"Delighted--delighted!" was Nikoläiev's greeting as he went up to Romashov. "Why didn't you come this morning and taste our pasty?" Nikoläiev uttered all this in a very jovial and friendly tone, but in his voice and glance Romashov noticed the same cold, artificial, and harsh expression which he had felt almost unconsciously lately. "He does not like me," thought Romashov. "But what is the matter with him? Is he angry--or jealous, or have I bored him to death?" "As you perhaps are aware, we had inspection of rifles in our company this morning," lied Romashov boldly. "When the Great Inspection approaches, one is never free either Sundays or week-days, you know. However, may I candidly admit that I am a trifle embarrassed? I did not know in the least that you were giving a picnic. I invited myself, so to speak. And truly, I feel some qualms----" Nikoläiev smiled broadly, and clapped Romashov on the shoulder with almost insulting familiarity. "How you talk, my friend! The more the merrier, and we don't want any Chinese ceremonies here. But there is one awkward thing--I mean, will there be sufficient carriages? But we shall be able to manage something." "I brought my own trap," said Romashov, to calm him, whilst he, quite unnoticeably, released his shoulder from Nikoläiev's caressing hand, "and I shall be very pleased to put it at your service." Romashov turned round and met Shurochka's eye. "Thank you, my dear," said her ardent, curiously intent look. "How strange she is to-day," thought Romashov. "That's capital!" Nikoläiev looked at his watch. "What do you say, gentlemen; shall we start?" "'Let us start,' said the parrot when the cat dragged it out of its cage by the tail," said Olisár jokingly. All got up, noisy and laughing. The ladies went in search of their hats and parasols, and began to put on their gloves. Taliman, who suffered from bronchitis, croaked and screamed that, above everything, the company should wrap up well; but his voice was drowned in the noise and confusion. Little Michin took Romashov aside and said to him-- "Yuri Alexievich, I have a favour to ask you. Let my sisters ride in your carriage, otherwise Ditz will come and force his society on them--a thing I would prevent at any price. He is in the habit of conversing with young girls in such a way that they can hardly restrain their tears of shame and indignation. I am not, God knows! a man fond of violence, but some day I shall give that scoundrel what he deserves." Romashov would naturally have much liked to ride with Shurochka, but Michin had always been his friend, and it was impossible to withstand the imploring look of those clear, true-hearted eyes. Besides, Romashov was so full of joy at that moment that he could not refuse.