No! Not in this mood would he win her! and his resolve held.
She did not make him any reproaches; she just sat there, a crumpled,
pitiful figure in a corner on the floor.
"The snowstorm is over," he said in a restrained voice; "we can get on
now. Some of my Moujiks got here this morning, and I have been able to
send word to the Princess that she should not be alarmed."
Then, as Tamara did not move, he put out his hand and helped her up.
She shuddered when he touched her, and her tears burst out afresh.
Where was all her pride gone--it lay trampled in the dust.
"You are tired and hungry, Madame," he said, "and here is a looking-glass
and a comb and brush," and he opened a door of the tall cupboard
which filled the corner opposite the stove, and took the things out for
her. "Perhaps you might like to arrange yourself while I bring you some
food."
"How can I face the others,--with this blouse!" she exclaimed
miserably, and then her cheeks crimsoned again, and she looked down.
He did not make any explanation of how it had got torn--the moment was
a wonderful one between them.
Over Tamara crept some strange emotion, and he walked to the door
quickly to prevent himself from clasping her in his arms, and kissing
away her fears.
When she was alone the cunning of all Eve's daughters filled her. Above
all things she must now use her ingenuity to efface these startling
proofs.
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