live here, let alone live as happily as I am doing, were I to live as you do. Therefore I look for something quite different from what you look for.’

Beletski raised his eyebrows incredulously. ‘Anyhow, come to me this evening; Maryanka will be there and I will make you acquainted.

Do come, please! If you feel dull you can go away. Will you come?’

‘I would come, but to speak frankly I am afraid of being’ seriously carried away.’

‘Oh, oh, oh!’ shouted Beletski. ‘Only come, and I’ll see that you aren’t. Will you? On your word?’

‘I would come, but really I don’t understand what we shall do; what part we shall play!’