"Upon my word it is good!" said Anania, raising ecstatic eyes. "It gives me nostalgia."

"What's nostalgia?"

"A shudder of the heart, Aunt Varvara; that shudder which comes when we think of paradise. Would you like to come home with me, little aunt, on a pillion? think! what fun!"

The old woman heaved a tremendous sigh. "Ah—if it weren't for the sea. Are you very rich?" she asked suddenly.

"Of course I am."

"How many tancas have you?"

"Seven or eight. I don't quite remember."

"And bees have you? And shepherds?"

"Aunt Varvara, I have everything."

"Then why have you come to this land of damnation?"