"I shall set off there to-morrow, according to his desire. But I considered it a duty to pay you a visit first."
"I am very, very much obliged to you my dear. One ought never to forget one's relations. But do you know I am astonished at your speaking Russian so well. C'est étonnant."
Varvara Pavlovna smiled.
"I have been too long abroad, Maria Dmitrievna, I am well aware of that. But my heart has always been Russian, and I have not forgotten my native land."
"Yes, yes. There's nothing like that. Your husband certainly didn't expect you in the least. Yes, trust my experience—la patrie avant tout. Oh! please let me! What a charming mantilla you have on!"
"Do you like it?" Varvara took it quickly off her shoulders. "It is very simple; one of Madame Baudran's."
"One can see that at a glance. How lovely, and in what exquisite taste! I feel sure you've brought a number of charming things with you. How I should like to see them!"
"All my toilette is at your service, dearest aunt. I might show your maid something if you liked. I have brought a maid from Paris, a wonderful needle-woman."
"You are exceedingly good, my dear. But, really, I haven't the conscience—"
"Haven't the conscience!" repeated Varvara Pavlovna, in a reproachful tone. "If you wish to make me happy, you will dispose of me as if I belonged to you."