Page:In the name of a woman (1900).djvu/71

 "He hates 'em as much as I do. I'll tell you another time," replied Spernow.

"I congratulate you, Count Benderoff, on a lucky escape. That man meant to murder you; and Dimitrieff ought to be ashamed of himself for not speaking out plainly. But they hang together in a way that's disgusting, these" He checked himself suddenly, with a quick glance at me, as though he had said more than enough before a stranger.

"I hope he really did not know I was not on guard," I answered.

"I'm afraid it's a hope not much stouter than a spider's web;" and he laughed bitterly. "The man meant murder, and was mad when he saw you could hold him so easily. You use the sword like a master, Count—I should like to try the foils with you."

"Nothing would please me better than a few hints from you," said I, readily. "I am a good deal out of practice."

"Then I shouldn't care to play with you in earnest when you are in practice," was his deftly flattering reply. "If we are to quarrel, I'd better pray for it to be soon;" and his taciturn face broke into a smile.

"It's something to earn Zoiloff's praise in these things, Count," said Spernow, laughing. "He's generally as chary of it as a coy woman of her kisses."

"You are both breakfasting with me, I hope," I said, as we moved off the ground. "Then we can go round to the house I am getting ready, and, if you like, I can have my first lesson in the shooting gallery which I am having fitted up there."

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure; but unfortunately, as I told Spernow, I have an engagement which I cannot break," said Zoiloff. "But I can be