Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/52

 learn it somehow. "Only I don't see any reason why she should care for him."

Sacha sighed, "He is a gallant fellow."

"And is perfectly aware of it," I added quickly. This remark seemed to give Sacha new courage, and it was with quite a bright smile that he acceded to Alice's request to give us some music.

While he was playing, George stationed himself by my side. Presently he whispered, "What thoughts are absorbing you, Miss Romilly? One gets no attention from you. What are you thinking of?"

He speaks much better English than I do, and has the faintest possible accent.

"I am listening to the music," I returned indifferently.

He kept silence until the end of the nocturne; then, "Are you fascinated with Novissilsky's music?"

"Oh!" I cried, "why will you spoil it by talking?"

"Because I have so much to say to you," he responded eagerly. "There is a question which, as I know your word may be depended upon, I wish to ask you. Believe me, it is not mere vulgar curiosity which prompts me."

"I will believe all that you wish me to," I interrupted lightly. "What is your question?"

He looked at me reproachfully. "You seem to have but little appreciation of the importance of this matter. The question is about your cousin."

"Judith? I know so little about her. But tell me