Rameyev was there with both his daughters, the Matov brothers, and Miss Harrison. Trirodov was there also. There was almost a spirit of gaiety. They talked on various subjects--on politics, on literature, on local matters, etc. Sonya’s mother sat in the drawing-room and discussed women’s rights and the works of Knut Hamsun. Sonya’s mother liked this writer intensely, and loved to tell about her meeting with him abroad. There was an autographed portrait of Knut Hamsun upon her table and it was the object of much pride for the whole Svetilovitch family. At the tea-table in the small neighbouring room, which was called the “buffet,” Sonya--surrounded by young people--was pouring out tea. In Doctor Svetilovitch’s study they spoke of the recent unrest in near-by villages. There were incendiary fires on various estates and farms belonging to the landed gentry. There were several cases in which the bread granaries belonging to certain hoarders were broken into. Sonya’s mother was asked to play something. She refused a long time, but finally, with evident pleasure, went to the grand piano, and played a selection from Grieg. Then the notary took his turn at the instrument. Irinushka, blushing furiously, sang with much expression the new popular song to his accompaniment: _Once I loved a learned student, I admit I wasn’t prudent; On the day I married him The village feasted to the brim. Vodka every one was drinking, All were doing loud thinking-- How to make the masters toil, And amongst us share their soil. Suddenly there came a copper Right into our hut a-flopper! “I’ll send you both to Sakhalin[22] For raising this rebellious din.” “Well, my dear one, quick, get ready, Mind that you walk ‘long there steady, For your charming words, my sweet, A gaol is waiting you to greet.” Do you think I was agitated? No, not me--I was most elated. Then the muzhiks stepped right in And chucked him out on the green._ This song was an illustration appropriate to the discussions on village tendencies. It achieved a great success. Irinushka was profusely praised and thanked for it. Irinushka blushed, and regretted that she knew no other songs of the same kind. Then Trirodov read his story of a beautiful and exultant love. He read simply and calmly, not as actors read. He finished reading and in the cold polite praises he felt how remote he was from all these people. Once more, as it frequently had happened before, there stirred in his soul the thought: “Why do I come to see these people?” “There is so little in common between them and me,” thought Trirodov. Only Elisaveta’s smile and word consoled him. Afterwards there was dancing--then card-playing. It was as always, as everywhere. CHAPTER XXIII No one else was expected. The dining-room table was being set for supper. Suddenly there was a loud, violent bell-ring. The housemaid ran quickly to answer it. Some one in the drawing-room remarked in astonishment: