That early on the morrow
the stove was to be lit in the hut by the lake, where at the time when
the woodcock came in quantities he sometimes spent the night waiting
for the dawn.
"And see that there is fodder for the horses," he added. "And that
St?pan drives my troika with the blacks, and let the brown team be
ready, too, but neither of these to come round until the grays have
gone. And in the hut put food--cold food--and some brandy and
champagne."
The servant bowed in obedience and was preparing to leave the room.
"Oil the locks and put the key in my overcoat pocket," his master
called again. And then he lit another cigarette and drawing back the
heavy curtains looked out on the night.
It was inky black, the snow had not yet begun to fall.
All promised well.
CHAPTER XVII
Tamara had just begun to dress when her godmother came into her room
next day.
"There is going to be a terrible snow storm, dear," she said. "I think
we should get down fairly early and suggest to Gritzko that we start
back to Moscow before lunch. It is no joke to be caught in this wild
country. I will send you in Katia."
Tamara's maid had been left in Petersburg, and indeed her godmother's,
an elderly Russian accustomed to these excursions, had been the only
one brought.
"I won't be more than half an hour dressing," she said. "Don't go down
without me, Marraine.
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