At this Natasha dashed swiftly among the flower tubs and hid there.

Boris paused in the middle of the room, looked round, brushed a little dust from the sleeve of his uniform, and going up to a mirror examined his handsome face.

Natasha, very still, peered out from her ambush, waiting to see what he would do.

He stood a little while before the glass, smiled, and walked toward the other door.