"We will doubtless meet others as beautiful at
the ball to-night," said Davidov philosophically.
"You are not in love with a girl who has barely
spoken to you, I suppose."

"She had almost given me a rose this morning,
when Rezanov, who was flattering the good Dona
Ignacia with a moment of his attention, turned too
soon. I might have been air. She looked straight
through me. Such eyes! Such teeth! Such a form!
She is the most enchanting girl I have ever seen.
And he will monopolize her without troubling to
notice whether we even admire her or not. Pray
heaven he does not break her heart."

"He is honorable. One must admit that, if he
does fancy his own will was a personal gift from
the Almighty. Perhaps she will break his. I never
saw a more accomplished flirt."

"I know women," replied the shrewder Khos-
tov. When men like Rezanov make an effort to
please--" He shrugged his shoulders. "Some
men are the offspring of Mars and Venus and most
of us are not. We can at least be philosophers.
Let us hope the dinner will be excellent."



VII