There was a color, so to speak, in the declaration addressed to her--a
warmth and earnestness--which drew a serious look from the Princess--the
look, in a word, with which a woman admits a fear lest the man speaking
to her may be a lover.

To say of her who habitually discouraged the tender passion, and the
thought of it, that she moved in an atmosphere charged with attractions
irresistible to the other sex sounds strangely: yet it was true; and as
a consequence she had grown miraculously quick with respect to
appearances.

However, she now dismissed the suspicion, and replied:

"I believe you, Sergius, I believe you. The Holy Virgin sees how
completely and gladly."

She went on presently, a tremulous light in her eyes making him think of
tears. "You call me little mother. There are some who might laugh, did
they hear you, yet I agree to the term. It implies a relation of trust
without embarrassment, and a promise of mutual faithfulness warranting
me to call you in return, Sergius, and sometimes 'dear Sergius.' ...
Yes, I think it better that you go back immediately. The Hegumen will
want to speak to you in the morning about what you have seen and heard
to-day. My boatmen can take you down, and arrived there, they will stay
the night. My house is always open to them."

After telling her how glad he was for the permission to address her in a
style usual in his country, he moved to depart, but she detained him.

"Stay a moment. To-day I had not time to deal as I wished with the