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Princess Mary looked at her brother in surprise. She did not

understand what he was laughing at. Everything her father did

inspired her with reverence and was beyond question.

"Everyone has his Achilles' heel," continued Prince Andrew.

"Fancy, with his powerful mind, indulging in such nonsense!"

Princess Mary could not understand the boldness of her brother's

criticism and was about to reply, when the expected footsteps

were heard coming from the study. The prince walked in quickly

and jauntily as was his wont, as if intentionally contrasting the

briskness of his manners with the strict formality of his house.

At that moment the great clock struck two and another with a

shrill tone joined in from the drawing room. The prince stood

still; his lively glittering eyes from under their thick, bushy

eyebrows sternly scanned all present and rested on the little

princess. She felt, as courtiers do when the Tsar enters, the

sensation of fear and respect which the old man inspired in all

around him. He stroked her hair and then patted her awkwardly on

the back of her neck.