“The pope’s wife,” he repeated thoughtfully, without hearing her question, and the smile on her lips passed unobserved. “Will you have some more coffee?” “No. Do you care for Grandmother and Marfinka?” “Whom else should I hold dear?” “Well--me,” he retorted, jesting. “You too,” she said, looking gaily at him, “if you deserve it.” “How does one earn this good fortune?” he asked ironically. “Love, they say, is blind, gives herself without any merit, is indeed blind,” she rejoined. “Yet sometimes love comes consciously, by way of confidence, esteem and friendship. I should like to begin with the last, and end with the first. So what must one do, dear sister, to attract your attention.” “Not to make such round eyes as you are doing now for instance, not to go into my room--without me, not to try to find out what my likes and dislikes are....” “What pride! Tell me, Sister, forgive my bluntness: Do you pride yourself on this? I ask because Grandmother told me you were proud.” “Grandmother must have her finger in everything. I am not proud. In what connection did she say I was?” “Because I have made a gift of these houses and gardens to you and Marfinka. She said that you would not accept the gift. Is that true? Marfinka has accepted on the condition that you do not refuse. Grandmother hesitated, and has not come to a final decision, but waits, it seems, to see what you will say. And how shall you decide. Will a sister take a gift from a brother?” “Yes, I accept ... but no, I can buy the estate. Sell it to me.... I have money, and will pay you 50,000 roubles for it.” “I will not do it that way.” She looked thoughtfully out on the Volga, the precipice, and the park. “Very well. I agree to anything you please, so long as we remain here.” “I will have the deed drawn up.” “Yes, thank you!” she said, stretching out both hands to him. He pressed her hands, and kissed Vera on the cheek. She returned the pressure of his hands and kissed the air. “You seem really to love the place and this old house.” “And you, do you mean to stay here long?” “I don’t know. It depends on circumstances--on you.” “On me?” “Come over to the other house.” “I will follow you. I must first put things straight here. I have not yet unpacked.”