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 earnest. With a smile at the notion I sheathed it, and waited for the next development of the comedy.

Yet the anger in her eyes seemed sincere enough, and if she was only acting she understood her business well; for the indignation on her face and the liquid notes of her perfect voice moved me to regret even my share in the fracas, though it had been none of my seeking.

"Major Zankoff, have you such poor command of your subordinates that they must seek to shed blood almost in my very presence?" At the rebuke the eldest of the three men winced and bit his lip, but made no reply except a bow "You know my will, sir!" she continued, with the mien of an empress; "and any repetition of this forgetfulness will find me deeply angered even against you."

"Madame, I am already punished," replied the major, with the bow of a courtier and the shrewdness of a diplomat.

"As for you, gentlemen," she said, turning to the other two, "I shall use my influence to see that you are relieved from duties which you must surely find irksome, since you seek relaxation in this cut and thrust work. Be good enough to leave me."

This was a somewhat embarrassing request, for I was by the door, and still held my foot on the fallen sword. I was not disposed to have the door open lest others should be brought in, and they were not willing that I should have a chance of escape, carrying their secret with me. The three exchanged looks, and then the major came to the rescue.

"There is a matter that needs explanation to you, madame" he began, when she cut him short.

"I will hear nothing, Major Zankoff, until these gentlemen have left me."