SMOKE
conceal it from her. He was completely at a loss what to say, while Irina did not take her eyes off him.
'Yes, I am going to be married,' he said at last, and at once withdrew.
Ratmirov came back into the room.
'Well, why aren't you dressed?' he asked.
'You can go alone; my head aches.'
'But the princess . . .'
Irina scanned her husband from head to foot in one look, turned her back upon him, and went away to her boudoir.
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