And I went out, leaving Tino stupefied in the center of his bedroom.
The Tzar's bell was ringing again, but I made no ceremony in his case, merely jerking open his door and telling him curtly to come down to breakfast if he wanted any. Then I closed his door to cut off argument and continued on.
I met Thusis in apron and dust-cloth, sweeping the stairs.
She looked up almost shyly as I passed her with a polite bow.
"Good morning," she said. "Did you sleep well, Monsieur?"
"The wind kept me awake," said I drily.
"And me, also." She glanced out of the stair window, leaning on her broom. "It is raining very hard," she observed. "The mountains will not be safe to-day."
"How do you mean?" I inquired coolly, but willing to linger, heaven help me!
"Avalanches," she explained.
"I see."