It is quite possible that expiring Tsardom had a finger in the pie.

At any rate, there was a Russian officer in the Castle the day he disappeared.

I should very much like to see the sort of explanation _he_ could give of the affair, if he chose." "But is there not such a power in the world now, Dad ?" asked Nitocris, looking across the table at him with a peculiar smile.
He looked back in silence for a moment or two.

Then he replied slowly: "I see what you mean, Niti.

Of course, I suppose we shall be able to read each other's thoughts now, or even converse without speaking, or when we are out of earshot of each other.