“What have looks to do with love? What says your own Russian proverb: ‘I do not love thee because thou art pretty, but thou art pretty because I love thee.’”
These words failed to arouse Ouvaroff.
“I have discovered of late that I have a rival, and a successful one. There is peril in aspiring to her hand.”
Before Wilfrid had time to ask the meaning of these mysterious words a liveried attendant approached, carrying a silver salver, upon which lay a sealed envelope. This with a bow he presented to the Prince, who, upon opening it, found therein a card inscribed with the words:—
“He who now speaks with you is the man.
Arcadius Baranoff.”
CHAPTER II
BARANOFF’S PROPOSAL
For a moment Ouvaroff fastened his gaze upon the card which he so held as to be seen by none but himself; then, raising his eyes, he looked at Wilfrid. There was a sudden coldness in the Prince’s demeanour, and Wilfrid intuitively felt that the writing on the card had something to do with it.