3. Little Maroussia

Danilo, having followed the glances of the Envoy, had discovered the object of his attention.

“That is my daughter,” said he, “my brave child, wise beyond her age”; and, calling her, “Maroussia,” said he, “come here.” Maroussia approached.

She was a genuine little Ukrainian girl, about twelve years of age, with velvety eyebrows, and cheeks browned by the sun; beautiful as much by the expression of her charming face, as by the purity of her features, a true type of her race. She wore an embroidered chemise in the fashion of her country, a skirt of deep blue, with a red sash about her waist; her beautiful hair, arranged in long braids, rippled and shone like silk. The girls of this country wear wreaths of flowers in the summer. Maroussia still had some red flowers in her hair.

“Maroussia,” her father said to her, “you were listening to our conversation.”

“I did not wish to listen,” said Maroussia, “but in spite of myself I heard you, and having heard, I listened.”

“Well, then, what did you hear, my child?” “I heard everything.”

Her voice was very musical.

“Tell me what you heard, my daughter.” The brilliant eyes of Maroussia turned toward the Envoy of the Setch.

“I understood that it is necessary for our good friend here to reach Tchigurine very soon, and that for the safety of Ukraine he should see the Ataman.”

“You have indeed heard and understood everything,” said Danilo. “Now listen to me, Maroussia, you must not tell a living soul what you have heard. If anyone questions you, you know nothing. Do you understand what a secret is?”

“It is something that one must keep at any price,” answered the child.

“Very well, then,” said her father in a grave voice, “you are the guardian of a secret.”

“Yes, father,” said Maroussia.

Danilo said no more. Maroussia had no promise to make, but there was something in these words, “yes, father,” spoken by this child as she spoke them, to reassure one more incredulous than St. Thomas himself.

“Where is your mother?” asked Danilo.

“She is preparing supper.”

“Go and tell her that your little brothers are asleep.”