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"I hear you have given orders to harness," she cried, panting

(she had apparently been running), "and I did so wish to have

another talk with you alone! God knows how long we may again be

parted. You are not angry with me for coming? You have changed

so, Andrusha," she added, as if to explain such a question.

She smiled as she uttered his pet name, "Andrusha." It was

obviously strange to her to think that this stern handsome man

should be Andrusha-the slender mischievous boy who had been her

playfellow in childhood.

"And where is Lise?" he asked, answering her question only by a

smile.

"She was so tired that she has fallen asleep on the sofa in my

room. Oh, Andrew! What a treasure of a wife you have," said she,

sitting down on the sofa, facing her brother. "She is quite a

child: such a dear, merry child. I have grown so fond of her."

Prince Andrew was silent, but the princess noticed the ironical

and contemptuous look that showed itself on his face.