He looked sulky now. It did not suit his plans to go to Paris yet. He was trying to collect information for a game of his own. But where Harietta went he must go, he was besotted about her, and knew that he could not trust her a yard. He protested a little that they were very well where they were, but as she never allowed any one's wishes to interfere with her plans she only smiled. "I'm going on Saturday. We have secured a suite at the Universal this time, now that the Rhin is shut up, and it is such a large hotel, you can quite well stay there; Stanislass won't notice you among the crowd." Ferdinand agreed unwillingly--and just then Verisschenzko came in. He had not seen Madame Boleski since the night at the Carlton, having taken care not to let her know of his further visits to England since. He looked at Ferdinand Ardayre as though he had been some bit of furniture, and he took up Fou-Chow who was cowering beneath a chair. He did not speak a word. Harietta talked for every one for a little while, and then she began to feel nervous. Verisschenzko smiled lazily--he was trying an experiment. The interview could not go on like this; Ferdinand Ardayre would certainly have to go. Now that Verisschenzko had come, Harietta ardently wished that he would. The most venomous hate was arising in Ferdinand's resentful soul. He felt that here was a rival to be dreaded indeed. He saw that Harietta was nervous; he had never seen her so before. He shut his teeth and determined to stay on. Verisschenzko continued his disconcerting silence. Harietta felt that she should presently scream! She took Fou-Chow from Stepan and pinched him cruelly in her exasperation. He gave a feeble squeak and she pushed him roughly down. Animals to her were a nuisance. She disliked them if she had any feeling at all. But Fou-Chow was an adjunct to her toilet sometimes, and was a coveted possession, envied by her many female friends. His tiny, cringing body irritated her though extremely when she was not using him for effect, and he was often kicked and cuffed out of her way. He showed evident fear of her and ran from her always, so that when she wanted to make a picture with him, she was obliged to carry him in her arms. Verisschenzko raised one bushy eyebrow, and a sardonic smile came into his eyes. Madame Boleski saw that she had made a mistake in showing her temper to the dog; it would have given her pleasure then to wring its neck! The two men sat on. She began to grow so uncomfortable that she could endure it no more. "You are coming back to dinner, Mr. Ardayre," she remarked at length, "and I want you to get me gardenias to wear, if you will be so kind, and I am afraid you will have to hurry as the shops close soon." Ferdinand Ardayre rose, rage showing in his mean face, but as he had no choice he said good-bye. Harietta accompanied him to the door, pressing his hand stealthily, then she returned to the Russian with flaming eyes. He had not uttered a word.