Her Royal Lover: A Novel — page 160: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

152 HER ROYAL LOVER. majesty entreats you to read this, and to give me verbally your response, or, if you prefer it, to send it to him by writing, as soon as you have strength to do so.” Najeska Ivanowna broke the royal seal. The note contained only a few words, evidently written with great precaution, for fear of its falling into indiscreet hands, it might still aggravate her situation. “Madame la Princess, I pray you to let me know when I can come in person to express to you all my regrets. If, as soon as you have the strength, you will write to me and relate the facts which I deplore, without knowing them, you will allay a very great disquietude. CHARLES FERDINAND XVIII.” After having read it, Najeska Ivanowna said to the count: “Thank his majesty for the interest which he shows me, and tell him that at present I would not dare to write, feeling myself too feeble; but, as soon as I shall be able, I will do so immediately.” “You have been exceedingly gracious, Madame le Ambassadrice, to have been willing to receive me. I hope that you will not suffer long from the effects of this frightful accident,” Count Adlersward re- sponded. Ihe aide-de-camp attempted still, by adroit means, to obtain some details, but the ambassadress re- mained silent. The messenger of the king was forced to retire without having obtained the slightest explanation. Although it was two o’clock and the courier of the Caucasian Empire was to depart at three, the Prince of Mineleko had not yet reappeared at the embassy. “Hum! this is significant,” Count Adlersward said Gomicbooks,. co m