Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-03
CHAPTER XIII.
The Deserted Hunting Lodge

~ pointed place, together with Pavloff and
the Dukes little band of recruits" Sturdy
young muzhiks these. as saw now by the gray
light of dawn, cleaner and more intelligent
looking than most of their class. They were
freshly horsed for they had taken advantage
of the confusion in the town to commander
remounts, they say in South Africa. There
were horses for Anne. and her cousin too.
Pavloff, like his son, a man who forgot
nothing
Anne had already revived from the faintness
that overcame her on the steps of the church.
had heard her talking to Loris as we came
along. More than once she declared she was
quite able to walk; but he only shook his head
and strobe on.
He set her down now, and seemed to be
demurring about her horse. l heard her laugh,
how well l knew that laugh though had
already swung myself into the saddle and edged
little away.
1T is not the first time have had to ride
thus. Look you, Maurice, it goes we'll enough,
does it not?" she said. riding toward me.
l had to look round at that. She was
mounted astride, as I've seen girls ride in the
States. She had slipped off the skirt of her
dark riding habit and flung it over her right
arm, and was sitting squarely in her saddle, her
long coat reaching to the tops of her high riding
looked at the gallant graceful figure, at the
small proud head with its wealth of bright hair
cleaning under the little astrachan cap that
she wore, at the white face with its brave smile.
knew well that she was all but dead beat. and
that she laughed only lest she might weep. or
faint again.
"It goes we'll indeed Cabitaine," answered,
with military salute.
Pavloff, still on foot, came forward and stood
beside her, speaking in low growl; he was an
elder edition of his son Mishka.
She listened, looking down at him gravely
and kindly. / could not take my eyes from her
face, so dear and familiar, and yet in one way
SO changed. l guessed wherein the change lay.
When l had known her before she she had only
been playing part, posing as lovely, light
hearted, capriciously coquettish girl. without
real care in the world. But now saw her with
out the mask, knew her for what she was. the
woman who devoting her youth. her
beauty, her brilliant talents, to great cause,
we'll nigh hopeless one, and loved her more
than ever, with passionate fervor that.
honestly declare, had no faint of selfshness
in it. From that moment told myself that it
was enough for me merely to be near her, to
serve her, shield her perhaps, and count as
rich reward every chance word or thought or
smile she might bestow on me-
Yes, it is well; your duty lies there" l
heard her say; God be with you: old friend.
and FAREWELL" She slipped her right hand out
of its loose leather glove and held it out to him.
WHEN first saw her at Chelsea. had de-
w cided that hers were the most beautiful
hands in the world, not small, but exquisitely
shaped. hands that, in their graceful move
|
idea of power and versatility. She never wore
rings l remembered how Mary once remarked
on this pecdiarity, and Anne had answered
that she did not care for them.
But you've quite a lot in your jewel case,
lovely old ones; you ought to wear them.
Anne" Mary protested, and Anne's eyes had
darkened as they always did in moments of
emotion.
They were my mothers. Father gave
them to me years ago, and l always carry them
about with me: but l never wear them,' she
said quietly.
The remembrance of this little episode
flashed through my mind as saw her hold out
her ringless hand, begrimed now with dirt and
smoke, with purple mark like bruise be-
tween the thumb and first finger. which showed
me that she had been one of the firing party.
Pavloff barred his shaggy head and bent over
the hand as if it had been that of an Empress,
then moved away and went plump on his knees
before Loris.
Where is he going?" asked Anne ranging
my horse alongside.
Back to his work, like the good man he is,
she said, her eyes fixed on Loris. who had raised
the old steward and speaking to him rap
idly and affectionately. HE came thus far
lest we should have need of him: perhaps also
because he would say farewell to me-since we
shall not meet again. But now he will return
and continue his duty at Zostrov as long as he
is permitted to do That may not be long:
but still his post is there