“To the son of the Councillor-in-Ordinary,” replied the general. “What is your opinion of him?” “He is a worthy and noble young man, I am told, but I can have formed no opinion except from hearsay. Has he not been in garrison at Moscow for the last three months?” “Yes,” said the general, “but in three months’ time he should return.” Vaninka remained silent. “Have you nothing to say in reply?” asked the general. “Nothing, father; but I have a favour to ask of you.” “What is it?” “I do not wish to marry until I am twenty years old.” “Why not?” “I have taken a vow to that effect.” “But if circumstances demanded the breaking of this vow, and made the celebration of this marriage imperatively necessary?” “What circumstances?” asked Vaninka. “Foedor loves you,” said the general, looking steadily at Vaninka. “I know that,” said Vaninka, with as little emotion as if the question did not concern her. “You know that!” cried the general. “Yes; he has told me so.” “When?” “Yesterday.” “And you replied—?” “That he must leave here at once.” “And he consented?” “Yes, father.” “When does he go?” “He has gone.” “How can that be?” said the general: “he only left me at ten o’clock.” “And he left me at midnight,” said Vaninka. “Ah!” said the general, drawing a deep breath of relief, “you are a noble girl, Vaninka, and I grant you what you ask-two years more. But remember it is the emperor who has decided upon this marriage.” “My father will do me the justice to believe that I am too submissive a daughter to be a rebellious subject.” “Excellent, Vaninka, excellent,” said the general. “So, then, poor Foedor has told you all?” “Yes,” said Vaninka. “You knew that he addressed himself to me first?” “I knew it.” “Then it was from him that you heard that your hand was engaged?” “It was from him.” “And he consented to leave you? He is a good and noble young man, who shall always be under my protection wherever he goes. Oh, if my word had not been given, I love him so much that, supposing you did not dislike him, I should have given him your hand.” “And you cannot recall your promise?” asked Vaninka. “Impossible,” said the general. “Well, then, I submit to my father’s will,” said Vaninka. “That is spoken like my daughter,” said the general, embracing her. “Farewell, Vaninka; I do not ask if you love him. You have both done your duty, and I have nothing more to exact.” With these words, he rose and left the room. Annouschka was in the corridor; the general signed to her that she might go in again, and went on his way. At the door of his room he found Gregory waiting for him. “Well, your excellency?” he asked. “Well,” said the general, “you are both right and wrong. Foedor loves my daughter, but my daughter does not love him. He went into my daughter’s room at eleven o’clock, but at midnight he left her for ever. No matter, come to me tomorrow, and you shall have your thousand roubles and your liberty.”