The Gates of Paradise Read Online Free PDF

desperately need a son.”
    â€œAt least a dozen of them to be really safe.  But as you know that is something I long for.  We always used to say how much we hoped to have large families so that they could never be lonely, as we were, being only children.”
    â€œYes, of course,” Narina agreed, “and that is what I was praying you would have.”
    â€œAnd that is what I was hoping too, but I can only do it with your help, Narina – ”
    Narina looked perplexed.
    She could not see where she came in.
    â€œWhat Rudolf and I are going to do, now you have arrived,” Louise went on, “is to leave immediately while it is still dark for Constantinople.”
    Narina gave a cry of astonishment, but she did not interrupt and Louise continued,
    â€œIt would be a great mistake to have the operation here, where the Russians might bribe the doctor or dispose of Rudolf when he was too weak to resist them.”
    â€œI cannot believe, Louise, that you have to live with anything so terrifying.”
    â€œOh, we are used to it by now, but I am longing to have children and the operation, we are assured, is quite a minor one, but so essential if Alexanderburg is to survive.”
    â€œThen what do you want me to do?” asked Narina.
    Louise smiled.
    â€œI thought you would have guessed by now.  We have always looked very much alike and, if you remember, we were usually called ‘twins’ when we were at school.”
    â€œYou mean that I should to pretend to be you ?”
    â€œWe shall not be away for more than two weeks at the most, but the greatest difficulty has been to think how we could travel to Constantinople without anyone knowing that Rudolf and I had left the Palace.”
    â€œAnd how are you going to do it?”
    â€œThe Lord Chamberlain is to announce tomorrow that Rudolf has had an accident out riding.  As this has hurt his eyes, he now needs to stay in a dark room and rest.”
    She gave a deep sigh before adding,
    â€œI am afraid, dearest Narina, it is going to be very difficult for you and I know you hate lying.  But you will have to visit the empty bedroom two or three times a day, and tell everyone in the Palace that his eyes are improving and he will soon be back amongst them again.”
    â€œAnd they will have to believe that I am you?”
    â€œThat will not be too difficult, Narina.  We really do look very like each other and, if you drive into the town, you can always wear a large hat that will make it difficult for people to see your face clearly.”
    â€œWhat about the staff in the Palace?”
    â€œThere is no reason for them to feel suspicious, as the few who will be in close contact with you are in on the secret.”
    â€œWho are they?”
    â€œThe Lord Chamberlain you will find to be a tower of strength, also Rudolf’s personal servant, Paks, who will be the only one allowed to enter the sick room except for the doctor, an elderly man who is in on the secret and is officially the private physician to His Royal Highness.
    â€œThe maid who will look after you is a very dear person.  Her name is Maria, and she has loved Rudolf ever since he was small.  Only they will know that Rudolf and I have left.  We will join the Battleship, which is waiting for us in a secluded harbour and return here the same way.  I feel sure we will manage it unnoticed.”
    â€œI do think it all very strange,” murmured Narina.
    Louise put out her hands to hold Narina’s.
    â€œThere is no one else in the whole world who could do this for me, except you, my dearest Narina, and no one else would know how much it means to me.”
    â€œOf course I will do it for you, Louise.  I am just so afraid I will let you down.”
    â€œI know you could never do that and I was thinking, as you were coming here, how well you always acted in the school plays.  You were always given the leading part,