"Only times are changed," said Tuchkov.
"Well, life is stronger than character. Lord, how she has broken you down."
"It is still undecided which of the two will prevail—she or I," laughed Tuchkov.
For a time they were silent.
"Oh, Lord God! Vic! how lightly you take it all!" exclaimed Efimushka bitterly.
"Certainly! Why not? What has been—is gone for ever!" observed Tuchkov philosophically.
Behind them arose the dark wall of the softly whispering forest, the bonfire crackled merrily; all around them the shadows danced their noiseless dance, and over the plain lay impenetrable darkness.
[VII.—HER LOVER.]
An acquaintance of mine once told me the following story.