As the kibitka slowly climbed the hill on its way to the castle-
gate, Prince Alexis, who had heard and enjoyed the noises in the
village from a balcony on the western tower, made his appearance on
the head of the steps which led from the court-yard to the state
apartments. The dreaded whip was in his hand; his eyes seemed
about to start from their sockets, in their wild, eager, hungry
gaze; the veins stood out like cords on his forehead; and his lips,
twitching involuntarily, revealed the glare of his set teeth. A
frightened hush filled the castle. Some of the domestics were on
their knees; others watching, pale and breathless, from the
windows: for all felt that a greater storm than they had ever
experienced was about to burst. Sasha and the castle-steward had
taken the wise precaution to summon a physician and a priest,
provided with the utensils for extreme unction. Both of these
persons had been smuggled in through a rear entrance, and were kept
concealed until their services should be required.
The noise of wheels was heard outside the gate, which stood
invitingly open.
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