Page:In the name of a woman (1900).djvu/75

 "With pleasure," agreed Zoiloff; and while he was making ready he glanced round the spacious gallery and added: "What a magnificent hall you have here; there is room to drill half a company of soldiers, as well as train a band of athletes!"

"Yes," I answered with a laugh. "It would be a fine house for a revolutionary movement." And at this they both started, and again shot shrewd, searching glances at me; but I was busy selecting the foils.

"You English are a wonderful people," said Zoiloff again, but this time very drily.

We set to work then with our fencing, and to my surprise, and much to Zoiloff's admiration, I proved slightly the better swordsman. He had not a spark of jealousy or envy in his composition, and when I had beaten him for the third or fourth bout in succession, he only laughed and said:

"I am your first recruit, Count; and you are a master I am well content to work from—and follow."

"Good," exclaimed Spernow, "I will be the second—if you will have me, Count."

"My dear Spernow, I could wish no better friends or comrades in any work than you two." At this answer Zoiloff, taciturn and reserved though he was by nature, offered me his hand impulsively, and said with great earnestness, as I took it:

"Now I am sure we understand each other, and shall work together for the same cause, Count;" and the warmth of his hand-grip told me that in him I should have a firm friend.

Spernow was not nearly so skilful a swordsman, and knew it; but he was anxious to learn, and we arranged that we three should make a rule of meeting daily for such practice; and when we were separating I said: