Section 5 Summary

"An Exchange of Queens"

The quote at the beginning of this section is from Alice Through the Looking Glass, the first of several Alice- related quotes in this book. This specific comment refers to the way queens never make bargains.

It's autumn of 1791. The Abbess arrives in Russia to visit her friend (Section 1), Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia. When the women meet, they reminisce for a while, at one point comparing their futures as foretold by a fortuneteller years ago when they were children. As their conversation continues, Catherine dismisses her current lover (Plato) from the room. When he's gone, the Abbess reveals the piece of the Service she's brought with her - the Black Queen. Catherine, eager for the power reputed to be associated with the Service, demands to know where the rest of the Service is. The Abbess, doubtful of...