genuine eloquence, while, like Robert Peel, he thrust one hand into a fold of his dress-coat; he became impressive at the word 'science,' and ended his speech by the Latin exclamation laboremus, which he at once translated into Russian. Kolya, with a glass in his hand, had to go the length of the table to thank his father, and be kissed by every one. Again it happened to Nezhdanov to exchange a look with Marianna. . . They were both, probably, feeling the same thing.. . . But they did not speak to one another.
Everything he saw struck Nezhdanov, however, more as amusing and even interesting than as vexatious and distasteful, while the courteous lady of the house, Valentina Mihalovna, impressed him as a clever woman who knew she was playing a part and was at the same time secretly glad that there was another person clever and penetrating enough to comprehend her.. . . Nezhdanov probably did not suspect how greatly his vanity was flattered by her attitude to him.
The next day lessons began again, and daily life moved on its accustomed way.
A week passed by imperceptibly.. . . What were Nezhdanov's experiences and reflections can best be understood by an extract from a letter to Silin, his best friend, who had been a
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