Don't you think the Russians look much the
most like us, Mr. Strong?"
"The Russians, dear lady? When you have traveled a little more you will
see that term covers half the types of the earth--but I agree. What we
see here in Petersburg are very much like us--a trifling difference in
the way the eyes are set, and the way the hair is brushed; and, given
the same uniforms, half these smart young men might be our English
Guards."
"We do not resemble you in character, though," said Count Varishkine.
"You can feel just what you like, or not at all, whereas we are
storm-tossed, and have not yet learnt the arts of pretence."
"We're a deuced cold-blooded race, aren't we, Tamara?" Jack Courtray
said, and he grinned his happy grin.
The little party looked so merry and content Princess Ard?cheff hardly
liked to disturb them, but was impelled to by a look in Gritzko's face.
"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.
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