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 I felt that I must proceed warily; for I knew not what results might follow.

"Ah!" he exclaimed eagerly; "but what would you call encouragement?"

"Well," I debated for a moment, "asking the man to call and see her—or—accepting a present from him, or—telling him she is fond of his mother."

I paused; and my companion looked at me in dumb amazement. He must think the Americans a very curious and wonderful people!

"Any of those things," I went on seriously, "would be considered encouragement."

He ceased to look astonished, and began to be downcast.

"And without something of that sort, a man would not declare his feelings?"

"Oh, dear, no!" I cried. "What lovely blue eyes Madame Kirovieff has!"

"I prefer dark ones," said my companion, looking at me sentimentally.

The ambassador approached at this moment, and I had a short respite. At ten o'clock the imperial family left the hall.

"Come," said Nicolas.

"Where?" Judith and I inquired, in a breath.

"Home, of course. Have you not been here long enough?"

"You don't mean to tell me," said I indignantly, "that this is all! I thought it was a ball. The idea of going home at this hour,—having done nothing but watch other people dance!"