At any rate, her doctor, considering that she had a dangerously weak chest, had for many years been trying to persuade her to come to the south of France. She, however, was never willing to leave Petersburg. Finally last autumn, fearing the worst, the doctor informed her husband who immediately ordered his wife to Menton. She went by train, she by herself in one compartment with another one reserved for her entourage. She was leaning against the window, looking out a little sadly as the train passed through different parts of the country. She felt very much alone and rejected. She had no children, no relatives to speak of, and a husband whose love for her having died was now packing her off on her own to the ends of the earth, just like an ailing servant rushed off to hospital in the back of beyond.

At every stop her own manservant, Ivan, would come and see if his mistress needed anything. He was an ancient retainer, blindly devoted and happy to do anything in the world for her.

Night fell and the train was now travelling at top speed. She was far too wide-awake to think of trying to sleep. However, it suddenly occurred to her that she ought to count the gold coins in French currency her husband had put into her hands at the last minute. She opened her little bag and poured on to her knees a pool of the gleaming metal.

Suddenly a gust of cold air hit her in the face. Surprised, she raised her head. Someone was opening the door of the compartment. The Countess Marie, distraught, flung her shawl over the money she had spread out on her dress and waited. A few seconds went by and then a man appeared, bare-headed, breathless and wounded in the hand. He was wearing evening dress. He shut the door after him and sat down. His eyes were feverishly bright as he looked at his neighbour then proceeded to wrap a handkerchief around his bleeding wrist.

The young woman felt herself grow faint. Obviously the man had seen her counting her gold and intended to steal it and kill her. Still out of breath he stared at her. His face was convulsed. Clearly he was about to pounce on her, she thought. Suddenly he said: ‘‘Madame … please … don’t be afraid!’’

She said nothing. Unable to open her mouth, she could hear her heart pounding and a buzzing in her ears.

He went on: ‘‘I’m not a thief or anything like that, Madame.’’