My blessing upon
thee, my angel!"
"I will be a true sister to him," whispered Julia in return;
"always believe in me and trust me. And now, my Anna, calmness and
self-possession! I already hear your husband's approach. Be strong and
great. Let no feature of your dear face betray your inward commotion!"
And, stepping back to the count, Julia made a sign to the priest to
commence the marriage ceremony.
Hand in hand the bridal pair knelt before the priest, the servants
folded their hands in prayer, and, proudly erect, with a heavenly
transfiguration of her noble face, stood Anna Leopoldowna--the priest
commenced the ceremony.
A slight noise was heard at the closed, concealed door. The priest
calmly continued to speak, the bridal pair remained in their kneeling
position, and, calmly smiling, stood the regent by their side.
The door opened, and, followed by his generals, the enraged prince
appeared upon the threshold.
No one suffered himself to be disturbed; the priest continued the
service, the parties remained upon their knees, Anna Leopoldowna stood
looking on with a proud and tranquil smile.
Motionless, benumbed, as if struck by lightning, remained the prince
upon the threshold; behind him were seen the astonished faces of his
generals, who, on tiptoe, stretched their necks to gaze, over each
other's shoulders, upon this singular and unexpected spectacle!
At length a murmur arose, they pressed farther forward toward the door,
and, overcoming his momentary stupefaction, the prince ventured into the
room.
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