Mavis willingly assented, and we all three went into the peaceful sanctum where the marble Pallas presided, and where the dogs Tricksy and Emperor were both ensconced,—Emperor sitting up on his haunches and surveying the prospect from the window, and Tricksy with a most absurd air of importance, imitating the larger animal's attitude precisely, at a little distance off. Both creatures were friendly to my wife and to me, and while Sibyl was stroking the St Bernard's massive head, Mavis said suddenly—
"Where is the friend who came with you here first, Prince Rimanez?"
"He is in St Petersburg just now," I answered. "But he will be here in two or three weeks to stay with us on a visit for some time.''
"He is surely a very singular man," said Mavis thoughtfully. "Do you remember how strangel
