For a moment Heideck was pained to think that she had no word of attachment for her country; but he had already learnt not to measure her by the standard of the other women whom he had hitherto met on his life’s journey, and it ill became him to reproach her for this want of patriotism.

“Mr. Kennedy has assured me that he is ready to take you under his protection during the journey,” said he.  “I will speak to the Prince again to-day, and, as he has no right to detain me, it will be possible for me, as I confidently hope, to start with you for Karachi.”

“But I shall only accept the Kennedys’ offer if you go with us,” declared Edith in a tone of decision, which left no doubt as to her unshakable resolution.

As a matter of fact, Prince Tchajawadse put no difficulties in his way.

“I sincerely regret to lose you again so soon,” he declared, “but it is for you alone to decide whether you go or stay.  It was arranged beforehand that you could leave the Russian service as soon as it became worth your while.  Women are, after all, the controlling spirits of our lives.”

Of course the Prince had long since been aware that the Kennedys’ visitor was Edith Irwin, but this was the first time he had alluded to his German friend’s love affair.

As if he felt bound to defend himself against a humiliating reproach, Heideck hastened to reply.

“You misunderstand my motives.  It is my duty as a soldier which summons me first of all.  Hitherto I have had no prospect of getting a passage on an English steamer.  But, in the company of Mr. Kennedy, and on his recommendation, I have hopes that it will not be refused me.”

“Pardon me.  I never for a moment doubted your patriotic sense of duty, and I wish you from my heart a happy voyage home.  Of course, notwithstanding the alliance of our nations, it is not the same to you, whether you fight in the ranks of the Russian or the German army.  And if the prospect of travelling in such pleasant society has finally decided you, you have, in my opinion, no reason at all to be ashamed of it.  Certainly, for my own part, I am convinced that it is better, for a soldier to make the female element play as subordinate a role as possible in his life.  He ought to do like most of my countrymen, and get a wife who will not resent being thrashed, with or without cause.  It may be that I am mistaken on this point, and I have been severely punished for it.”

His countenance had suddenly become very grave, and as he could only be alluding to his lost page, Heideck thought he might at last venture to ask a question as to the whereabouts of the Circassian.

But the Prince shook his head deprecatingly.

“Do not ask me about her.  It is a painful story, which I do not care to mention, since it recalls one of the worst hours of my life.  It is bad enough that we poor, weak creatures cannot atone for the mistakes of a moment.”