"I was too careful for that.

The maid and I are on very friendly terms.

She believes me to be a Russian, and I've not denied it." "It would be safest not to do so," I replied.

"If she discovers that you are an Englishman, she might chance to mention the fact to her mistress.
She would doubtless let it fall in conversation with him, and then all our trouble would be useless.

You speak Russian, do you not ?" "Only pretty well, sir," he answered.