perfection his long drooping whiskers and somewhat small round
neck. Then he shouted to one of the servants in a loud resonant
voice, not at all husky from the journey, "Ivan! Take this
gentleman to the green room and see to his luggage afterwards!"
He then told Nejdanov that he could change and rest awhile, and
that dinner would be served at five o'clock. Nejdanov bowed and
followed Ivan to the "green" room, which was situated on the
second floor.

The whole company went into the drawing room. The host was
welcomed all over again. An old blind nurse appeared and made him
a courtesy. Out of consideration for her years, Sipiagin gave her
his hand to kiss. He then begged Kollomietzev to excuse him, and
retired to his own room accompanied by his wife.

VII

The room into which the servant conducted Nejdanov was
beautifully neat and spacious, with wide-open windows looking on
to the garden. A gentle breeze stirred the white curtains,
blowing them out high like sails and letting them fall again.
Golden reflections glided lightly over the ceiling; the whole
room was filled with the moist freshness of spring. Nejdanov
dismissed the servant, unpacked his trunk, washed, and changed.
The journey had thoroughly exhausted him. The constant presence
of a stranger during the last two days, the many fruitless
discussions, had completely upset his nerves. A certain
bitterness, which was neither boredom nor anger, accumulated
mysteriously in the depths of his being. He was annoyed with
himself for his lack of courage, but his heart ached. He went up