which lay on the table near, and one of the innumerable servants, who
seemed to be always waiting in the galleries, appeared. She spoke to
him in Russian, and then took up the telephone by her side, and
presently was in communication with the person she had called.

"It is thou, Gritzko? Awake? Of course she is awake, and here in the
room. Yes, it is arranged--we dine--not until nine o'clock?--you cannot
be in before. Bon. Now promise you will be good.--Indeed, yes.--Of
course any English lady would be shocked at you--So!--I tell you she is
in the room--pray be more discreet," and she smiled at Tamara, and then
continued her conversation. "No, I will not talk in Russian, it is very
rude.--If you are not completely _sage_ at dinner we shall not go on.--
I am serious! Well, good-bye,"--and with a laugh the Princess put the
receiver down.

"He says nothing would shock you--he is sure you understand the world!
Well, we must amuse ourselves, and try and restrain him if he grows
too wild."

"He is often wild, then?" Tamara said.

The Princess rose and stood by the window looking out on the thickly
falling snow.

"I am afraid--a little--yes, though never in the wrong situation; above
all things Gritzko is a gentleman; but sometimes I wish he would take
life less as a game. One cannot help speculating how it can end."

"Has he no family?" Tamara asked.