His Hour

"Tamara, dear," she said, as she joined them, "I am so very tired after

last night, for once shall we go home reasonably early?"

And Tamara rose gladly to her feet.

"Of course, Marraine, I too am dropping with fatigue," she said.

The Prince spoke a few words to Stephen Strong, and Jack joined in; so

that the three were a pace or so to one side when the two ladies wished

them goodnight.

"Come and see me early tomorrow, Jack," Tamara said. "I want to show

you Tom's letter from home," and she looked up with an alluring smile,

feeling the Prince was watching her; then, turning to Count Boris, "I am

sure you will regret your bargain in having asked me to dance the Mazurka

tomorrow night," she said. "I do not know a single figure or a step--but I

hope we shall have some fun. I am looking forward to it."

"More than fun!" the young man said, with devotion, as he kissed her

hand.

Then they walked to say goodnight to the hostess, and Gritzko seemed to

disappear. But when they got down into the hall they saw him already in

his furs.

The Princess' footman began to hand Tamara her snowboots and cloak, but

Gritzko almost snatched them from the man's hand. She made no protest,

but let him help her to put them on and wrap her up, while her

godmother thought it advisable to walk toward the door.

"Tonight was your moment, Madame," he said, in a low voice. "But the

gods are often kind to me, and my hour will come!"

Tamara summoned everything she knew of provokingness into her face as

she looked up and answered: "Tant pis! et bon soir! Monsieur le démon de Lermontoff!"

Then she felt it prudent to run quickly after the Princess and get into

the automobile!