If my advice were followed, how many unhappy marriages would be avoided! But you have tempted me to talk too much, Ivan.

I see the ladies wish to adjourn.

Shall we go to the smoking-room for a little, and join them in the drawing-room afterwards ?" We all rose.
"Well," said the Prince gaily, as he prepared to follow his host, "I realize one thing which gives me pleasure, Casimir.

If in truth I am being attracted towards your electric circle, I hope I shall reach it soon, as I shall then, I suppose, be more en rapport with madame, your sister." Zara's luminous eyes surveyed him with a sort of queenly pity and forbearance.
"By the time YOU arrive at that goal, Prince," she said calmly, "it is most probable that _I_ shall have departed." And with one arm thrown round my waist, she saluted him gravely, and left the room with me beside her.
"Would you like to see the chapel on your way to the drawing-room ?" she asked, as we crossed the hall.
I gladly accepted this proposition, and Zara took me down a flight of marble steps, which terminated in a handsomely-carved oaken door.
Pushing this softly open, she made the sign of the cross and sank on her knees.

I did the same, and then looked with reverential wonder at the loveliness and serenity of the place.