"
His supercilious manner was more than I could endure.
He had evidently spoken French to the lady in order that I might
understand the humiliating way in which he referred to me.
"I will take no favour from you," said I. "You may do what you
like, but I will never give you my parole."
The Russian shrugged his great shoulders, and turned away as if
the matter were ended.
"Very well, my fine fellow, so much the worse for your fingers
and toes. We shall see how you are in the morning after a night
in the snow."
"One moment, Major Sergine," cried Sophie. "You must not be so
hard upon this prisoner. There are some special reasons why he
has a claim upon our kindness and mercy."
The Russian looked with suspicion upon his face from her to me.
"What are the special reasons? You certainly seem to take a
remarkable interest in this Frenchman," said he.
"The chief reason is that he has this very morning of his own
accord released Captain Alexis Barakoff, of the Dragoons of
Grodno."
"It is true," said Barakoff, who had come out of the house.
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