Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/129

 CHAPTER X.

TROIKA PARTIES.

January 23.

HAT is one to do with a man who will not take No for an answer? Ever since my conversation with Mr. Thurber, recorded on a previous page, he has constituted himself my cavalier servante. I never go anywhere that he does not follow; I never express a wish for anything that he does not attempt to gratify it. When he is talking to me, the other people who happen to be in the room leave us altogether out of their conversation; and when he joins us in our walks, I am invariably left to walk with him. In vain I struggle to impress people with the idea that I do not prefer Mr. Thurber's company to all others. I am met with an indulgent smile; and, most significant of all, Tom has ceased to chaff me! They all seem to take it for granted that we are in love with each other; and the cool way in which Mr. Thurber appropriates me is irritating beyond measure.

Alice had invited a few friends to dinner one night. She and Grace sat down with a sheet of paper and a pencil, to decide where the guests should be placed. I was about to go for a drive with Judith; but I determined to give them something to ponder over while I was out.