deck's tent, where she might, for the moment at
least, consider herself to be safe.

"But Georgi?" asked the Captain with some anxiety. "She remained in the
women's tent? What will happen to her when her share in your flight is
discovered?"

"The idea also tormented me. But the heroic girl repeatedly assured me
that she would find a way to escape, and that in any case she would have
nothing to fear, as soon as she appealed to Prince Tchajawadse."

"That may be so; but that hardly agrees with her wish to keep the
fact of her presence in the camp a secret from the Prince. The girl's
behaviour is a complete riddle to me. I do not understand what can have
induced her to sacrifice herself with such wonderful unselfishness
for us, who are really only strangers to her, in whom she can feel no
interest. Certainly she was not actuated by any thought of a reward. She
has the pride of her race, and I am certain that she would consider any
offer of one as an insult."

"I think the same. But perhaps I can guess her real motives."

"And won't you tell me what you think?"

Edith hesitated a little; but she was not one of those women who allow
any petty emotion to master them.

"I think, my friend, that she loves you," she said, with a slight,
enchanting smile. "Some unguarded expressions and the fire that kindled
in her eyes as soon as we mentioned your name, made me feel almost
certain of it. The fact that, notwithstanding, she helped to set me
free, is certainly, in the circumstances, only a stronger proof of her
magnanimity. But I understand it perfectly. A woman in love, if of noble
character, is capable of any act of self-denial."

Heideck shook his head.

"I think your shrewdness has played you false on this occasion. I am
firmly convinced that she is Prince Tchajawadse's mistress, and, from
all I have seen of their relations, it seems to me inconceivable that
she would be unfaithful to him for the sake of a stranger, with whom she
has only interchanged a few casual words."

"Well, perhaps we may have an opportunity of settling whether I am wrong
or not. But now, my friend, I should first of all like to know what you
have decided about me."

Heideck was in some embarrassment how to answer, and spoke hesitatingly
of his intention to send her to Ambala with Morar Gopal. But Edith would
not allow him to finish. She interrupted him with a decided gesture of
dissent.

"Ask of me what you like--except to leave you again