"Pour l'amour de Dieu! Be careful with Gritzko tonight, my child."
When they were seated waiting for the dance to begin Tamara noticed that the Prince was very pale, and that his eyes, circled with blue shadows, seemed to flame.
The certainty grew upon her that some mysterious tragic thing had taken place; but, frightened by the Princess' words, she did not question him.
She hardly spoke, and he was silent, too. It seemed as though now he had gained his end and secured her as a partner it was all he meant to do.
Presently he turned to her and asked lazily:
"Have you been amused since the Moravian reception? How have you passed the time? I have been at Tsarsköi again, and could not come to see Tantine."
"We have been quite happy, thanks, Prince," Tamara said. "Jack Courtray and I have spent the day studying the lovely things in the Hermitage. We must see what we can before we both go home."
Gritzko looked at her.
"I like him—he is a good fellow—your friend," and then he added reflectively: "But if he spends too much time with you I hope the bears will eat him!"
This charitable wish was delivered in a grave, quiet voice, as though it had been a blessing.