, half of that period, have passed, and my resolution is firmer than ever. If the doctors did not keep me here at the spas I should be back in Russia, but as it is I have to postpone my return for three months. You know me and my relations with Father. I want nothing from him. I have been and always shall be independent; but to go against his will and arouse his anger, now that he may perhaps remain with us such a short time, would destroy half my happiness. I am now writing to him about the same question, and beg you to choose a good moment to hand him the letter and to let me know how he looks at the whole matter and whether there is hope that he may consent to reduce the term by four months.”

After long hesitations, doubts, and prayers, Princess Márya gave the letter to her father. The next day the old prince said to her quietly:

“Write and tell your brother to wait till I am dead.⁠ ⁠… It won’t be long⁠—I shall soon set him free.”

The princess was about to reply, but her father would not let her speak and, raising his voice more and more, cried: