"Our misfortunes pass all conception. But do not let us speak of it. How is it, madame, that you go to Warsaw?"
"From curiosity only," replied she, lowering her eyes. "It is possible also that I may sing in some theatre."
"Oh! You are sure to be admirably received. Colonel Nauke is very fond of Italian music, and as soon as he knows"--
"You will introduce me to him?"
"I, madame, it is impossible! I shall be obliged to conceal myself. To be seen would be for me death or exile."
"If I could at least meet you there!"
Ivas sadly shook his head. The Dane, very attentive to the conversation, concluded that she intended to leave the Russian, who, of course, as he was a refugee, could not return to the land of the Czars.
This idea did honour to his acquaintance with political geography, of which nearly all European journalists are absolutely ignorant.
"And you go alone?" asked he.
"No, not alone. But, monsieur, you annoy me with your questions. Really I do not know yet what I shall do, and I do not like to speak of the future. That will be accomplished in one way or another. Chi lo sa?"