“You have been in the army?” I said, letting him come to my side as we mounted the hill.
“In a Cossack regiment, your honour.”
“And prefer private service, no doubt?”
“I have a good mistress, your honour.”
“Oh, I thought you were M. Boreski’s servant.”
“These are Mademoiselle Helga’s animals, your honour.”
I had noticed before that all about her spoke of her either as mademoiselle or Mademoiselle Helga, and never used any surname.
“They are two good horses and in magnificent condition.”
“I am responsible for the stables, your honour,” he said with a pleased smile at the remark.
“How far is Brabinsk?” I asked him next.