way," he went on, "I wrote a new song yesterday, the words too are mine,
would you care for me to sing it? I don't know how far it is successful.
Madame Byelenitsin thought it very pretty, but her words mean nothing. I
should like to know what you think of it. But, I think, though, that had
better be later on."

"Why later on?" interposed Marya Dmitrievna, "why not now?"

"I obey," replied Panshin, with a peculiar bright and sweet smile, which
came and went suddenly on his face. He drew up a chair with his knee,
sat down to the piano, and striking a few chords began to sing,
articulating the words clearly, the following song--

Above the earth the moon floats high
Amid pale clouds;
Its magic light in that far sky
Yet stirs the floods.

My heart has found a moon to rule
Its stormy sea;
To joy and sorrow it is moved
Only by thee.

My soul is full of love's cruel smart,
And longing vain;
But thou art calm, as that cold moon,
That knows not pain.

The second couplet was sung by Panshin with special power and
expression, the sound of waves was heard in the stormy accompaniment.