After some hesitation, Novikoff with an air of indifference, remarked:

"We might ask the Sanines too."

"Oh! we _must_ have Lida," cried Lialia, not because she particularly
liked the girl, but because she knew of Novikoff's passion, and wished
to please him. She was so happy herself in her own love, that she
wanted all those about her to be happy also.

"Then we shall have to invite the officers, too," observed Ivanoff,
maliciously.

"What does that matter? Let us do so. The more the merrier!"

They all stood at the front door, in the moonlight.

"What a lovely night!" exclaimed Lialia, as unconsciously she drew
closer to her lover. She did not wish him to go yet. Riasantzeff with
his elbow pressed her warm, round arm.

"Yes, it's a wonderful night!" he replied, giving to these simple words
a meaning that they two alone could seize.

"Oh! you, and your night!" muttered Ivanoff in his deep bass. "I'm
sleepy, so good-night, sirs!"

And he slouched off, along the street, swinging his arms like the sails
of a windmill.