"Do you hear me, Sofia?"
A voice like a sigh rustled on the parted lips, whose stir was
imperceptible:
"I hear you...."
"Then heed what I say. My will is your law. You know that?"
Faintly the voice breathed: "Yes."
"Tell me what it is you know."
"Your will is my law."
"You will not resist my will, you cannot. Tell me that."
"I will not resist your will, I cannot."
"Good. I, Prince Victor Vassilyevski, am your father. You believe that. Do
you understand? Tell me what you believe."
"I believe that you, Prince Victor Vassilyevski, are my father."
"You will not forget these things?"
"I shall not forget."
"In all things."
"I will obey you in all things."
"Without question or faltering."
"Without question or faltering."
"You recall what arrangements we made this afternoon for to-morrow?"
"I remember."
"Listen carefully. Memorize my wishes with respect to our visit to
Frampton Court, remembering that I communicate my will, which you must
obey."
The girl remained silent, waiting. Victor took a moment to marshall his
thoughts, then proceeded:
"After arriving at Frampton Court, you will make occasion quietly to find
out how your room is situated in relation to the boudoir of Lady Randolph
West. You will do this without knowing why you do it. You understand?"
"Yes."
"At night, on going to bed, you will go promptly to sleep. After an hour
you will wake up, put on a dressing gown and slippers, and proceed to Lady
Randolph West's boudoir, taking care not to be observed.
Pages:
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205