In enumerating the pretenders whose ambition threatens the Republic,
I had naturally omitted this prince, whose claims seemed to be
overshadowed by those of his elder brother. I now recalled his
popularity as a young man of the most charming manners, and the
prestige which he derives from his rank in the Russian Army and the
personal friendship of the Tsar.
What was more possible than that Garnier and his comrades, passing
over the unattractive elder, should have chosen as the figurehead
of their usurpation this romantic character, who would be doubly
dependent on them, because he would be doubly a usurper?
These reflections passed through my mind swiftly enough for me to
answer without any perceptible pause--
‘You are paying a visit to your brother?’
Prince Victor nodded, as though that were a matter of course. It
was easy to see that he felt it a relief to be able to discuss the
situation fully and frankly with a man of experience and resource,
one who moreover had no reason for taking his brother’s side.