Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/131

 of playing indifference. I knew you would not be satisfied unless you had him."

Her gay laugh rang out on the frosty air.

"Judith," I responded severely, "your remarks are not only in bad taste, but they are unkind. Why every one" (growing peevish in my tone) "should take it for granted that I am in love with that Englishman, I fail to see!"

I knew by Judith's voice when she replied that she was smothering her laughter. "Because you are so touchy about him."

"Nonsense!" cried I sharply, and then subsided into silence, which seemed to be my only refuge.

When we reached home we found George in the ante-room, bandaging the leg of a brown setter, of which he is very fond. His occupation was so absorbing that he noticed us only by a bow; and we joined the group of admiring moujiks who were watching the operation. The leg was apparently badly injured; and George was as tender as a woman in his way of handling it, and even to my unpractised eye betrayed much skill. Slowly and carefully he finished his task, then made the dog lie down, and turned his attention to us.

"An experienced surgeon could hardly have done it better than that," he said to Judith; then addressing me,—

"The dog was run over just under your window, and I brought him in at once. I hope you don't mind my making a hospital of the house?" with a smile.

"Poor fellow!" said Judith, addressing the dog,