“Look there!” whispered Ivanoff, excitedly.
From the smart frocks, hats and petticoats lying on the grass, it was evident that the party of bathers had come out from the town. Some were merrily splashing about in the water which dripped in silver beads from their round, soft limbs. One stood on the bank, erect and lithe, and the sunlight enhanced the plastic beauty of her form that quivered as she laughed.
“Oh! I say!” exclaimed Sanine, fascinated by the sight.
Ivanoff started backwards as in alarm.
“What’s the matter?”
“Hush! It’s Sina Karsavina!”
“So it is!” said Sanine aloud. “I didn’t recognize her. How charming she looks!”
“Yes, doesn’t she?” said the other, chuckling.
At that moment laughter and loud cries told them that they had been overheard. Karsavina, startled, leaped into the clear water from which alone her rosy face and shining eyes emerged. Sanine and Ivanoff fled precipitately, stumbling back through the tall rushes to their boat.
“Oh! how good it is to be alive!” said Sanine, stretching himself.