Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/77

 having been much interested in my conversation with the diplomat.

To confess the truth, Sacha is getting too melodramatic to be agreeable. He looks as if all the pleasures of this world had passed away for him.

Swallowing his scalding bouillon without winking, he said severely, "Mademoiselle, I have been trying to speak to you all the evening."

"Yes," I responded dryly. "I could not get rid of Son Excellence."

"I have come to a determination," he continued. "I am going to speak to your cousin. Anything will be better than suspense."

"I quite agree with you."

"I thought that—perhaps—I knew—" he stammered, "she is so fond of you—I was going to ask you if you would talk with her."

I fixed a wondering gaze on my companion. "Do you mean that I am to ask her to marry you?" said I bluntly.

"Oh, no! I only meant that perhaps you could find out if there was any hope for me." He looked at me imploringly.

I knew there was no hope, but how could I tell him so calmly? I had seen enough that evening to convince me that Judith was very much interested in George Piloff, and his feeling for her had been plain for some time.

Still I could not have the cruelty to dash this young fellow's hopes at one blow. I thought Judith would do it so much better; she was probably accustomed to it.