Leonti did not recognise Raisky, when his friend suddenly entered his study.
“I have not the honour,” he began.
But when Boris Pavlovich opened his lips he embraced him.
“Wife! Ulinka!” he cried into the garden. “Come quickly, and see who has come to see us.”
She came hastily, and kissed Raisky.
“What a man you have grown, and how much more handsome you are!” she said, her eyes flashing.
Her eyes, her mien, her whole figure betrayed audacity. Just over thirty years old, she gave the impression of a splendidly developed specimen of blooming womanhood.
“Have you forgotten me?” she asked.
“How should he forget you?” broke in Leonti. “But Ulinka is right. You have altered, and are hardly recognisable with your beard. How delighted your Aunt must have been to see you.”
“Ah! his Aunt!” remarked Juliana Andreevna in a tone of displeasure. “I don’t like her.”