Terrified, the old servant was nevertheless used to accepting unquestioningly any whim or change of mind on the part of his masters. Removing his hat and coat and handing them over to her, he left with tears in his eyes. The train moved off once more and sped towards the frontier.

The Countess Marie then said to her neighbour: ‘‘These articles are for you, Monsieur. You are now my servant Ivan. All I ask in return is this: that in future you will never once speak to me. Not a word, either of thanks or anything else.’’

The stranger bowed his head in silence. Soon they stopped again and uniformed officials boarded to inspect the passengers. The Countess handed them her papers and, pointing to the man sitting in the corner of the compartment, said: ‘‘That is my manservant Ivan. Here is his passport.’’

The train set off again. Throughout the night they remained together, never once exchanging a word. When morning came and they stopped at a German station the stranger began to disembark. Pausing as he stood at the door, he spoke: ‘‘Forgive me, Madame, for breaking my promise but I have deprived you of your servant and it is only fair that I should replace him. Is there anything you need?’’

Coldly she replied: ‘‘Go and fetch my maid.’’

Having done so, he disappeared. From then on, whenever she ate at one of the station buffets en route she was aware that from a distance he was watching her. Finally they arrived at Menton.’

II

The doctor remained silent for a moment then continued.

‘One day as I was seeing my patients at my surgery a tall fellow walked in and said to me: ‘‘Doctor, I’ve come to ask after the health of the Countess Marie Baranow. She doesn’t know me but I’m a friend of her husband.’’

I replied: ‘‘She’s not got long to live. She will certainly not be able to make the journey back to Russia.’’

The man suddenly burst into sobs. Then he rose and staggered out as if drunk.

That very evening I informed the Countess that a stranger had been to see me inquiring after her health. She seemed touched and related to me the story I’ve just told all of you. She added: ‘‘This man, who is a complete stranger to me, follows me like my own shadow. I see him every time I go out. He looks at me full of curiosity but he has never addressed a single word to me.’’

She thought for a while, then added: ‘‘In fact I would bet he’s outside the hotel as we speak.’’

She rose from her chaise longue, drew back the curtains and showed me the same man who had come to see me. He was sitting on a promenade bench opposite. Seeing us, he rose and left without a backward glance.