trace of colour vanished, directly she heard Insarov's step; but her
heart sank at the thought that he might go without a word with her
alone. He, too, seemed confused, and avoided meeting her eyes. 'Surely
he will not go directly,' thought Elena. Insarov was, in fact, turning
to take leave of Anna Vassilyevna; Elena hastily rose and called him
aside to the window. The priest's wife was surprised, and tried to
turn round; but she was so tightly laced that her stays creaked at
every movement, and she stayed where she was.

'Listen,' said Elena hurriedly; 'I know what you have come for;
Andrei Petrovitch told me of your intention, but I beg, I entreat you,
do not say good-bye to us to-day, but come here to-morrow rather
earlier, at eleven. I must have a few words with you.'

Insarov bent his head without speaking.

'I will not keep you. . . . You promise me?'

Again Insarov bowed, but said nothing.

'Lenotchka, come here,' said Anna Vassilyevna, 'look, what a
charming reticule.'

'I worked it myself,' observed the priest's wife.

Elena came away from the window.

Insarov did not stay more than a quarter of an hour at the Stahovs'.
Elena watched him secretly. He was restless and ill at ease. As
before, he did not know where to look, and he went away strangely and