curiosity, some with astonishment, some with disdain, and some with compassion, Grandmamma alone seemed unmoved.

“You should not dance if you don’t know the step,” said Papa’s angry voice in my ear as, pushing me gently aside, he took my partner’s hand, completed the figures with her to the admiration of every one, and finally led her back to, her place. The mazurka was at an end.

Ah me! What had I done to be punished so heavily?

“Every one despises me, and will always despise me,” I thought to myself.

“The way is closed for me to friendship, love, and fame! All, all is lost!”

Why had Woloda made signs to me which everyone saw, yet which could in no way help me? Why had that disgusting princess looked at my legs? Why had Sonetchka —