not to be found upon the same,
or the next, page. Monsieur Gregoriev should be better acquainted
with the guests whom he honors by his invitations.

"ONE WHO KNEW SOPHIA IVANOVNA."

As his eyes traversed the last line, Ivan trembled a little, and grew
suddenly faint. His mother's name!--How long ago since he had heard
it.--His mother!--His mother's name used in a denunciation?--Faugh! It
was a trap. Nevertheless he sat rigid, frowning, lost in thought, for
many minutes before he lifted the other missive, addressed this time in
a hand that seemed vaguely familiar.

"DEAR FRIEND,--You do too much for those who deserve nothing at
your hands. Serge and I cannot repay you for your kindness; but we
need not be too greatly indebted to you. It is my fault that you
are to give this supper. It is I who ask you to give it up.--I
implore you, Ivan Mikhailovitch, give it up; or, if it must be,
change the date from Thursday to Sunday--and change it at the last
minute. Also, if you pity me, do not show this to Serge, or to any
one we know.

"Ivan, I wish to help you. Believe that, and accept the sincere
compliments of

"IRINA PETROVNA."

Three times did Ivan read this curious note, meditating the while on the
reason for the obvious fear in which it was written. Certainly the
easiest way to discover her reason, was to talk to her alone. If he went
down to the Quarter, could he manage a _tete-a-tete_?--If not, could he
not take her for a walk--out for tea? Any of a hundred little ruses
would serve him. Yes, he would go! And, springing up, he ran to his
bedroom to dress.

Ten minutes later he opened the outer door of his apartment. As he
stepped out upon the landing, he twisted his foot in a sudden effort to
avoid stepping on a white envelope that had been pushed half-way under
the door.

So there were more of them!

Laughing, a little sardonically, Ivan picked up the letter and turned
back into his living-room again. The envelope of this missive, unlike
the others, bore only his name, not the address. Within, it was undated,
unsigned, and began abruptly:

"Monsieur Ivan Mikhailovitch Gregoriev, of whom, politically, the
government as yet knows no wrong, is nevertheless respectfully
warned against further association with the students of the
brotherhood