In his dreary world she alone had shown that she cared whether he lived or died, were insulted or respected, were treated like a dog or like a Christian man.

The kindness of his employer was indeed undeniable, but it was of the sort which grated upon the sensitive nature of the unfortunate cigarette-maker, for it was in itself vulgarly cheerful, assuming that, after all, the Count should be contented with his lot.

But Vjera had always seemed to understand him, to feel for him, to foresee his sensibilities as it were, and to be prepared for them.

In a measure appreciable to himself she admired him, and admiration alone can make pity palatable to the proud.

In her eyes his constancy under misfortune was as admirable as his misfortunes themselves were worthy of commiseration.