place; but, frightened by the Princess' words, she did not question
him.

She hardly spoke, and he was silent, too. It seemed as though now he
had gained his end and secured her as a partner it was all he meant to
do.

Presently he turned to her and asked lazily:

"Have you been amused since the Moravian reception? How have you passed
the time? I have been at Tsarsköi again, and could not come to see
Tantine."

"We have been quite happy, thanks, Prince," Tamara said. "Jack Courtray
and I have spent the day studying the lovely things in the Hermitage. We
must see what we can before we both go home."

Gritzko looked at her.

"I like him--he is a good fellow--your friend," and then he added
reflectively: "But if he spends too much time with you I hope the bears
will eat him!"

This charitable wish was delivered in a grave, quiet voice, as though
it had been a blessing.

"How horrible you are!" Tamara flashed. "Jack to be eaten by bears!
Poor dear old Jack! What has he done?"

"Nothing, I hope,--as yet; but time will tell. Now we must begin to