assage
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."

Then, as if desirous of summarily cutting short an inconvenient
discussion, he returned to the original subject of conversation.

"From my point of view, for purely practical reasons I must regard it
as a mistake that you should so soon give up your career in the Russian
army, which has begun under the most favourable auspices. A brilliant
career is open to capable men of your stamp amongst us, for there is
more elbow-room in our army than in yours. But I know that it is useless
to say anything further about it. One word more! You need not at once
take off the uniform to which you do honour before you leave Simla.
To-morrow I am returning to Lahore, and during the march I beg you will
still remain at the head of your squadron. It will be safest for your
English friends to travel with our column. At Lahore you can do as
you please. Since the course of the campaign is in a south-easterly
direction, the west is free, and you may possibly be able to travel by
train for a considerable portion of the journey to Karachi."

In this proposal Heideck recognised