thousands of Russians. Sometimes the French lieutenant came with them,
and once or twice the Russian gravely invited him to sit in front with
the driver. Then they would talk together a little in English, and once
he said: "Would you like me to tell you something that will surprise you
and interest me?"

She looked round.

"Your employer," he said, smiling gently over the expression, "is
jealous of you."

She did not know what to make of this.

"He dislikes it intensely when you talk to the commandant of the
_citadelle_."

"But...."

"He does not think you exclusive enough, considering you, as he does,
as _his woman_."

"But, why...."

"Yes, of course! But you ought to realise that you are the only woman
for miles around, and you belong to us!"

"You too?"

"Well, yes. I have something the same feeling. But his is stronger
because his nature is Oriental. He thinks: 'This woman is a great