The Unfailing Light
I was summoned into the headmistress's parlor that evening. Madame Tomilov looked up at me sternly. "Katerina Alexandrovna, I have heard some troublesome news, young lady. One of the staff has told me that you tried to leave the institute grounds last night."
Mon Dieu! Who on earth would lie to the headmistress about me? "Of course not, Madame. Any of my roommates can tell you the truth. I was asleep all night."
This was part of the empress's plan. She had told the headmistress to punish me, and this is what my classmates would be told when they found out I was not going to the ball. I clasped my hands in defeat. "Of course, Madame," I whispered, trying very hard not to cry in front of her. I was too old for such displays of emotion. No matter how upset I was.
I stood up, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand.
I nodded and turned to go. She knew the empress had forbidden me to leave the institute. Madame also knew I had not tried to leave the grounds last night. That was small comfort. I still felt as if I'd been betrayed.