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Leonti did not hear, and did not even see Raisky go. When he reached home, Raisky gave his aunt an account of Leonti's condition, telling her that there was no danger, but that no sympathy would help matters. Yakob was sent to look after the sick man and Tatiana Markovna did not forget to send an abundant supper, with tea, rum, wine and all sorts of other things.
Peace tapped at the door of her soul, the dark forsaken temple, which was now gaily lighted once more and a home of prayer. She felt that Tatiana Markovna and she were inseparable sisters, and she even began involuntarily to address her as "thou," as she had done Raisky when her heart responded to his kindness.
In the house of Anna Markovna everybody was already dressed and ready for the reception of the guests, and languishing from inaction and expectation.
Marfinka coloured, smoothed her hair, gave a tug to her fichu, and cast a glance in the mirror. Raisky shook his finger at her, making her colour more deeply. "The person who stayed one night here," said Vassilissa to Raisky, "is also asking for you." "Markushka?" asked Tatiana Markovna in a horrified tone. "Yes," said Vassilissa. Raisky hurried out. "How glad he is, how he rushes to meet him.
Tatiana Markovna, who came in at this moment, offered him some drops of cordial in a teaspoon. "No, Grandmother," he cried, still laughing violently. "Don't give me drops, but three hundred roubles." "What do you want the money for?" said Tatiana Markovna hesitating. "Is it for Markushka again. You had much better ask him to return the eighty roubles he has had."
He looked at Vera as calmly as at the others, and did not avoid Tatiana Markovna's eyes. He promised Vikentev to come over to see him in a day or two, and listened attentively to his guest's conversation about hunting and fishing. At last everything was ready for their departure. Tatiana Markovna and Raisky went with their guests as far as the Volga, leaving Vera at home.
Raisky stayed in his rooms in the new house, but Leonti had returned to his own home for the time being, to return to Malinovka after the departure of Tatiana Markovna and Vera. He, too, had been invited by Tushin to "Smoke," but Leonti had answered with a sigh, "Later in the winter. Just now I am expecting...." and had broken off to look out on to the road from Moscow.
When she saw that Vikentev coloured at this advice, which indicated doubt of his tactfulness, and that Marfa Egorovna bit her underlip, Tatiana Markovna changed her tone; she laid her hand on his shoulder calling him "Dear Nikolinka," and telling him that she knew herself how unnecessary her words were, but that old women liked to preach.
"You will want them yourself." she said, "on the day when you take it into your head to marry." The estate with all that belonged to it he had made over in the names of the sisters, a gift for which each of them thanked him after her fashion. Tatiana Markovna wrinkled her forehead, and looked askance at him, but she could not long maintain this attitude, and ended by embracing him.
After Marfinka's wedding I am going away, and you will be Grandmother's and Vera's first minister, friend and protector." "Thank you. If I am not in the way...." "How can you talk like that. You ought to be ashamed of yourself." "Forgive me, Tatiana Markovna." "Better eat your dinner; the soup is getting cold." "I am hungry too," he said suddenly, seizing his spoon.
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