Popova was standing in
the doorway. He greeted her with a smile and bow, both of which struck
her as being singularly affected, for he was not given to polite
observances. As he squatted near her, she noticed that he was tremulous
and seemed almost frightened about something.
"I have come to tell you that I regret exceedingly the--the distressing
incident of yesterday, and that I sympathize with you deeply--deeply,"
he began.
"It is your fault," she said, turning from him and again gazing into the
street. "You taught me everything I do not need in Morovenia. You
neglected the one essential. I am not blind. It was never your desire
that I should be like my sister."
She spoke in a low monotone and with no tinge of resentment, but her
words had an immediate and perturbing effect on Popova, who stared at
her wide-eyed and seemed unable to find his voice.
"You must know that I have been governed by your father's wishes," he
said awkwardly. "Why do you--"
"Do not misunderstand me. I thank you for what you have done. I would
not be other than what I am. Tell me--the stranger--you know, the one in
the garden--has he been taken?" inquired the Princess.
"Taken! Taken! Not even a clue--not a trace! Either the earth opened to
swallow him or else Koldo is a dunce.
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