Chapter Nine.
The Russian Steppes (concluded).
Pleasant Times—A Glorious Hide—A Happy Christmas—Boar-hunting—Attacked by Wolves.
Still pleasantly passed the time of our heroes away at Captain Varde’s delightful residence. He did all in his power to render them happy and comfortable; he even invited friends from a distance to visit at the house, in case they should be dull in the evenings, with no one to talk to but himself; and very pleasant people they turned out to be. As autumn wore away, and the days got shorter and colder, they were, of course, confined a good deal to the house; but, what with whist and chess, music and dancing, they never thought a day too long.
Fred’s “little love affair,” as Chisholm somewhat irreverently styled it, flourished apace. In fact he was engaged to Miss Varde, and the engagement received the sanction of her parents.
“What a pity it is,” said Captain Varde, one day, “that I cannot find a match for you, Mr O’Grahame.”
“You are very kind, I am sure, to think of me,” said Chisholm.
“Yes,” continued Varde, “for then, you know, there would be no more occasion for you to leave Russia.”