. The bells of St. Isaac's Church
suddenly burst out into a wild carillon, as is their way, effectually
preventing further conversation for a few moments.
"Will you go?" asked the girl, when the sound had broken off as suddenly
as it had commenced.
"Probably. I am curious and not nervous--except of damp sheets. My
anonymous friend does not expect me to stay all night, I presume. Did
he--or is it a she, my fatal beauty?--did _it_ not name an hour?"
"Between now and seven o'clock."
"Thank you."
"God be with you!" said the girl, suddenly wheeling round and walking
away.
Without looking after her Steinmetz walked on, gradually increasing his
pace. In a few minutes he reached the large house standing within iron
gates at the upper end of the English quay, the house of Prince Pavlo
Howard Alexis.
He found Paul alone in his study.
Pages:
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199