the bed with coloured curtains, and the other objects which then surrounded me. I fancy I still see the host himself, a fresh and good-natured looking man of about fifty, wearing a long green coat, with three medals suspended by faded ribbons.
I had scarcely settled with my old driver, when Dounia returned with the samovar. The little coquette had at a second glance noticed the impression she had made on me; she dropped her large blue eyes; I entered into conversation with her; she answered without the slightest timidity, like a girl accustomed to the ways of the world. I offered a glass of punch to her father, gave Dounia a cup of tea, and we three conversed as if we had always known each other.
The horses had long been ready, but I was unwilling to part with the station-maater and his little daughter. At last I bade them "good-bye;" the father wished me a prosperous journey, and the daughter accompanied me to the carnage. I stopped in the lobby and asked leave to kiss her: Dounia consented. I can remember having given many kisses "since I first took to that occupation," but none have left such lasting, such pleasant recollections.
Several years passed by, and circumstances led me to the same places by the same roads. I remembered the old station-master's daughter, and rejoiced at the prospect of seeing her again. "But," thought I, "the old station-master has perhaps been removed; Dounia is probably married." The possibility of the death of the one or of the other also crossed my mind, and I neared the station of
