Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 5.djvu/249

Rh, "why she has been dead these seven years."

The Countess's companion looked up from her work and made the young man a sign. He remembered immediately that orders had been given for no one to mention the death of any of the old lady's contemporaries in her presence. He could have bitten his tongue for forgetting; however, she received the news of her old friend's death with the greatest composure.

"Dead?" she said. "Strange that I never heard of it. We were appointed ladies in waiting together and when we were presented to the Empress . . ." The old Countess related for the hundredth time some anecdote of her youth. "Paul," she said when through with her story," help me to get up. Lisanka, where is my snuff-box?"

And followed by her three maids, she disappeared behind a screen to complete her toilet. Tomski remained alone with Lisa.

"Who is this gentleman you wish to present to the Countess," she asked in low tones.

"Naroumof. Do you know him?"

"No. Is he in the army."

"Yes."