would be difficult to make you understand about that. In the old days
of the serfs, it was all very well. One could be a good landlord and
father to them all, but now----" Then he got up restlessly and paced
the room. "Now there are so many questions. If one would think it would
drive one mad, but I am a soldier, Madame, so I do not permit myself to
speculate at all."

"Things are not then as you would wish?" she asked.

"As I would wish--no, not as I would wish--but as I told you, I do not
mix myself up with them. I only obey the Emperor and shall to the end
of my life."

Tamara saw she had stirred too deep waters. His face wore a look of
profound melancholy. She had never felt so drawn toward him. She let
her eyes take in the picture he made. There was something very noble
about his brow and the set of his head. Who could tell what thoughts
were working in his brain. Presently he got up again and knelt by her
side--his movements had the grace and agility of a cat. He took her
hand and kissed it.

"Madame, please don't make me think," he said. "The question is too
great for one man to help. I do not go with the Liberals or any of the
revolt. Indeed I am far on the other side. Good to this country should
all have come in a different, finer way, and now it must work out its
own salvation as best it may. For me, my only duty is to my master.
Nothing else could count." His eyes which looked into hers seemed
great sombre pools of unrest and pain.

She did not take away her hand and he kissed it again.