ed to sneak away to an
ice-hill where I was not known, and spend hours of the keenest
enjoyment. Where is Paul?"

"He has just gone over there with Etta."

"She refuses to go?"

"Yes," answered Maggie.

Steinmetz looked down at his companion with his smile of quiet
resignation.

"You tell me you are afraid of mice," he said.

"I hate mice," she replied. "Yes--I suppose I am afraid of them."

"The princess is not afraid of _rats_--she is afraid of very little, the
princess--and yet she will not go on the ice-hill. What strange
creatures, mademoiselle! Come, let us look for Paul. He is the only man
who may be trusted to take you down."

They found Paul and Etta together in one of the brilliantly lighted
kiosks where refreshments were being served, all hot and steaming, by
fur-clad servants. It was a singular scene. If a coffee-cup was left for
a few moments on the table by the watchful servitors, the spoon froze to
the saucer. The refreshments--bread and butter, dainty sandwiches of
caviare, of pate de foie gras, of a thousand delicatessen from Berlin
and Petersburg--were kept from freezing on hot-water dishes. The whole
scene was typical of life in the northern capital, where wealth wages a
successful fight against climate. Open fires burned brilliantly in iron
tripods within the doorway of the tent, and at intervals in the gardens.
In a large hall a string band consoled those whose years or lungs would
not permit of the more vigorous out-door entertainments.

Steinmetz made known to Paul Maggie's desire to risk her life on the
ice-hills, and gallantly proposed to take care of the princess until his
return.

"Then," said Etta gayly, "you must skate. It is much too cold to stand
about. They are going to dance a cotillon."

"If it is your command, princess, I obey with alacrity."

Etta spoke rapidly, looking round her all the while with the bright
enjoyment which overspreads the faces of some women at almost any form
of entertainment, provided there be music, brilliant lights, and a crowd
of people. One cannot help wondering a little what the minds of such
fair ladies must consist of, to be thrown off their balance by such
outward influences. Etta's eyes gleamed with excitement. She was
beautifully dressed in furs, which adornment she was tall and stately
enough to carry to full advantage. She held her graceful head with regal
hauteur, every inch a princess. She was enjoying her keenest pleasure--a
social t