"Shall you be long in Moscow? You're busy with the district council, though, aren't you, and can't be away for long?" "No, princess, I'm no longer a member of the council," he said.

"I have come up for a few days.

" "There's something the matter with him," thought Countess Nordston, glancing at his stern, serious face.

" He isn't in his old argumentative mood.

But I'll draw him out.