With the thermometer at fifteen degrees Reaumur, a coachman's life is
not one altogether to be envied in Russia, but apparently custom will
make anything endurable.
"I know you like the troika, Tamara," Princess Ard?cheff said. "So you
go with Olga and Gritzko and your friend--only be sure you wrap up your
head."
And when they were all getting in, the Countess Gl?boff said:
"It is so terribly cold tonight, Gritzko. I am going to sit with my
back to the horses, so as not to get the wind in my face."
When they were tucked in under the furs this arrangement seemed to Jack
Courtray one of real worth, for he instantly proceeded to take Countess
Olga's hand, while he whispered that he was cold and she could not be
so inhuman as to let a poor stranger freeze!
It seemed amusing to look from the windows of a private room, down upon
a gay supping throng, in the general salle at the restaurant on the
Islands, while Tziganes played and their supper was being prepared.
"Who could think it was five o'clock in the morning! What a lesson for
our rotten old County Council in London," Jack Courtray said. "By Jove!
this is the place for me!" and he proceeded to make violent love to
Olga Gl?boff, to who's side he remained persistently glued.
And then the gayest repast began; nothing could have been more
entertaining or full of wild _entrain_, and yet no one over-did
it, or was vulgar or coarse.
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