unfortunately, some who are--of an unstable character; and then there
is a certain time of life--and, besides, good principles have not been
instilled into them when they were young."

Here Sergius Petrovich drew from his pocket a blue handkerchief, of a
check pattern, and began to unfold it.

"Such women, in fact, do exist."

Here Sergius Petrovich applied a corner of the handkerchief to each of
his eyes in turn.

"But, generally speaking, if one reflects--that is to say--The dust in
the streets is something extraordinary," he ended by saying.

"_Maman, maman_," exclaimed a pretty little girl of eleven, who
came running into the room, "Vladimir Nikolaevich is coming here on
horseback."

Maria Dmitrievna rose from her chair. Sergius Petrovich also got up
and bowed.

"My respects to Elena Mikhailovna," he said; and, discreetly retiring
to a corner, he betook himself to blowing his long straight nose.

"What a lovely horse he has!" continued the little girl. "He was at
the garden gate just now, and he told me and Liza that he would come
up to the front door."

The sound of hoofs was heard, and a well appointed cavalier, mounted