The young beauty’s vivid imagination transported her to this new and quieter life.  But, spite of the clear and glowing hues in which she described her anticipations, her grey-haired listener could not have believed in them fully.  A subtle smile sometimes flitted over his grave, somewhat melancholy face—­that of a man who has ceased to wrestle in the arena of life, and after severe conflict now preferred to stand among the spectators and watch others win or lose the prize of victory.  Doubtless the wounds which he had received still ached, yet his sorrowful experiences did not prevent his being an attentive observer.  The expression of his clear eyes showed that he mentally shared whatever aroused his sympathy.  Whoever understood how to listen thus, and, moreover—­the prominence of the brow above the nose showed it—­was also a trained thinker, could not fail to be a good counsellor, and as such he was regarded by many, and first of all by the Queen.

The wise deliberation, which was one of his characteristic traits, showed itself on this occasion; for though he had come to persuade Barine try a country residence, he refrained from doing until she had exhausted the story of her own affairs and inquired the important cause of his visit.

In the principal matter his request was granted ere he made it.  So he could begin with the query whether the mother and daughter did not think that the transition to the new mode of life could be effected more easily if they were absent from the city a short time.  It would awaken comment they should close their house against guests on the morrow, and as the true reason could not be given, many would be offended.  If, on the contrary, they could resolve to quit the capital for a few weeks, many, it is true, would lament their decision, but what was alloted to all alike could be resented by no one.

Berenike eagerly assented, but Barine grew thoughtful.  Then Archibius begged her to speak frankly, and after she had asked where they could he proposed his country estate.

His keen grey eyes had perceived that something, bound her so firmly to the city that in the case of a true woman like Barine it must be an affair of the heart.  He had evidently judged correctly, for, at his prediction that there would be no lack of visits from her dearest friends, she raised her head, her blue eyes sparkled brightly, and when Archibius paused she to her mother, exclaiming gaily “We will go!”

Again the vivid imagination daughter conjured the future before her in distinct outlines.  She alone knew whom she meant when she spoke of the visitor she expected at Irenia, Archibius’s estate.  The name meant “The place of peace,” and it pleased her.

Archibius listened smilingly; but when she began to assign him also a part in driving the little Sardinian horses and pursuing the birds, he interrupted her with the statement that whether he could speedily allow himself a pleasure which he should so keenly enjoy—­that of breathing the country air with such charming guests—­would depend upon the fate of another.  Thank the gods, he had been able to come here with a lighter heart, because, just before his departure, he had heard of a splendid victory gained by the Queen.  The ladies would perhaps permit him to remain a little longer, as he was expecting confirmation of the news.