_Tuesday, April 23rd._--Commissary Yakovlef came at eleven o’clock. After an inspection of the whole house he went to see the Czar, who accompanied him to the room of Alexis Nicolaïevitch who is in bed. Not having been able to see the Czarina, who was not ready to receive him, he came again a little later with the regimental doctor and paid a second visit to Alexis Nicolaïevitch. (He wanted to be assured by his doctor that the boy was really ill.) As he was going away he asked the commandant whether we had much luggage. Can this mean we are to move?
_Wednesday, April 24th._--We are all in a state of mental anguish. We feel we are forgotten by everyone, abandoned to our own resources and at the mercy of this man. Is it possible that no one will raise a finger to save the Imperial family? Where are those who have remained loyal to the Czar? Why do they delay?
_Thursday, April 25th._--Shortly before three o’clock, as I was going along the passage, I met two servants sobbing. They told me that Yakovlef has come to tell the Czar that he is taking him away. What can be happening? I dare not go up without being summoned, and went back to my room. Almost immediately Tatiana Nicolaïevna knocked at my door. She was in tears, and told me Her Majesty was asking for me. I followed her. The Czarina was alone, greatly upset. She confirmed what I had heard, that Yakovlef has been sent from Moscow to take the Czar away and is to leave to-night.
“The commissary says that no harm will come to the Czar, and that if anyone wishes to accompany him there will be no objection. I can’t let the Czar go alone. They want to separate him from his family as they did before....[66]
“They’re going to try to force his hand by making him anxious about his family.... The Czar is necessary to them; they feel that he alone represents Russia.... Together we shall be in a better position to resist them, and I ought to be at his side in the time
[Illustration: AT THE MAIN DOOR OF THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE DURING A WALK IN THE COURT.
The four Grand-Duchesses. The Czarevitch. The officer of the Guard. The Czar.]
of trial.... But the boy is still so ill.... Suppose some complication sets in.... Oh, God, what ghastly torture!... For the first time in my life I don’t know what I ought to do; I’ve always felt inspired whenever I’ve had to take a decision, and now I can’t think.... But God won’t allow the Czar’s departure; it can’t, it _must_ not be. I’m sure the thaw will begin to-night....”[67]