intelligence of her broad brow. With all her simplicity, she
looked no fool or weakling. And to think that the narrow code of
those who surrounded her should force this sweet young creature
into the gray walls of a prison house, when she became the English
clergyman's wife; it was too revolting to him. Count Roumovski
suddenly made up his mind, trained to instantaneous decision by
his bent of studies, and sure and decided in its action. And if
Stella had looked up then she would have seen a keen gleam in the
peaceful blue of his eyes. He drew her on to talk of her home and
her tastes--she loved many things he did, he found--and she was so
eager to hear and to learn their meaning. He grew to feel a sort
of pride and the pleasure of a teacher when directing an extremely
intelligent child. There were no barriers of stupidity into
whatever regions the subjects might wander. They spent an hour of
pure joy investigating each other's thoughts. And both knew they
were growing more than friends.

Then Stella rose suddenly to her feet. A clock struck twelve.

"You said one must not be negative and drift," she announced
demurely, "so I am being decided and must now go to Martha again."

"Ivan has not warned us that she is thinking of stirring," Count
Roumovski said. "I told him to, and he will let us know in plenty
of time; you surely do not breakfast until half-past twelve, do
you?"

"Ivan?--who is Ivan?" Stella asked.

"He is a servant of mine who does what he is bid," her companion