The regent, and her husband and son, are prisoners; as,
also are Munnich, Ostermann, Count Lowenwald, and Julia von Mengden. You
must think of judging and punishing them."
Elizabeth had paid no attention to him. She was whispering and laughing
with Alexis, who had let down her long dark hair, and was now playfully
twining it around her white neck.
"Ah, you have not listened to me, your majesty," impatiently cried
Lestocq. "You must, however, for a few moments remember your dignity,
and direct what is to be done with the imprisoned traitors."
"Only see, Alexis, how this new lord privy counsellor teases me," sighed
the princess, and, turning to Lestocq, she continued: "I think you
should understand the laws better than I, and should know how traitors
are punished."
"In all countries high-treason is punished with death," said Lestocq,
gloomily.
"Well, let these traitors fare according to the common usage, and kill
them," responded Elizabeth, comfortably extending herself upon the
divan.
"But your majesty has this day abolished the punishment of death."
"Have I so? Ah, yes, I now remember. Well, as I have said it, I must
keep my word."
"And the regent, Prince Ulrich, the so-called Emperor Ivan, Counts
Ostermann, Munnich, Lowenwald, as well as Julia von Mengden, and the
other prisoners, are all to remain unpunished?"
"Can they be punished in no other way than by death?" impatiently asked
Elizabeth.
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