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Alexey Alexandrovitch smiled his smile, which uncovered his

teeth, but revealed nothing more.

"We'll admit, princess, that that's not superficial," he said,

"but internal. But that's not the point," and he turned again to

the general with whom he was talking seriously; "we mustn't

forget that those who are taking part in the race are military

men, who have chosen that career, and one must allow that every

calling has its disagreeable side. It forms an integral part of

the duties of an officer. Low sports, such as prize-fighting or

Spanish bull-fights, are a sign of barbarity. But specialized

trials of skill are a sign of development."

"No, I shan't come another time; it's too upsetting," said

Princess Betsy. "Isn't it, Anna?"

"It is upsetting, but one can't tear oneself away," said another

lady. "If I'd been a Roman woman I should never have missed a

single circus."

Anna said nothing, and keeping her opera-glass up, gazed always

at the same spot.