Preobrajenski Guards approached to claim the girl. "Even a nut-tree
may be a shelter in a storm," he said.

"Of course I promise, Quentin," she said. "Au revoir. Soon I will
come and take you to supper, and we will talk of nothing but nut-trees."

He watched the two leave the room, her gown glowing like a tongue of
fire in that shadowy archway. Then he slowly rose to his feet,
for he thought that for a little he would watch the dancing.
Something moved beside him, and he turned in time to prevent the jade
casket from crashing to the floor. Two of the supports had slipped.

He replaced the thing on its proper table and stood silent for a moment.

"The priest and the soldier gone, and only the beast of burden left.
If I were inclined to be superstitious, I should call that a dashed bad
omen."



CHAPTER 1


HOW A RETIRED PROVISION MERCHANT FELT THE IMPULSE OF SPRING


Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with
the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the
looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line