. I found I was only three miles
from Osterno, so I came. My misfortune must be my excuse for
this--intrusion."

Paul performed graciously enough that which charity and politeness
demanded of him. There are plenty of people who trade unscrupulously
upon these demands, but it is probable that they mostly have their
reward. Love and friendship are stronger than charity and politeness,
and those who trade upon the latter are rarely accorded the former.

So Paul ignored the probability that De Chauxville had lamed his horse
on purpose, and offered him refreshment while his saddle was being
transferred to the back of a fresh mount. Farther than that he did not
go. He did not consider himself called upon to offer a night's
hospitality to the man who had attempted to murder him a week before.

With engaging frankness De Chauxville accepted every thing. It is an art
soon acquired and soon abused. There is something honest in an
ungracious acceptance of favors. Steinmetz suggested that perhaps M. de
Chauxville had lunched sparsely, and the Frenchman admitted that such
was the case, but that he loved afternoon tea above all meals.

"It is so innocent and simple--I know. I have the same feeling myself,"
concurred Steinmetz courteously.

"Do you ride about the country much alone?" asked Paul, while the
servants were setting before this uninvited guest a few more substantial
delicacies.

"Ah, no, prince! This is my first attempt, and if it had not procured me
this pleasure I should say that it will be my last."

"It is easy to lose yourself," said Paul; "besides"--and the two friends
watched the Frenchman's face closely--"besides, the country is disturbed
at present."

De Chauxville was helping himself daintily to pate de foie gras.

"Ah, indeed! Is that so?" he answered. "But they would not hurt me--a
stranger in the land."

"And an orphan, too, I have no doubt," added Steinmetz, with a laugh.
"But would the moujik pause to enquire, my very dear De Chauxville?"

"At all events, I should not pause to answer," replied the Frenchman, in
the same, light tone. "I should evacuate. Ah, mademoiselle," he went on,
addressing Maggie, "they have been attempting to frighten you, I
suspect, with their stories of disturbed peasantry. It is to keep up the
lurid local color. They must have their romance, these Russians."

And so the ball was kept rolling. There was never any lack of
conversation when Steinmetz and De Chauxville were