"It is wonderful!" declared Maria Dmitrievna. "I must confess you have fairly astonished me, Varvara Pavlovna," calling that lady by her name for the first time. "Why you might give concerts. We have a musician here, an old German, very learned and quite an original. He gives Liza lessons. You would simply make him go out of his mind."
"Is Lizaveta Mikhailovna also a musician?" asked Madame Lavretsky, turning her head a little towards her.
"Yes; she doesn't play badly, and she is very fond I of music. But what does that signify in comparison with you? But we have a young man here besides. You really must make his acquaintance. He is a thorough artist in feeling, and he composes charmingly. He is the only person here who can fully appreciate you"
"A young man?" said Varvara Pavlovna. "What is he? Some poor fellow?"
"I beg your pardon. He is the leading cavalier here, and not here only—et à Pétersbourg—a chamberlain, received in the best society. You surely must have heard of him—Vladimir Nikolaevich Panshine. He is here on government business—a future minister!"
"And an artist too?"
"An artist in feeling, and so amiable. You shall see him. He has been here a great deal for some time past. I asked him to come this evening. I hope he will come," added Maria Dmitrievna with a slight sigh and a bitter smile.
Liza understood the hidden meaning of that smile, but she had other things to think about then.
"And he's young?" repeated Varvara Pavlovna, lightly modulating from key to key.
"Twenty-eight years old—and a most pleasing exterior. Un jeune homme accompli."