PRIEST [sits down, and lights another cigarette]. He may be a long time.
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. There, someone is coming. I expect it's he.
PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Which Cheremshánova is it? Can it be Golitzin's daughter?
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Yes, of course. It's the Cheremshánova who lived in Rome with her aunt.
PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Dear me, I shall be glad to see her. I have not met her since those days in Rome when she used to sing duets with me. She sang beautifully. She has two children, has she not?
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Yes, they are coming too.
PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. I did not know that they were so intimate with the Sarýntsovs.
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Not intimate, but they lodged together abroad last year, and I believe that la princesse a des vues sur Lyúba pour son fils. C'est une fine mouche, elle flaire une jolie dot.[20]
PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. But the Cheremshánovs themselves were rich.
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. They were. The prince is still living, but he has squandered everything, drinks, and has quite gone to the dogs. She petitioned the Emperor, left her husband, and so managed to save a few scraps. But she has given her children a splendid education. Il faut lui rendre cette justice.[21] The daughter is an admirable musician; and the son has finished the University, and is charming. Only I don't think Mary is quite pleased. Visitors are inconvenient just now. Ah! here comes Nicholas.