“Yes, Lili, do. For God’s sake see them,” sobbed Anna.
I opened the bedroom door very softly: the sentinels had not yet arrived. I caught a glimpse of Kerensky entering the room occupied by the doctors; then, impelled by some desperate courage, I ran down the corridors, and arrived breathless in the Grand Duchesses’ apartments. I found the Empress with Olga. I told her, in a few words, what had happened. Then distant footsteps warned us of Kerensky’s approach.
“Run ... Lili--hide in Marie’s room--it’s dark _there_,” whispered the Empress.
I had barely time to crouch down behind a screen in Marie’s room when Kerensky came in. He took no notice of the sick girl, but went in search of the Empress, who, with the Emperor, had now gone into the schoolroom. From where I was hiding I could hear Kerensky shouting. In a few moments the Empress entered; she was trembling visibly.... The Grand Duchesses Olga and Tatiana (now convalescent) rushed forward.
“Kerensky has insisted upon my leaving him alone with the Emperor,” answered the Empress.... “They’ll most probably arrest me.”
The two girls clung to their mother, and slowly made their way back to Marie. I had now emerged from behind the screen, and I went into the schoolroom, where I determined to remain until I saw the Emperor.
After what seemed a very long time the Emperor came out--alone.
“Your Majesty,” I cried, “tell me, I implore you, if there is anything dreadful in store for Her Majesty?”
The Emperor was painfully nervous. “No, no, Lili, and if Kerensky had uttered one word against Her Majesty, you would have heard me strike the table--thus--” and he struck the writing-table with his fist. “But I hear they’ve arrested Anna. Poor unfortunate woman, what will become of _her_?”
At the sound of her husband’s voice the Empress came out of Marie’s bedroom. The Emperor told her that Kerensky had arrested Anna because he suspected that she was implicated in political plots. “If it’s true, it’s an awful thing,” said Kerensky; “but I suppose everything will now be disclosed.”
Their Majesties then related the particulars of their interview with Kerensky.
“His first words,” said the Empress, “were, ‘I am Kerensky. You probably know my name.’