vna:--"but he did not deprive me of his presence."

"That is to say, he did not.... Yes, yes, I understand,"--ejaculated
Marya Dmitrievna.--"He is only rather rough in appearance, but his
heart is soft."

"Feodor Ivanitch has not forgiven me; he would not listen to me.... But
he was so kind as to appoint Lavriki for my place of residence."

"Ah! A very fine estate!"

"I set out thither to-morrow, in compliance with his will; but I
considered it my duty to call on you first."

"I am very, very grateful to you, my dear. One must never forget one's
relatives. And, do you know, I am astonished that you speak Russian so
well. _C'est etonnant!_"

Varvara Pavlovna sighed.

"I have spent too much time abroad, Marya Dmitrievna, I know that; but
my heart has always been Russian, and I have not forgotten my native
land."

"Exactly so, exactly so; that is the best of all. Feodor Ivanitch,
however, did not in the least expect you.... Yes; believe my experience;
_la patrie avant tout_. Akh, please show me,--what a charming mantle that
is you have on!"

"Do you like it?"--Varvara Pavlovna promptly dropped it from her
shoulders.--"It is a very simple thing, from Madame Baudran."

"That is instantly perceptible. From Madame Baudran.... How charming, and
what taste! I am convinced that you have brought with you a mass of the
most entrancing things. I should like to look them over."

"My entire toilette is at your service, my dearest aunt. If you will
permit, I can give your maid some points. I have a maid-servant from
Paris,--a wonderful seamstress."

"You are very kind, my dear. But, really, I am ashamed."

"Ashamed! ..." repeated Varvara Pavlovna, reproachfully.--"If you wish
to make me happy,--command me, as though I belonged to you."

Marya Dmitrievna thawed.

"_Vous etes charmante_," she said.--"But why do not you take off your
bonnet, your gloves?"

"What? You permit?"--asked Varvara Pavlovna, clasping her hands, as
though with emotion.

"Of course; for you will dine with us, I hope. I ... I will introduce you
to my daughter."--Marya Dmitrievna became slightly confused. "Well!
here goes!"--she said to herself.--"She is not quite well to-day."

"Oh, _ma tante_, how kind you are!"--exclaimed Varvara Pavlovna, and
raised her handkerchief to her eyes.

A page announced the arrival of Gedeonovsky. The old chatterbox entered,
made his bows, and smiled. Marya Dmitrievna presented him to her
visitor. He came near b