You have perhaps heard of his misfortune--Count Stepan Lanovitch." Etta nodded her head with the deepest sympathy.
"I feel for you, countess," she said.

"And yet you are so brave--and mademoiselle," she said, turning to Catrina.

"I hope we shall see more of each other in Tver." Catrina bowed jerkily and made no reply.

Etta glanced at her sharply.
Perhaps she saw more than Catrina knew.
"I suppose," she said to the countess, with that inclusive manner which spreads the conversation out, "that Paul and Mlle.

de Lanovitch were playmates ?" The reply lay with either of the ladies, but Catrina turned away.
"Yes," answered the countess; "but Catrina is only twenty-four--ten years younger than Paul." "Indeed!" with a faint, cutting surprise.
Indeed Etta looked younger than Catrina.