Then lowering his glance and with great decision declared--

"This young man, General, is perfectly fit to apprehend the bearing of
your memorable words."

The General's whole expression changed from dull resentment to perfect
urbanity.

"I would ask now, Mr. Razumov," he said, "to return to his home. Note
that I don't ask Mr. Razumov whether he has justified his absence to his
guest. No doubt he did this sufficiently. But I don't ask. Mr. Razumov
inspires confidence. It is a great gift. I only suggest that a more
prolonged absence might awaken the criminal's suspicions and induce him
perhaps to change his plans."

He rose and with a scrupulous courtesy escorted his visitors to the
ante-room encumbered with flower-pots.

Razumov parted with the Prince at the corner of a street. In the
carriage he had listened to speeches where natural sentiment struggled
with caution. Evidently the Prince was afraid of encouraging any hopes
of future intercourse. But there was a touch of tenderness in the voice
uttering in the dark the guarded general phrases of goodwill. And the
Prince too said--

"I have perfect confidence in you, Mr. Razumov."

"They all, it seems, have confidence in me," thought Razumov dully. He
had an indulgent contempt for the man sitting shoulder to shoulder with