ay which had only
become apparent to Steinmetz since her arrival at Petersburg.

"Good-evening," she said.

"Good-evening, madame," he answered.

He closed the door carefully behind him.

CHAPTER XX

AN OFFER OF FRIENDSHIP

Etta did not move when Steinmetz approached, except, indeed, to push one
foot farther out toward the warmth of the wood fire. She certainly was
very neatly shod. Steinmetz was one of her few failures. She had never
got any nearer to the man. Despite his gray hair and bulky person she
argued that he was still a man, and therefore an easy victim to
flattery--open to the influence of beauty.

"I wonder why," she said, looking into the fire, "you hate me."

Steinmetz looked down at her with his grim smile. The mise en scene was
perfect, from the thoughtful droop of the head to the innocent display
of slipper.

"I wonder why you think that of me," he replied.

"One cannot help perceiving that which is obvious."

"While that which is purposely made obvious serves to conceal that which
may exist behind it," replied the stout man.

Etta paused to reflect over this. Was Steinmetz going to make love to
her? She was not an inexperienced girl, and knew that there was nothing
impossible or even improbable in the thought. She wondered what Karl
Steinmetz must have been like when he was a young man. He had a deft way
even now of planting a double entendre when he took the trouble. How
could she know that his manner was always easiest, his attitude always
politest, toward the women whom he despised. In his way this man was a
philosopher. He had a theory that an exaggerated politeness is an insult
to a woman's intellect.

"You think I do not care," said the Princess Howard Alexis.

"You think I do not admire you," replied Steinmetz imperturbably.

She looked up at him.

"Do you not give me every reason to think so?" she returned, with a toss
of the head.

She was one of those women--and there are not a few--who would quarrel
with you if you do not admire them.

"Not intentionally, princess. I am, as you know, a German of no very
subtle comprehension. My position in your household appears to me to be
a little above the servants, although the prince is kind enough to make
a friend of me and his friends are so good as to do the same. I do not
complain. Far from it. I am well paid. I am interested in my work. I am
more or less my own master. I am very fond of Paul. You--are kind and
forbea