ince, alarmed.

"She writes to HER--and the girl reads the letters. Haven't you
heard?--You are sure to hear; she's sure to show you the letters
herself."

"I won't believe this!" cried the prince.

"Why, prince, you've only gone a few steps along this road, I perceive.
You are evidently a mere beginner. Wait a bit! Before long, you'll have
your own detectives, you'll watch day and night, and you'll know every
little thing that goes on there--that is, if--"

"Drop that subject, Rogojin, and never mention it again. And listen:
as I have sat here, and talked, and listened, it has suddenly struck me
that tomorrow is my birthday. It must be about twelve o'clock, now; come
home with me--do, and we'll see the day in! We'll have some wine, and
you shall wish me--I don't know what--but you, especially you, must
wish me a good wish, and I shall wish you full happiness in return.
Otherwise, hand me my cross back again. You didn't return it to me next
day. Haven't you got it on now?"

"Yes, I have," said Rogojin.

"Come along, then. I don't wish to meet my new year without you--my new
life, I should say, for a new life is beginning for me. Did you know,
Parfen, that a new life had begun for me?"

"I see for myself that it is so--and I shall tell HER. But you are not
quite yourself, Lef Nicolaievitch."

IV.

THE prince observed with great surprise, as he approached his villa,
accompanied by Rogojin, that a large number of people were assembled on
his verandah, which was brilliantly lighted up. The company seemed merry
and were noisily laughing and talking--even quarrelling, to judge from
the sounds. At all events they were clearly enjoying themselves, and
the prince observed further on closer investigation--that all had been
drinking champagne. To judge from the lively condition of some of the
party, it was to be supposed that a considerable quantity of champagne
had been consumed already.

All the guests were known to the prince; but the curious part of the
matter was that they had all arrived on the same evening, as though with
one accord, although he had only himself recollected the fact that it
was his birthday a few moments since.

"You must have told somebody you were going to trot out the champagne,
and that's why they are all come!" muttered Rogojin, as the two entered
the verandah. "We know all about that! You've only to whistle and they
come up in shoals!" he continued, almost angrily. He was doubtless
thin