The atmosphere of Russia seemed to have had some subtle effect upon them.
Etta turned and sat slowly down on a low chair before the fire.

She had thrown her furs aside, and they lay in a luxurious heap on the floor.
The maids, hearing that the prince and princess were together, waited silently in the next room behind the closed door.
"I think I had better hear it now," said Etta.
"But you are tired," protested her husband.

"You had better rest until dinner-time." "No; I am not tired." He came toward her and stood with one elbow on the mantel-piece, looking down at her--a quiet, strong man, who had already forgotten his feat of endurance of a few hours earlier.
"These people," he said, "would die of starvation and cold and sickness if we did not help them.

It is simply impossible for them in the few months that they can work the land to cultivate it so as to yield any more than their taxes.

They are overtaxed, and no one cares.