Page:The Tsar's Window.djvu/83

 in America through most of his boyhood; that he was over twenty before he had ever seen Russia; and that since then his time has been spent equally in Paris, Vienna, London, and here. He is quite American in his feelings. And although he was in the army while the war lasted, yet his profession is really that of a diplomat, which makes a man a stranger in no country except his own." She turned her laughing face full on me. "You are very anxious about Sacha. It seems to me he is as much of a foreigner as George."

Somewhat discomfited, I responded, "I am not anxious to have you marry Sacha, nor any one; but it pains me to see you losing your heart to a man who has not one good quality to recommend him." By this time I was excited, and said more than I meant.

"Not one good quality!" repeated Judith. "Is that quite fair? What do you know about him?" with a bright color in her usually pale face.

"I only know what I judge from his manner and associates," I answered, rather ashamed of myself for having so little proof of George's worthlessness.

"Then," said my cousin, springing to her feet, and looking at me contemptuously, her small head proudly raised, "I consider you utterly mean, to malign a man's character when you know nothing about him! Are you not ashamed of yourself? If it will afford you any pleasure, I will tell you that I have not the slightest intention of marrying George, and that we are not in love with each other; but not one word which you have said has had the slightest influence on me. I consider