Zina�da half closed her eyes. ‘Does that console you? O � O � O � Mr. Pugnacity!’ she said at last, as though she could find no other word. ‘And you, M’sieu’ Voldemar, would you come with us?’

‘I don’t care to � in a large party,’ I muttered, not raising my eyes.

‘You prefer a t�te-�-t�te?� Well, freedom to the free, and heaven to the saints,’ she commented with a sigh. ‘Go along, Byelovzorov, and bestir yourself. I must have a horse for to-morrow.’

‘Oh, and where’s the money to come from?’ put in the old princess.

Zina�da scowled.

‘I won’t ask you for it; Byelovzorov will trust me.’