[24] The hero and heroine of a novel, by Lermontoff, called a Hero of our Times, and in which the scene laid in the Caucasus.
In the midst of their peaceful chat they met a carriage in which were seated General Baraeff and the widow. The general bowed amiably to Mimotchka, who nodded to him in return. Valerian Nicolaevitch began making fun of the general.
"It's Baraeff, a friend of my husband's," said Mimotchka.
When she mentioned her husband a shadow always passed over Valerian Nicolaevitch's face. Mimotchka was already aware of this, and was sorry she had mentioned him so mal à propos. They became silent, and pushed on their horses as if the recollection of poor Spiridon Ivanovitch obliged them to hasten to the object of their excursion.
"Where are we going to-day?" asked Mimotchka, when the horses got tired and fell back into a walking pace.
"We are going to-day to the 'Castle of Love and Treachery.'"
"A castle? Is there really a castle there?"
"No, there is no castle whatever; but there are rocks, very picturesquely situated rocks.... It's a lovely spot.... And there is a legend connected with the rocks. If it won't bore you to listen, I will tell you the legend."
"On the contrary, I should very much like to hear it."
"Well then, listen. A certain merchant had a daughter—of course she was young and beautiful."