"Really, it seems to me that I ought not.... However," added Liza, and turned to Lavrétzky with a smile:—"what is half-frankness worth?—Do you know? I received a letter to-day."
"From Pánshin?"
"Yes, from him.... How did you know?"
"He asks your hand?"
"Yes,"—uttered Liza, and looked seriously in Lavrétzky's eyes.
Lavrétzky, in his turn, gazed seriously at Liza.
"Well, and what reply have you made to him?"—he said at last.
"I do not know what reply to make,"—replied Liza, and dropped her clasped hands.
"What? Surely, you like him?"
"Yes, he pleases me; he seems to be a nice man...."