Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/249

 "Yet you and he were quite confidential in Petersburg," he returned, making an unsuccessful effort to speak lightly.

I answered, in rather a reflective tone,—

"He was confidential. At first I was sorry for him, because I thought Judith treated him so badly, and I used to sympathize with him. I soon ceased to waste my sympathy, however."

"What did your cousin do to him?"

"That seems to me a most foolish and unnecessary question," I answered impatiently. "You must have known that Sacha was in love with her. She encouraged him, as well as Prince Tucheff and all of them, when she was really engaged to another man. I cannot understand," I added virtuously, "how she did it!"

George looked at me for an instant, with a disagreeable smile.

"I dare say you cannot," he exclaimed; and with a short, bitter laugh, turned to Tom, who was asking him some question.

I wandered on alone, with a little throb of indignation in my heart. George can be extremely disagreeable when he chooses. What did he intend by that sarcastic manner and significant look? Why should he have answered me in that way? What did Sacha mean by saying George could make ladies believe him? I dislike a man whom I cannot understand. Two days ago—nay, even last night—I believe I was on the verge of falling in love. What a fortunate escape for me! I should not like to fall in love with a sarcastic man. Besides,