grateful warmth diffusing itself through my body.

I also felt well-disposed towards my kind patron, and began to laugh heartily at everything. Suddenly the music of the Grosvater dance struck up, and every one rushed from the table. My friendship with the young man had now outlived its day; so, whereas he joined a group of the older folks, I approached Madame Valakhin to hear what she and her daughter had to say to one another.

“Just HALF-an-hour more?” Sonetchka was imploring her.

“Impossible, my dearest.”

“Yet, only to please me — just this ONCE?” Sonetchka went on persuasively.

“Well, what if I should be ill to-morrow through all this dissipation?”