CHAPTER IX.
OUR HERO AT THE COURT OF PETER THE GREAT.
On entering the palace Gerald was at once taken to a comfortable apartment, and supplied with refreshment. ‘Surely,’ thought he, ‘the Czar has some kind intentions respecting me, or he would not give orders that I should be treated in this manner;’ and he was much relieved by this thought. Having finished his meal, he was conducted by a domestic or slave (for all the domestics in Russia were slaves) to one of the baths prepared for the household, and then to a wardrobe, from whence a handsome robe was given him to put on in the place of his sheepskin garments. He was further told that he would most likely be summoned to attend on the Emperor in the evening.
The robe in which Gerald was arrayed was of dark green cloth, trimmed with fur. It was loose and flowing, only confined round the waist by a leathern girdle, in the manner of the dresses of the east. This kind of dress was in fashion in Russia at that time, though Peter afterwards, with some difficulty induced the Russian nobles and citizens to give it up, and adopt the costumes of England and France.
The change was certainly a great improvement to our hero’s appearance; and he began to wonder what all this would lead to.
With evening the expected summons came, and Gerald was conducted by a superior officer of the household to the royal presence. The Emperor was not now, as when our hero first saw him seated on a rude bench, but on a throne of state. He did not wear the gorgeous robe in which he had attended the church in the morning, for that was held sacred to the occasion, but he was dressed in one equally splendid. A number of nobles and ladies elegantly attired, stood on either side of the throne, and the blaze of light which was thrown upon the company by means of the brilliant chandeliers, gave the whole scene a dazzling aspect.
The Czar and his suite were greatly amused at observing the wonder and admiration which marked the expressive countenance of the youth, as he entered the grand saloon. Gerald’s thoughts, were not however, long so occupied, he was too much interested in ascertaining the object of his summons there.
‘Ha! my lad,’ exclaimed the Czar, in a familiar tone, as Gerald bowed low before the throne, ‘I’ve not forgotten you, you see. Well, how did you get on at your new work?’
‘I hope, Sire,’ Gerald replied with modest dignity, ‘I hope, Sire, I did my duty, and to the satisfaction of your Majesty’s officers.’
‘I’ve heard nothing to the contrary, at all events,’ said the Czar, ‘but what say you to leaving off that sort of work, and taking to something else? Have you become so fond of it that you desire to end your days at it?’
Gerald could not help smiling at this question. ‘Nay, Sire,’ he replied, ‘I did my work cheerfully, because I felt it to be my duty to do so, and I had moreover, an animating motive, but I should rejoice to be engaged in some employment better suited to my taste.’
‘What employment would be suited to your taste?’ the Emperor asked. ‘Would you like to be a soldier?’
‘A soldier’s profession would not be quite suited to my taste, Sire,’ Gerald replied.
‘Why? it is thought to be the most honourable calling by many of my subjects. I am a soldier, myself, but I wish not to put a restraint on your inclination—nay, should you prefer following some useful art, I would give you all encouragement. My nobles here know that I patronise the useful arts, and have set them an example by working at some of them myself.’
‘My inclination, Sire, has always been to pursue a studious life,’ Gerald ventured to say.
‘Ha!’ exclaimed the Czar, ‘I am now founding a university in Moscow, would you like to enter it?’
‘That is what I desire above all things, Sire,’ Gerald replied with great earnestness.
‘Your desire shall be gratified then,’ cried the Emperor, ’I wish to serve you, but I had another object in bringing you here. I took notice of the account you gave me at our former meeting of your singular deliverance from shipwreck, and I think I have some clue to the discovery of your family.’
Gerald looked up more earnestly than ever. ‘To enable me to discover my kindred, would indeed, Sire, be conferring on me a favour beyond any other,’ he exclaimed with great energy.
‘Can you write?’
‘Yes, Sire, I can write, though but indifferently. My good father, Michael Kopt, taught me to write to the best of his ability.’
‘Good—make out a clear statement then of all you know concerning your earlier history, in writing—be very particular as to dates, and send the document to me. You may withdraw now. My servants will attend to your comfort and provide you with anything you ask for.’
‘Oh! Sire,’ exclaimed the youth, bursting into a flood of tears, ’I can find no words to express my gratitude. But my heart thanks you a thousandfold.’
Peter was naturally a stern man, and not easily moved, but he could not witness the youth’s emotions without feeling something like a response.
Gerald still lingered at the foot of the throne. ‘Will your Majesty pardon me if I ask the addition of one favour more,’ he at length said, ‘it is, that I may be permitted to send a messenger to my friends to let them know that I am here safe under your Majesty’s gracious protection.’
‘Aye, if that will afford you pleasure,’ returned the emperor, smiling, and he waved his hand in token of an adieu.