Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/183

 , he was very doubtful about the reception I should give him. But when he found that such a long absence had made no difference, he decided that he could trust me forever. You see he thinks I am a coquette by nature, and mean no harm," she added earnestly.

"Strange that he should" (ironically). "But do you mean to tell me that you were engaged to him before you left Paris?" I demanded in blank dismay.

"Yes," answered my cousin meekly.

"Judith, come home!" (turning and beginning to retrace my steps). "I did not suppose you had such depths of deceit in you."

"Don't be vexed!" she panted, struggling to keep up with my hasty steps.

"I am not. I am only utterly amazed."

When we turned in at our own door, and began the ascent to our apartment, a thought of George flashed across me. I sat down on the stairs.

"What are you doing?" exclaimed my companion, her eyes dancing with amusement.

"Unhappy girl!" I cried, in a voice which I tried to make severe. "How about George, and all the others?"

"The others can take care of themselves. As for George, he knows the whole story. Take care, Dorris! You will lose your eyes! Yes, I told George about it long ago; for when he was in Vienna, he and Roger were great friends, and you cannot imagine how I have enjoyed talking with him about Roger. He gives me ever so much encouragement. But come! Are you going to sit there all day?"