I went up to the bed. Olga's eyes were turned on me.

“Where am I?” she asked.

“Olga Nikolaevna!” I began, “do you know me?”

During several seconds Olga looked at me and then closed her eyes.

“Yes!” she groaned. “Yes!”

“I am Zinov'ev, the examining magistrate. I had the honour of being acquainted with you, and if you remember, I was best man at your wedding.…”

“Is it thou?” Olga whispered, stretching out her left arm. “Sit down.…”

“She is delirious!” Screw sighed.

“I am Zinov'ev, the magistrate,” I continued. “If you remember, I was at the shooting party. How do you feel?”

“Ask essential questions!” the district doctor whispered to me. “I cannot answer for the consciousness being lasting.…”