The General's brow clouded.
"He must remain at his post for the present," he answered. "After he has achieved military glory, it will be time enough to initiate him in civil affairs."
"But you need an adviser, an assistant who can take some of your work off your hands."
"You are right! But who shall it be? There are so many Nihilists about, that I cannot be too careful whom I take into my confidence."
Louise rocked herself awhile in silence. Suddenly she said, impetuously:
"I wish we were back in St. Petersburg, or even at Lubny. Do you know, Dimitri, our days at Lubny were pleasant, after all?"
"Perhaps," answered Drentell, sarcastically, "that accounts for your incessant desire to leave the place."
"I never know when I am happy," said Louise, truthfully.
For some minutes she again rocked herself vigorously. It was her way of stimulating her mental faculties. Suddenly she cried:
"Ah, if you had only brought Mikail along. He might assist you."