“Did you say the Prince is going with you to Russia?”
“Oh, yes. As I told you, I intend to live very quietly in St. Petersburg, and the Prince has his shop and a pair of rooms above it in a working quarter of the city. I shall occupy one of the rooms and he the other. The Prince is an excellent cook, so we shan’t starve, even if we engage no servant.”
“Has the Prince given his estates away also?”
“He hasn’t given them away exactly, but he is a very indulgent landlord, and he spends so much money on his experiments and travel that, although he has a formidable income, he is very frequently quite short of money. Did you like him?”
“Yes. Of course I saw him for a moment only. I wonder why they haven’t returned. There’s been several dances since they left.”
“Perhaps,” said the Lieutenant, with a slight return of his stammering, “your friend may be as fond of dancing as Jack is.”
“You are still determined to go to Russia?”
“Quite. There is absolutely no danger. I may not accomplish anything, but I’ll have a try at it. The Prince has a good deal of influence in St. Petersburg, which he will use quietly on my behalf, so that I may see the important people. I shall be glad when the Captain ceases frowning--”
Drummond was interrupted by a fellow-officer, who raised his cap, and begged a word with him.
“I think, Drummond, the Captain wanted to see you.”
“No, but I know he has left a note for you in your cabin. Shall I go and fetch it?”
“I wish you would, Chesham, if you don’t mind, and it isn’t too much trouble.”
“No trouble at all. Delighted, I’m sure,” said Chesham, again raising his cap and going off.
“Now, I wonder what I have forgotten to do.”
Drummond heaved a sigh proportionate to himself.
“Under the present condition of things a bit of neglect that would go unnoticed with another man is a sign of unrepentant villainy in me. Any other Lieutenant may steal a horse while I may not look over a hedge. You see how necessary it is for me to go to Russia, and get this thing smoothed over.”
“I think, perhaps, you are too sensitive, and notice slights where nothing of the kind is meant,” said the girl.
Chesham returned and handed Drummond a letter.
“Will you excuse me a moment?” he said, and as she looked at him he flattered himself that he noticed a trace of anxiety in her eyes. He tore open the missive.