“Your nephew let it out in the train, and Sophie told me. She telegraphed me that you were coming, and I sent some flowers for you to the hotel. I hope you received them? They are sometimes careless in such matters.”
“I never knew who sent them, and I thank you so much,” I said.
After a moment, madame continued:
“I run no risk in telling you that the man you befriended was my husband, and a nihilist, who had long eluded detection. He was fond of disguises. I think it is in the family,” and her eyes rested for a moment on Sophie, who stood with her back to her mother. “That of a beggar was his favorite, and had done him good service many times, but failed him at the last. He was arrested and tried, and sent to Siberia, where he died within three months. His father, who lived with us, did not long survive him, and we were left alone. He had spent a great deal of money for the cause he believed to be right. Our house on the Nevsky was heavily mortgaged. We lost it, and came here. It is a special Providence which has thrown you in my way, to thank you for your kindness to him. I try to be cheerful, but I know we are living over a volcano, which may engulf us at any time.”
“But what harm can come to you, living here alone?” I asked.
Before she could reply, Sophie said:
“None whatever. She is nervous, and has been so ever since they took my father away. It has a different effect on me. It makes me—— But why talk about it? Do you all play cards?”
She turned to Jack, who, knowing the Russian habit, answered:
“Yes; but not for money, as you do.”
“I know. You play for fun. Then let it be fun; Drusa, bring the table!”