He saw Paul and Maggie come
back to the edge of the lake, accompanied by an English lady of some
importance in Russia, with whom Maggie presently went away to the
concert-room.
Steinmetz glided up to Paul, who was lighting a cigarette at the edge of
the pond, where an attendant stood by an open wood fire with cigarettes
and hot beverages.
"Get a pair of skates," said the German. "This ice is
marvellous--colossa-a-a-l."
He amused himself with describing figures, like a huge grave-minded boy,
until Paul joined him.
"Where is Etta?" asked the prince at once.
"Over there with De Chauxville."
Paul said nothing for a few moments. They skated side by side round the
lake. It was too cold to stand still even for a minute.
"I told you," remarked Paul at length, "that that fellow is coming to
Thors."
"I wish he would go to the devil," said Steinmetz.
"No doubt he will in time," answered Paul carelessly.
"Yes; but not soon enough. I assure you, Paul, I do not like it. We are
just in that position that the least breath of suspicion will get us
into endless trouble. The authorities know that Stepan Lanovitch has
escaped. At any moment the Charity League scandal may be resuscitated.
We do not want fellows like De Chauxville prowling about. I know the
man. He is a d--d scoundrel who would sell his immortal soul if he could
get a bid for it.
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