"Father!"
"The thing is plain; she sacrifices herself from friendship for Sonia. You have done a fine thing, you shy lover, you." Lensky laughs. "Never mind, we will set it all right. To-morrow, in the course of the day, I will speak with her, and, if she pleases me--you must grant me that condition, my dear--if she pleases me, then," stretching out both hands to the young man, "what reward shall I obtain if I win your plaything for you?"
Colia did not answer, only buried his long, slender hands in his father's.
"The first kiss of your betrothed, do you hear, the first," jests Lensky. "I will not do it for less. You shall only receive the second."
"Yes, father."
"Fine!" Lensky has risen. "It is almost midnight; go to bed. When do you set out?"
"To-morrow evening at nine, to Calais."
"If I bring you a happy message, will you not concede another twenty-four hours?"
Nikolai only smiles thoughtfully.
"Now be of good courage, you childish fellow; dream the most beautiful dreams, consoled. I will manage my affair well; and I will not tell her that I have seen you weep like a little girl on her account." This he whispers in his ear, while he once more embraces him before retiring.