commands or for governmental purposes. I like to keep it pure and
uncorrupted by other languages and bow before Karamzin; but as
for an everyday language, how can one use Russian? For instance,
how would you say, in Russian, de tout a l'heure, c'est un mot?
You could not possibly say 'this is a word,' could you?"

"You might say 'a happy expression.'"

Kollomietzev laughed.

"A happy expression! My dear Valentina Mihailovna. Don't you feel
that it savours of the schoolroom; that all the salt has gone out
of it?

"I am afraid you will not convince me. I wonder where Mariana
is?" She rang the bell and a servant entered.

"I asked to have Mariana Vikentievna sent here. Has she not been
told? "

The servant had scarcely time to reply when a young girl appeared
behind him in the doorway. She had on a loose dark blouse, and
her hair was cut short. It was Mariana Vikentievna Sinitska,
Sipiagin's niece on the mother's side.

VI

"I am sorry, Valentina Mihailovna," Mariana said, drawing near to
her, "I was busy and could not get away."