“They moved so the horses might not get out of training,” answered Azya, calmly.
“In the town, people say that Doroshenko advanced unexpectedly,” said the merchant.
Azya laughed. “But with what will he feed his horses, with snow?” said he to Basia.
“Pan Gorzenski will explain best to your great mightiness,” added the merchant.
“I do not believe that it is anything,” said Basia, after a moment’s thought; “for if it were, my husband would be the first to know.”
“Without doubt the news would be first in Hreptyoff,” said Azya; “let your grace have no fear.”
Basia raised her bright face to the Tartar, and her nostrils quivered.
“I have fear! That is excellent; what is in your head? Do you hear, Eva?—I have fear!”
Eva could not answer; for being by nature fond of dainties, and loving sweets beyond measure, she had her mouth full of dates, which did not prevent her, however, from looking eagerly at Azya; but when she had swallowed the fruit, she said,—
“Neither have I any fear with such an officer.”