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THE SECRET UNION OF THE SWORD AND PLOUGH

HEN a woman grows old all sorts of unpleasant things can happen to her: her teeth may fall out, her hair turn grey, she may have palpitation, be overwhelmed with fat or afflicted with extreme scragginess, but her voice does not change. She has the same voice she had as a young woman.

The locksmith knocked at the door and Elena Stanislavovna called out: 'Who's there?' Hippolyte trembled. His love's voice was just as it had been in 1899, but when he saw her there was not a trace of her former self left.

'How you have changed!' he said involuntarily.

The old woman threw her arms round his neck.

'Thank you,' she said. 'I know what you are risking by coming to see me! You are the same generous knight you always were! I do not ask you why you have come from Paris. I am not inquisitive.'

'But I haven't come from Paris,' said Hippolyte, rather confused.

'My colleague and I have just come from Berlin,' corrected Bender, nudging Hippolyte, 'but it is not advisable to speak of these matters.'

'Oh, how happy I am to see you!' gushed the fortune-teller. 'Come in here, into this room,' Then she turned to the locksmith: 'And you, you will excuse us. You will come and see us in half an hour's time, won't you?'

'A first meeting,' said Bender to the locksmith. 'Awkward moments! Will you allow me to come with you?' The locksmith was delighted, and took