His Hour

At last, when they had crossed the Troitzka bridge, he permitted her to

release herself, and only held her hands under the furs, because dawn

was breaking and they could be observed.

But when they turned into the wide Serguiefskaia, which seemed

deserted, he bent once more and this time with wildest passion he

seemed to draw her very soul through her lips.

Then ere she could speak, they drew up at the door, and he lifted her

out, and before the Suisse and the waiting footmen.

"Good-night, Madame--sleep well," he calmly said.

But Tamara, trembling with mad emotion, rushed quickly to her room.