Unconsciously the girl must have moved or made a sound of some kind at this instant, for General Alexis, who had almost reached the door, turned quickly around. At the same time his right hand grasped his pistol.
Was there a spy or an assassin lurking in his church to destroy him? There were many men of other lands who would gladly give their lives for his.
But General Alexis' hand dropped to his side again, as soon as it had touched the metal of his pistol. To his surprise he had discovered a pair of blue-gray eyes staring at him earnestly, with almost wistful sympathy.
General Alexis came back to where Mildred stood.
"You were here in church with me and I did not see you," he said as simply and naturally as an ordinary person, "I hope I did not disturb you."
"_Disturb me!_" Mildred stuttered a little in her surprise at his words. "Oh, I beg your pardon, it was I who should not have been here when you came. But I did not know, that is I did not dream you ever left the fort, while I like to steal in here during the hours I have for rest. I will not come again."
General Alexis shook his head. "I should be very sorry. Rather than that this should happen I would stay away during those hours. But is there not room enough here and peace enough for us both?"
Without replying Mildred inclined her head and began walking toward the door, General Alexis keeping beside her.
"If you are returning to the fortress and will permit me, I should like to go back with you?" he asked.
And again Mildred could only stammer a confused acquiescence.
In the little court before the Russian church General Alexis' guard of soldiers was awaiting him. However, at an inclination of his head they fell in at once, marching at a respectful distance behind their general and his companion.
"I remember our having a short conversation a few weeks ago," the Russian officer continued gravely, after they had gone on a few yards. Mildred had been vainly endeavoring to make up her mind whether she should be the one to speak. If so, what on earth should she say?
She was glad to be spared having to make up her mind.
"You were very kind," the girl returned. "I did not imagine you would know me again, but perhaps it is because I am an American."