THE SECRET OF THE NIGHT




I

GAYETY AND DYNAMITE


"BARINIA, the young stranger has arrived."

"Where is he?"

"Oh, he is waiting at the lodge."

"I told you to show him to Natacha's sitting-room. Didn't you
understand me, Ermolai?"

"Pardon, Barinia, but the young stranger, when I asked to search
him, as you directed, flatly refused to let me."

"Did you explain to him that everybody is searched before being
allowed to enter, that it is the order, and that even my mother
herself has submitted to it?"