Elena loved Elisaveta and shared her joy. She loved Piotr, and was, therefore, even more glad; she pitied him--and, therefore, loved him even more. She loved him so deeply, and entertained such hopes of his love, that her pity for him became serene and radiant. She looked at Piotr with loving eyes. Piotr was in a state of despair. But Elena’s eyes aroused in him a sweet agitation for a new love. His wearied heart thirsted, and suffered intensely from deceived hopes. Misha was strangely distraught. He flushed, and ran off more than usual with his fishing-rod to the river; there he wept. Now he impetuously embraced Elisaveta, now Trirodov. He felt ashamed and bitter. He knew that Elisaveta did not even suspect his love, and that she looked at him as at an infant. Sometimes in his helplessness he hated her. He said to Piotr: “I shouldn’t walk about with a long face if I were you. She is not worthy of your love. She puts on airs. Elena is much better. Elena is a dear, while the other fancies all sorts of things.” Piotr walked away from him in silence. And it was well that there was some one who did not scold, and with whom it was possible to ease his soul. Misha, too, wanted to be with Elisaveta, and it made him feel ashamed and depressed. Miss Harrison did not express her opinion. Many things had already shocked her, and she grew accustomed to bear herself indifferently to everything that happened here. Trirodov, in her opinion, was an adventurer, a man with a doubtful reputation, and a dark past. Elisaveta was the most tranquil of all. Piotr’s gloomy appearance disturbed Rameyev. He wanted to comfort him if only with words. Luckily, people believe even in words! They must believe in something. Rameyev and Piotr happened to find themselves alone. Rameyev said: “I must confess that I once thought Elisaveta loved you. Or that she might love you, if you wished it strongly.” Piotr said with a gloomy smile: “I too may be pardoned for the error. All the more since M. Trirodov does not lack lovers.” “Any one may be pardoned for mistakes,” answered Rameyev calmly, “though they may be painful enough sometimes.” Piotr grumbled something. Rameyev continued: “I have been observing Elisaveta very attentively of late. And listen to what I say--pardon me for my frankness--I have come to the conclusion that you’d be better off with Elena. Perhaps you have also erred in your feelings.” Piotr replied with a bitter smile: “Why, of course--Elena is more simple. She doesn’t read philosophic books, she doesn’t wear over-classical frocks; and doesn’t detest any one.” “Why drag self-love into everything?” asked Rameyev. “Elena is not as simple as you think. She is a very intelligent girl, though without pretensions to a deep and broad outlook--and she is good, attractive, and cheerful.” “In fact, quite a match for me,” observed Piotr with an ironic smile.