After that the deluge." "By that time we shall be ready for the deluge," said Margaret cheerfully.

"I have many friends, and something may yet be done.
Meanwhile do not distress yourself about me; you know I have something of my own." "How can I thank you for your kindness?
You ought to hate me, and instead you console!" "My dear friend, if I did not like you for your own sake, I would help you because you are poor Alexis's brother." There was no emotion in her voice at the mention of her dead husband, only a certain reverence.

She had honoured him more than she had loved him.
"Princesse, quand meme," said Nicholas in a low voice, as he raised her fingers to his lips.
"Leave me your address before you go.

I will write as soon as I have decided what to do." Nicholas scratched the name of a hotel on his card.
When he was gone Margaret sank into a chair.

She would have sent for Claudius--Claudius was a friend--but she recollected his note, and thought with some impatience that just when she needed him most he was away.