difficult for him. He sang pleasantly, drew confidently, could write
poetry, and acted remarkably well.

He was now only in his twenty eighth year, but he was already a
Chamberlain, and he had arrived at a highly respectable rank in the
service. He had thorough confidence in himself, in his intellect,
and in his sagacity. He went onwards under full sail, boldly and
cheerfully; the stream of his life flowed smoothly along. He was
accustomed to please every one, old and young alike; and he imagined
that he thoroughly understood his fellow-creatures, especially
women--that he was intimately acquainted with all their ordinary
weaknesses.

As one who was no stranger to Art, he felt within him a certain
enthusiasm, a glow, a rapture, in consequence of which he claimed for
himself various exemptions from ordinary rules. He led a somewhat
irregular life, he made acquaintance with people who were not received
into society, and in general he behaved in an unconventional and
unceremonious manner. But in his heart of hearts he was cold and
astute; and even in the midst of his most extravagant rioting, his
keen hazel eye watched and took note of every thing. It was impossible
for this daring and unconventional youth ever quite to forget himself,
or to be thoroughly carried away. It should be mentioned to his
credit, by the way, that he never boasted of his victories. To Maria
Dmitrievna's house he had obtained access as soon as he arrived in
O., and he soon made himself thoroughly at home in it. As to Maria
Dmitrievna herself, she thought there was nobody in the world to be
compared with him.

Panshine bowed in an engaging manner to all the occupants of the room;