January 1916
[CHAPTER I]
After Mass the members of the congregation scattered to their homes. A few stopped to talk under the old maples and lindens near the white stone walls, within the enclosure. All were in holiday dress and looked at one another cheerily. It appeared as if the inhabitants of this town lived peacefully and amicably—even happily. But it was only in appearance.
Peredonov, a schoolmaster in the gymnasia, stood among his friends, and as he looked at them gravely out of his small, stealthy eyes, across the golden rims of his spectacles, he remarked:
"Princess Volchanskaya herself made the promise to Vara. 'As soon,' she said, 'as you marry him, I'll hunt up an inspector's job for him.'"
"But how can you think of marrying Varvara Dmitrievna?" asked the red-faced Falastov. "She's your first cousin."
Everyone laughed. Peredonov's usually rosy, unconcerned, somnolent face showed anger.
"Second cousin," he said gruffly, as he looked angrily past his companions.
"Did the Princess give you the promise herself?" asked Routilov, a tall, pale, smartly dressed man.