By replying thus to Pavel Pavlovitch’s greeting Velchaninoff surprised himself. It seemed strange indeed to him that he should now meet this man without any feeling of anger, and that there should be something quite novel in his feelings towards Pavel Pavlovitch—a sort of call to new relations with him. “What a lovely evening!” said Pavel Pavlovitch, looking observantly into the other’s eyes. “So you haven’t gone away yet!” murmured Velchaninoff, not in a tone of inquiry, but as though musing upon the fact as he continued to walk on. “I’ve been a good deal delayed; but I’ve obtained my petition, my new post, with rise of salary. I’m off the day after to-morrow for certain.” “What? You’ve obtained the new situation?” “And why not?” said Pavel Pavlovitch, with a crooked smile. “Oh, I meant nothing particular by my remark!” said Velchaninoff frowning, and glancing sidelong at his companion. To his surprise Pavel Pavlovitch, both in dress and appearance, even down to the hat with the crape band, was incomparably neater and tidier-looking than he was wont to be a fortnight since. “Why was he sitting in the public-house then?” thought Velchaninoff. This fact puzzled him much. “I wished to let you know of my other great joy, Alexey Ivanovitch!” resumed Pavel. “Joy?” “I’m going to marry.” “What?” “Yes, sir! after sorrow, joy! It is ever thus in life. Oh! Alexey Ivanovitch, I should so much like if—but you look as though you were in a great hurry.” “Yes, I am in a hurry, and I am ill besides.” He felt as though he would give anything to get rid of the man; the feeling of readiness to develop new and better relations with him had vanished in a moment. “I should so much like——” Pavel Pavlovitch did not finish his sentence; Velchaninoff kept silence and waited. “In that case, perhaps another time—if we should happen to meet.” “Yes, yes, another time,” said Velchaninoff quickly, continuing to move along, and never looking at his companion. Nothing was said for another minute or two. Pavel Pavlovitch continued to trot alongside. “In that case, _au revoir_,” he blurted, at last. “_Au revoir!_ I hope——”