Here Sergius Petrovich applied a corner of the handkerchief to each of his eyes in turn.
"But, generally speaking, if one reflects—that is to say—The dust in the streets is something extraordinary," he ended by saying.
"Maman, maman," exclaimed a pretty little girl of eleven, who came running into the room, "Vladimir Nikolaevich is coming here on horseback."
Maria Dmitrievna rose from her chair. Sergius Petrovich also got up and bowed.
"My respects to Elena Mikhailovna," he said; and, discreetly retiring to a corner, he betook himself to blowing his long straight nose.
"What a lovely horse he has!" continued the little girl. "He was at the garden gate just now, and he told me and Liza that he would come up to the front door."
The sound of hoofs was heard, and a well appointed cavalier, mounted on a handsome bay horse, rode up to the house, and stopped in front of the open window.
III.
"Good-evening, Maria Dmitrievna!" exclaimed the rider's clear and pleasant voice. "How do you like my new purchase?"
Maria Dmitrievna went to the window.