although in his caresses themselves a certain involuntary contempt
showed itself. But it was her sister-in-law who made Malania suffer
the most. Even during her mother's lifetime, Glafira had gradually
succeeded in getting the entire management of the house into her own
hands. Every one, from her father downwards, yielded to her. Without
her permission not even a lump of sugar was to be got. She would have
preferred to die rather than to delegate her authority to another
housewife--and such a housewife too! She had been even more irritated
than Peter Andreich by her brother's marriage, so she determined
to read the upstart a good lesson, and from the very first Malania
Sergievna became her slave. And Malania, utterly without defence, weak
in health, constantly a prey to trouble and alarm--how could she have
striven against the proud and strong-willed Glafira? Not a day passed
without Glafira reminding her of her former position, and praising her
for not forgetting herself. Malania Sergievna would willingly have
acquiesced in these remindings and praisings, however bitter they
might be--but her child had been taken away from her. This drove her
to despair. Under the pretext that she was not qualified to see after
his education, she was scarcely ever allowed to go near him. Glafira
undertook the task. The child passed entirely into her keeping.

In her sorrow, Malania Sergievna began to implore her husband in her
letters to return quickly. Peter Andreich himself wished to see his
son, but Ivan Petrovich merely sent letters in reply. He thanked his
father for what had been done for his wife, and for the money which
had been sent to himself, and he promised to come home soon--but he
did not come.

At last the year 1812 recalled him from abroad. On seeing each other
for the first time after a separation of six years, the father and the