nce and flattery. And indeed they are so
closely allied that the distinction is subtle.

Steinmetz, on the left hand of the marquise, addressed one or two
remarks to that lady, who replied with her mouth full. He soon
discovered that that which was before her interested her more than any
thing around, and during the banquet he contented himself by uttering an
exclamation of delight at a particular flavor which the lady was kind
enough to point out to him with an eloquent and emphatic fork from time
to time.

Vassili noted this with some disgust. He would have preferred that Karl
Steinmetz were greedy or more conversational.

"But," the host added aloud, "ladies are so good. Perhaps you are
interested in the peasants?"

Etta looked at Steinmetz, who gave an imperceptible nod.

"Yes," she answered, "I am."

Vassili followed her glance, and found Steinmetz eating with grave
appreciation of the fare provided.

"Ah!" he said in an expectant tone; "then you will no doubt pass much of
your time in endeavoring to alleviate their troubles--their
self-inflicted troubles, with all deference to ce cher prince."

"Why with deference to me?" asked Paul, looking up quietly, with
something in his steady gaze that made Maggie glance anxiously at
Steinmetz.

"Well, I understand that you hold different opinions," said the Russian.

"Not at all," answered Paul. "I admit that the peasants have themselves
to blame--just as a dog has himself to blame when he is caught in a
trap."

"Is the case analogous? Let me recommend those olives--I have them from
Barcelona by a courier."

"Quite," answered Paul; "and it is the obvious duty of those who know
better to teach the dog to avoid the places where the traps are set.
Thanks, the olives are excellent."

"Ah!" said Vassili, turning courteously to Maggie, "I sometimes thank my
star that I am not a landholder--only a poor bureaucrat. It is so
difficult to comprehend these questions, mademoiselle. But of all men in
or out of Russia it is possible our dear prince knows best of what he is
talking."

"Oh, no!" disclaimed Paul, with that gravity at which some were ready to
laugh. "I only judge in a small way from, a small experience."

"Ah! you are too modest. You know the peasants thoroughly, you
understand them, you love them--so, at least, I have been told. Is it
not so, Mme. la Princesse?"

Karl Steinmetz was frowning over an olive.

"I really do not know," said Etta, who had gl