They were discussing subjects which evidently interested neither of them. What must be bought for the house? What would Princess Sophia or Madame Julie say? Would the roads be good? — and so forth.

Foka entered, and in the same tone and with the same air as though he were announcing luncheon said, “The carriages are ready.” I saw Mamma tremble and turn pale at the announcement, just as though it were something unexpected.

Next, Foka was ordered to shut all the doors of the room. This amused me highly. As though we needed to be concealed from someone! When everyone else was seated, Foka took the last remaining chair. Scarcely, however, had he done so when the door creaked and everyone looked that way. Natalia Savishna entered hastily, and, without raising her eyes, sat