I felt that I must proceed warily; for I knew not what results might follow.
"Ah!" he exclaimed eagerly; "but what would you call encouragement?"
"Well," I debated for a moment, "asking the man to call and see her—or—accepting a present from him, or—telling him she is fond of his mother."
I paused; and my companion looked at me in dumb amazement. He must think the Americans a very curious and wonderful people!
"Any of those things," I went on seriously, "would be considered encouragement."
He ceased to look astonished, and began to be downcast.
"And without something of that sort, a man would not declare his feelings?"
"Oh, dear, no!" I cried. "What lovely blue eyes Madame Kirovieff has!"
"I prefer dark ones," said my companion, looking at me sentimentally.
The ambassador approached at this moment, and I had a short respite. At ten o'clock the imperial family left the hall.
"Come," said Nicolas.
"Where?" Judith and I inquired, in a breath.
"Home, of course. Have you not been here long enough?"
"You don't mean to tell me," said I indignantly, "that this is all! I thought it was a ball. The idea of going home at this hour,—having done nothing but watch other people dance!"
