His Hour

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

a sensation which was disturbing and unknown. The magnetic personality

of the man was so strong. He bent and whispered something to the

Princess, and then as though sharing a secret, he leaned the other way,

and whispered to Tamara, too. The words were nothing, only some

ordinary nonsense, of which she took no heed. But as he spoke his lips

touched her ear. A wild thrill ran through her, she almost trembled, so

violent was the emotion the little seemingly accidental caress caused.

A feeling she had never realized in the whole of her life before. Why

did he tease her so. Why did he always behave in this maddening manner!

and choose moments when she was defenseless and could make no move. Of

one thing she was certain, if she should stay on in Russia she must

come to some understanding with him if possible, and prevent any more

of these ways--absolutely insulting to her self-respect.

So she shrunk back in her corner and gave no reply.

"Are you angry with me?" he whispered. "It was the shaking of the

automobile which caused me to come too near you. Forgive me, I will try

not to sin again,"--but as he spoke he repeated his offense!

Tamara clasped her hands together, tightly, and answered in the coldest

voice-"I did not notice anything, Prince, it must be a guilty conscience

which causes you to apologize."

"In that case then all is well!" and he laughed softly.

The Princess now joined in the conversation.

"Gritzko, you must tell Mrs. Loraine how these gipsies are, and what

she will hear--she will think it otherwise so strange."