How many loved ones a cruel fate had snatched from her! Father, brother, her nearest relations and friends; all at once, by the hand of the Moslems to whom he had abandoned her native land almost without resistance.
"I do not hear Paula to-night," he remarked, glancing up as though he missed something.

"The poor child has no doubt gone to bed early after what passed." "Leave her alone!" said Neforis who did not like to be interrupted in her jubilant effusiveness, and she shrugged her shoulders angrily.

"How she behaved herself again! We have heard a great deal too much about charity, and though I do not want to boast of my own I am very ready to exercise it--indeed, it is no more than my duty to show every kindness to a destitute relation of yours.

But this girl! She tries me too far, and after all I am no more than human.

I can have no pleasure in her presence; if she comes into the room I feel as though misfortune had crossed the threshold.