His Hour

It was long after five o'clock before it was all done, and they began

to wrap up and say "Goodnight." And the troupe, bowing, went out to

another engagement they had.

"They sing all night and sleep in the day," Count Gléboff told Tamara,

as they descended the stairs. "At this time of the year they never see

daylight, only sometimes the dawn."

"Tantine," said the Prince, "order your motor to go back. I sent for my

troika, and it is here. We must show Madame Loraine what a sleigh feels

like."

And the Princess agreed.

Oh! the pleasure Tamara found when presently they were flying over the

snow, the side horses galloping with swift, sure feet. And under the

furs she and her godmother felt no cold, while Gritzko, this wild

Prince, sat facing them, his splendid eyes ablaze.

Presently they stopped and looked out on the Gulf of Finland and a vast

view. Above were countless stars and a young, rising moon.

It was striking seven as they went to their rooms.

Such was Tamara's first outing in this land of the North.