sepulchres in it, and angels with lyres, and talking flowers and music wafted from afar. Zina�da did not let him finish. ‘If we are to have compositions,’ she said, ‘let every one tell something made up, and no pretence about it.’ The first who had to speak was again Byelovzorov.

The young hussar was confused. ‘I can’t make up anything!’ he cried.

‘What nonsense!’ said Zina�da. ‘Well, imagine, for instance, you are married, and tell us how you would treat your wife. Would you lock her up?’

‘Yes, I should lock her up.’

‘And would you stay with her yourself?’

‘Yes, I should certainly stay with her myself.’