_Pereshìvkina._ Maybe I can do you a better service than that, Pàvel Petròvich—who knows? Little mother, you won’t get angry with my nonsense, will you? Maybe, after all, I shall say something worth hearing before I’ve done. _Madame P._ Well, what is it? _Pereshìvkina._ There’s a lady I know—Serafima Kàrpovna, her name is. She always allows me into her house. You see how it is, little mother. Her people are in trade, but she’s been married to a very grand gentleman—Mr. Aslàmevich. He was an official, you know. Why, little mother, he was a general once. _Paul_ (_laughing_). How did that happen? _Pereshìvkina._ Why, this way, sir. The general where he served was away for a holiday, so he was general for a whole month. _Paul._ I daresay! Well, let’s hear some more lies. _Pereshìvkina._ It’s the truth I’m telling you, sir. They were only married one year, and now she’s been a widow for more than a year.... But you won’t be angry with me, little mother? _Madame P._ Well, go on! _Pereshìvkina._ She’s just a beauty to look at; and very good and kind—and then so modest! It’s quite wonderful. And she’s saving, too, and doesn’t throw away her money on dresses and foolery. _Paul._ That’s to say, she’s miserly. _Pereshìvkina._ No, no, not miserly, only saving—just a careful housewife. Now, you see, the dowry that she had when she was married all belongs to her. She’s got a hundred and fifty thousand in money alone. _Paul._ A hundred and fifty thousand! _Pereshìvkina._ I saw it myself, sir. She’s got all the notes in her dressing-case; I saw her count it. Dear me, what a silly old woman I am! You’d much better tell me to hold my tongue, or it’ll get me into trouble. She’s a good woman, and she’s been kind to me, but all the same she’s not the first thing in the world to me. I don’t want you to be angry with me because of her. _Madame P._ and _Paul_. Never mind; go on, go on! _Pereshìvkina._ Well, I’ll tell you, if you wish it. You see, little mother, it’s like—well, you know how it is with women.... She’s young, and she’s been a widow for over a year, and so you see ... and don’t think I’m telling you lies—I’d count it a sin. I always wished you well, madame; I haven’t forgotten! Of course, I’m only a poor woman, but all the same, I don’t forget kindnesses. And if ever I can do you a service—— _Paul._ There, there! (_With an impatient gesture._) _Madame P._ Well, but go on. _Pereshìvkina._ Yes, little mother. Well, you see, she’s a near neighbour of yours—it’s the white stone house on the left-hand side. Pàvel Petròvich often passes. _Madame P._ Well, what of that? _Pereshìvkina_ (_whispers_). She’s fallen in love. _Madame P._ What? _Pereshìvkina_ (_louder_). She’s fallen in love. Yes; it’s quite true. _Madame P._ Well, what is there wonderful in that? You’re very simple, my good woman. How could she help falling in love with him? She’s not the only one! _Pereshìvkina._ Oh! of course, of course, ma’am. Only, you see, she’s rich.