'I think I interrupted you─forgive me; and besides . . . I'm just going away. Who knows whether we shall meet again? I wanted to say good-bye to you.'
Nezhdanov pressed her chilly red fingers.
'You saw that gentleman here?' he began; 'we came to terms. I am going to him as a tutor. His estate is in S——— province, near S——— itself.'
A rapturous smile flashed across Mashurina's face.
'Near S———! Then perhaps we shall see each other again. They may possibly send us there.' Mashurina sighed 'Ah, Alexey Dmitritch. . ..'
'What?' inquired Nezhdanov.
Mashurina assumed a concentrated look.
'Never mind. Good-bye. Never mind.'
Once more she pressed Nezhdanov's hand and retreated.
'And in all Petersburg there is no one cares for me like that . . . queer creature!' was Nezhdanov's thought. 'But why need she have interrupted me? . . . It's all for the best, though!
The following morning Nezhdanov betook himself to Sipyagin's town residence, and there, in a magnificent study, filled with furniture of a severe style, in full harmony with the dignity of a liberal politician and modern gentleman,
48
