And thus it fell about.
Prince Milaslávski gave Tamara his arm and they found coffee awaiting them in the salon when they returned there, and at once the rubbers were made up. And with faces of grave pre-occupation this lately merry company sat down to their game, leaving only the Prince and one lady and Tamara unprovided for.
"Yes, I can play," she had said, when she was asked, "but it bores me so, and I do it so badly; may I not watch you instead?"
The lady who made the third had not these ideas, and she sat down near a table ready to cut in. Thus the host and his English guest were left practically alone.
"I did not mean you to play," he said, "I knew you couldn't—I arranged it like this."
"Why did you know I couldn't?" Tamara asked. "I am too stupid perhaps you think!"
"Yes—too stupid and—too sweet."
"I am neither stupid—nor sweet!" and her eyes flashed.
"Probably not, but you seem so to me.—Now don't get angry at once, it makes our acquaintance so fatiguing, I have each time to be presented over again."
Then Tamara laughed.