“Really—are you really serious?” cried Pavel, jumping up.
“Yes; I tell you, I won't come—not for the world!”
“But what will my wife say now? She thinks you intend to come!”
“Oh, tell her I've broken my leg—or anything you like!”
“She won't believe!” said Pavel, looking anxious.
“Ha-ha-ha! You catch it at home, I see! Tell me, who is that young officer?”
“Oh, a distant relative of mine—an unfortunate young fellow——”
“Pavel Pavlovitch!” cried a voice from the carriage, “the second bell has rung!”
Pavel was about to move off—Velchaninoff stopped him.
“Shall I go and tell your wife how you tried to cut my throat?” he said.