To be sure, Popova had received explicit and positive
instructions concerning her government. But Popova--pshaw!
She unwound her veil and removed her head-gear and sat bareheaded by the
car-window, greedily welcoming each new picture that swung into view.
"You must keep your face covered while we are in public or semi-public
places," said Popova gently, repeating his instructions to the very
letter.
"I shall not."
Thus ended any exercise of Popova's authority during the whole journey.
Before the train had come to Budapest all the young women, urged on to
insubordination, had removed their veils, and Kalora had boldly invaded
another compartment to engage in rapt and feverish dialogue with a
little but vivacious Frenchwoman.
Two hours out from Vienna, the tutor found her involved in a business
conference with a guard of the train. She had learned that the tickets
permitted a stopover in Vienna. She wished to see Vienna. She had
decided to spend one whole day in Vienna.
Popova, as usual, made a feeble show of maintaining his authority, but
he was overruled.
Count Selim Malagaski, at home, consulting the prearranged schedule,
said, "This morning they have arrived in Paris and Popova is arranging
for the steamship tickets.
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