The steward walked several times up and down the room.
“Well, call Tatiana now,” he said at last.
A few instants later, Tatiana had come up almost noiselessly, and was standing in the doorway.
“What are your orders, Gavrila Andreitch?” she said in a soft voice.
The steward looked at her intently.
“Well, Taniusha,” he said, “would you like to be married? Our lady has chosen a husband for you.”
“Yes, Gavrila Andreitch. And whom has she deigned to name as a husband for me?” she added falteringly.
“Kapiton, the shoemaker.”
“Yes, sir.”
“He’s a feather-brained fellow, that’s certain. But it’s just for that the mistress reckons upon you.”