their home affairs.

"By Jove! you know, Tamara, you are awfully improved, my child," Lord
Courtray said, presently. "You've acquired some kind of a look in your
eye! If I wasn't so taken with that darling little Countess Olga I
should feel inclined to make love to you myself."

"You dear silly old Jack!" Tamara said.

It was Lord Courtray's fashion, when talking to any woman, even his own
mother, to lean over her with rather a devoted look. And Tamara
glancing up caught sight of Prince Milaslávski's face. It wore an
expression which almost filled her with fear. Of all things she must
provoke no quarrel between him and dear old Jack, who was quite
blameless in the affair.

At the same time there was a consolation in the knowledge that she
could make him feel.

She thought it wiser soon to rise and return to the general group,
while Jack, on his own amusement bent, now took his leave.

She sat down by Stephen Strong, she was in a most gracious mood it
seemed.

"You have heard of our excursion to Moscow, Mr. Strong," she said. "The
Princess says you must come too, I am looking forward to it immensely."

"We ought to have a most promising time in front of us," that old cynic
replied, while he puffed rings of smoke. "It all should be as full of