Gritzko got up abruptly and strode back to the Princess. And soon
tables and supper were brought in, and there was a general move.
Tamara contrived to outwit him once more when he came up to speak. It
was the only way, she felt. No half-measures would do now. She loved
him too much to be able to unbend an inch with safety. Otherwise it
would be all over with her, and she could not resist.
They had been standing alone for an instant, and he said, looking
passionately into her eyes:
"Tamara, do you know you are driving me crazy--do you think it wise?"
"I really don't care whether my conduct is wise or not, Prince," she
replied. "As I told you, tonight, and from now onward, I shall do as I
please." And she gathered all her forces together to put an indifferent
look on her face.
"So be it then," he said, and turned instantly away, and for the rest
of the time never addressed her again.
The long drive in the cold had made every one sleepy, and contrary to
their usual custom, they were all ready for bed soon after one o'clock,
and to their great surprise Gritzko made no protest, but let the
ladies quietly go.
Tamara's last thoughts before she closed her weary eyes were, what a
failure it all had been! She had succeeded in nothing. She loved him
madly, and she was going back home. And if she had made him suffer, it
was no consolation! She would much rather have been happy in his arms!
Meanwhile, Gritzko had summoned Ivan, his major domo, and the substance
of his orders to that humble slave was this.
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