Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/169

 "Is that what you came to ask me?" I inquired calmly, arranging my lamp to suit me.

"Don't be sarcastic, Dorris. It does not become you."

A short silence, during which I sat down in front of my mirror and began to braid my hair.

"Some one is in love with me, Dorris," she said quietly, leaning her round cheek on her palm. "Did you know it?"

A broad smile made its appearance on my face as I gazed at its reflection. Before I could reply Judith went on:—

"I do not mean George, so you need not look as if you were saying, 'I told you so!' But it is some one who is very rich, quite handsome, highly connected, everything that is desirable, and exactly what you would like for a cousin."

Her eyes were studying the pattern in the rug at her feet; her mouth looked mischievous.

"Well?" I interrogated, without enthusiasm.

"There is a sameness in your expressions to-night, Dorris," she said, looking at me slyly. "I suppose you mean to ask what I am going to do about it?"

"Yes, if you wish to tell me."

"I have already refused him."

"You are a sensible woman," I cried emphatically, turning towards her. "Don't let anything tempt you to marry a man whom you do not care for."

Judith rose slowly from her seat, took her candle, and stood before me, pondering. Little rings of hair curled