Prince!"

He drew himself up again, as if she had hit him, and the pain in his
eyes turned to flame.

"I allow no one to criticize my conduct," he said. "If it amused me to
ride a bear into this room and let it eat you up, I would not
hesitate."

"I do not doubt it," and Tamara laughed scornfully. "It would be in a
piece with all the rest."

He raised his head with an angry toss, and then they looked at each
other like two fighting cats, when fortunately the door opened, and the
Princess came in.

In a moment he had laughed, and resumed his habitually insouciant mien.

"Madame has been reading me a lecture," he said. "She thinks I am
wasted in the Emperor's escort, and a circus is my place."

Tamara did not speak.

"Why do you seem always to quarrel so, Gritzko?" the Princess said,
plaintively. "It really quite upsets me, dear boy."

"You must not worry, Tantine," and he kissed the Princess' hand. "We
don't quarrel; we are the best of friends; only we tell one another
home truths. I came this afternoon to ask you if you will come to
Milasláv next week. I think Madame ought to see Moscow, and we might