"It's this abominable county council! What earthly use is it?
Only weakens the government and sets people thinking the wrong
way." (He gesticulated with his left hand, freed from the
pressure of the glove.) "And arouses false hopes." (Kollomietzev
blew on his hand.) "I have already mentioned this in St.
Petersburg, mais bah! They won't listen to me. Even your husband-
-but then he is known to be a confirmed liberal!"

Valentina Mihailovna sat up straight.

"What do I hear? You opposed to the government, Monsieur
Kollomietzev?

"I-- not in the least! Never! What an idea! Mais j'ai mon franc
parler. I occasionally allow myself to criticise, but am always
obedient."

"And I, on the contrary, never criticise and am never obedient."

"Ah! Mais c'est un mot! Do let me repeat it to my friend
Ladislas. Vous savez, he is writing a society novel, read me some
of it. Charming! Nous aurons enfin le grand monde russe peint par
lui-meme."

"Where is it to be published?

"In the "Russian Messenger", of course. It is our "Revue des Deux
Mondes". I see you take it, by the way."

"Yes, but I think it rather dull of late."