correct than his manner, and the bridge players who were within earshot
smiled, while Countess Olga thought.

"Either Gritzko has just been making love to the Englishwoman, or he is
immensely bored--The latter from his face."




CHAPTER VIII


The company stopped their game about a quarter to twelve, and tables
and champagne and glasses were brought in, and hand in hand they made a
circle and drank in the New Year.

Tamara took care to stand by Princess Ardácheff, but her host looked at
her as he raised his glass. Then they descended to the hall, and were
wrapped in their furs again to go to the café where the Bohemians were
to sing.

Tamara and the Princess were already in the latter's coupé when Prince
Milaslávski called out: "Tantine--! take me too--I am slim and can sit
between you, and I want to arrive soon, I have sent my motor on with
Serge and Valonne."

And without waiting he got in.

They had to sit very close, and Tamara became incensed with herself,
because in spite of all her late rage with the Prince, she experienced