Can it be that the better instinct in me was overshadowed by my
affection for Seriosha and the desire to shine before so brave a boy? If
so, how contemptible were both the affection and the desire! They alone
form dark spots on the pages of my youthful recollections.




XX -- PREPARATIONS FOR THE PARTY

To judge from the extraordinary activity in the pantry, the shining
cleanliness which imparted such a new and festal guise to certain
articles in the salon and drawing-room which I had long known as
anything but resplendent, and the arrival of some musicians whom Prince
Ivan would certainly not have sent for nothing, no small amount of
company was to be expected that evening.

At the sound of every vehicle which chanced to pass the house I ran
to the window, leaned my head upon my arms, and peered with impatient
curiosity into the street.

At last a carriage stopped at our door, and, in the full belief that
this must be the Iwins, who had promised to come early, I at once ran
downstairs to meet them in the hall.

But, instead of the Iwins, I beheld from behind the figure of the
footman who opened the door two female figures-one tall and wrapped in a
blue cloak trimmed with marten, and the other one short and wrapped in
a green shawl from beneath which a pair of little feet, stuck into fur
boots, peeped forth.