" She was
not more than nineteen or twenty years of age, and he felt--
without knowing what it was--the atmosphere of sweet, womanly
purity and innocence which surrounded her. The shyness of a lost
boyhood surprised him.
By the time they had reached the Litenie, she had fully recovered
her consciousness and a portion of her strength. She drew away
from him as much as the narrow sled would allow.
"You have been very kind, sir, and I thank you," she said; "but I
am now able to go home without your further assistance."
"By no means, lady!" said the Prince. "The streets are rough, and
here are no lamps. If a second accident were to happen, you would
be helpless. Will you not allow me to protect you?"
She looked him in the face. In the dusky light, she saw not the
peevish, weary features of the worldling, but only the imploring
softness of his eyes, the full and perfect honesty of his present
emotion. She made no further objection; perhaps she was glad that
she could trust the elegant stranger.
Boris, never before at a loss for words, even in the presence of
the Empress, was astonished to find how awkward were his attempts
at conversation.
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