"It is quite cold out here; you will catch your death. Let us go indoors," said Vassilitch, harshly.
She continued unheedingly. "The command of that monster was obeyed by his men. The victim was lashed to the trunk of a pine tree, high above the ground. The Cossacks rode away, laughing, and left him there until the wolves should come to surround the tree, to bite it through with their sharp teeth, and then--and then----"
A gleam of lightning passed over the sky, and the rumble of thunder followed.
"Do you recollect the talk at the table?" said Gabrielle; "about echoes? This act is one of those that return to break in thunder upon the perpetrator."
The ex-captain of Cossacks shrugged his shoulders. "What is your request?" he demanded.
Gabrielle stopped in the garden path and faced him. A faint light from the windows of the mansion fell upon her form with its perfect lines, its loveliness. She was conscious of her beauty then, and she knew that he was conscious of it.
"You think me revengeful? I acknowledge it. Right or wrong, for three years I have prayed for this."
"Mademoiselle, I must ask you two questions: The name of your informant?"
"I am pledged not to give it. He was a trooper in the band who obeyed the orders of their officer."
"That is unfortunate, for I should much like to know his name. Let that pass. Question number two: What was this prisoner to you that his fate should awake these feelings of deep sorrow and revenge?"
For an instant Gabrielle hesitated, while his eyes appeared to be reading her inmost thoughts. Then she said, "He was a brother."
Vassilitch was clearly relieved by the answer. He said, "This will, of course, necessitate a journey to Russia. Well, I will find this man."
"If by that time you still wish it--yes, I will kill him."
They looked into one another's eyes, adding no further word. A heavy clap of thunder broke and rolled overhead.
"You had better go in now," said Vassilitch.
He left her at the doors of the French windows, while he lighted a cigar and went again into the garden. Suddenly he turned. He perceived that she was yet standing, gazing after him. He could see her in the aureole of light, though she could not see him in the outer gloom.