There was
a suggestion of spring in the air. It seemed that at last the long
winter was drawing to a close; that the iron grip of frost was relaxing.
Paul went out and inspected the harness by the light of a stable lantern
held in the mittened hand of a yemschick. He had reasons of his own for
absenting himself while Catrina bade her mother farewell. He was rather
afraid of these women.
The harness inspected, he began reckoning how many hours of moonlight
might still be vouchsafed to him. The stableman, seeing the direction of
his gaze, began to talk of the weather and the possibilities of snow in
the near future. They conversed in low voices together.
Presently the door opened and Catrina came quickly out, followed by a
servant carrying a small hand-bag.
Paul could not see Catrina's face. She was veiled and furred to the
eyelids. Without a word the girl took her seat in the sleigh, and the
servant prepared the bear-skin rugs. Paul gathered up the reins and took
his place beside her. A few moments were required to draw up the rugs
and fasten them with straps; then Paul gave the word and the horses
leaped forward.
As they sped down the avenue Catrina turned and looked her last on
Thors.
Before long Paul wheeled into the trackless forest. He had come very
carefully, steering chiefly by the moon and stars, with occasional
assistance from a bend of the winding river.
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