soon settled into their legitimate places, and Tamara again took up her
book.

"No, don't read," the Prince said. "You get angry at once with me when
we talk, and the red comes into your cheeks, and I like it."

Exasperation was almost uncontrollable in Tamara. She remained silent,
only the little ear next the Prince burned scarlet.

"Some day you will come to Russia," he said, "and then you will learn
many things."

"I have no desire to go there," said Tamara, lying frankly, as it had
always been her great wish, and indeed her godmother, who never forgot
her, had often begged her to visit that northern clime; but Russia!--as
well have suggested the moon at Underwood.

"It would freeze you, perhaps, or burn you--who can tell?" the Prince
said. "One would see when you got there. I have an old lady, a dear
friend, with white hair and a mole on her cheek--someone who sees
straight. She would be good for your education."

Tamara thought it would be wiser not to show any further annoyance, so
she said lightly:

"Yes, I am only sixteen, and have never left the schoolroom; it would
be delightful to be taught how to live."

He turned and smiled at her.