Part 21 (2/2)
At this moment Tamara looked up and caught the two pairs of eyes fixed upon her. And into her spirit flowed a devilment.--Duels! They were all nonsense. She should certainly play a little with her new friend.
In her whole life before she came to Russia she had never been really flirtatious. She was in no way a coquette, rather a simple creature who recked little of men. But the simplest woman develops feline qualities under certain provocation; and her pride was deeply hurt.
Count Boris Varishkine asked nothing better than to fall in with her views. He was, however, like most of his countrymen, sincere, and not merely pa.s.sing the time.
Jack Courtray came up, too, and joined them, his Countess Olga had sent him temporarily from her side. And Tamara scintillated and sparkled as she talked to them both in a way which surprised herself.
This society was very diplomatic, and it amused her to watch the representatives of the different nations--the English and the Russians standing out as so much the finest men.
Presently the little group was joined by Stephen Strong.
”Isn't this an amusing party, Mrs. Loraine?” he said.
”Yes,” said Tamara. ”And I am beginning to be able to place the members of the different countries. 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 Ardacheff 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. ”I do not know a single figure or a step--but I hope we shall have some fun. I am looking forward to it.”
”More than fun!” the young man said, with devotion, as he kissed her hand.
Then they walked to say goodnight to the hostess, and Gritzko seemed to disappear. But when they got down into the hall they saw him already in his furs.
The Princess' footman began to hand Tamara her s...o...b..ots and cloak, but Gritzko almost s.n.a.t.c.hed them from the man's hand. She made no protest, but let him help her to put them on and wrap her up, while her G.o.dmother thought it advisable to walk toward the door.
”Tonight was your moment, Madame,” he said, in a low voice. ”But the G.o.ds are often kind to me, and my hour will come!”
Tamara summoned everything she knew of provokingness into her face as she looked up and answered:
”Tant pis! et bon soir! Monsieur le demon de Lermontoff!”
Then she felt it prudent to run quickly after the Princess and get into the automobile!
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