"
"But what _is_ his game? You speak as though it were some kind of
cards or plot. What do you mean?" and Tamara, with heightened color,
lifted her head.
"The game of Gritzko?" and Count Valonne laughed. "Frankly, I think he
is very much in love with you, Madame," he said. "So by that you can
guess what would be any man's game."
"You have a vivid imagination, and are talking perfect nonsense."
Tamara laughed nervously. "I refuse to be the least upset by such
ideas!"
At the moment up came Count Boris Varishkine, and after a while she
went off with him to a sofa by the window, and there was seated in deep
converse when the Prince came in.
He looked at them for a second and then made straight for the Princess
Ard?cheff, who was just about to arrange her rubber of bridge.
"Tantine, I want to talk to you," he said.
And the Princess at once left the cardroom and returned with him. They
found a quiet corner opposite Tamara and her Garde, and there sat down.
"Tantine, I brought you here to look over there.--What does that mean?"
The Princess put up her glasses to gain time.
"Nothing, dear boy. Tamara is merely amusing herself like all the rest
of us at a party. Are you jealous, Gritzko?" she asked.
He looked at her sharply, and for a moment unconsciously fingered the
dagger in his belt.
"Yes, I believe I am jealous. I am not at all sure that I do not love
your charming friend," he said.
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