"I was afraid that my sudden arrival would arouse his wrath,"--went on Varvara Pavlovna:--"but he did not deprive me of his presence." "That is to say, he did not.... Yes, yes, I understand,"--ejaculated Marya Dmitrievna.--"He is only rather rough in appearance, but his heart is soft." "Feodor Ivanitch has not forgiven me; he would not listen to me.... But he was so kind as to appoint Lavriki for my place of residence." "Ah! A very fine estate!" "I set out thither to-morrow, in compliance with his will; but I considered it my duty to call on you first." "I am very, very grateful to you, my dear. One must never forget one's relatives. And, do you know, I am astonished that you speak Russian so well. _C'est etonnant!_" Varvara Pavlovna sighed. "I have spent too much time abroad, Marya Dmitrievna, I know that; but my heart has always been Russian, and I have not forgotten my native land." "Exactly so, exactly so; that is the best of all. Feodor Ivanitch, however, did not in the least expect you.... Yes; believe my experience; _la patrie avant tout_. Akh, please show me,--what a charming mantle that is you have on!" "Do you like it?"--Varvara Pavlovna promptly dropped it from her shoulders.--"It is a very simple thing, from Madame Baudran." "That is instantly perceptible. From Madame Baudran.... How charming, and what taste! I am convinced that you have brought with you a mass of the most entrancing things. I should like to look them over." "My entire toilette is at your service, my dearest aunt. If you will permit, I can give your maid some points. I have a maid-servant from Paris,--a wonderful seamstress." "You are very kind, my dear. But, really, I am ashamed." "Ashamed! ..." repeated Varvara Pavlovna, reproachfully.--"If you wish to make me happy,--command me, as though I belonged to you." Marya Dmitrievna thawed. "_Vous etes charmante_," she said.--"But why do not you take off your bonnet, your gloves?" "What? You permit?"--asked Varvara Pavlovna, clasping her hands, as though with emotion. "Of course; for you will dine with us, I hope. I ... I will introduce you to my daughter."--Marya Dmitrievna became slightly confused. "Well! here goes!"--she said to herself.--"She is not quite well to-day." "Oh, _ma tante_, how kind you are!"--exclaimed Varvara Pavlovna, and raised her handkerchief to her eyes.