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These were the thoughts that passed through Vera's mind while Tatiana Markovna and Raisky were accompanying their guests and Marfinka as far as the Volga. What was the Wolf doing now? was he enjoying his triumph?
On some days even Vera appeared to him in the same light as Marfinka. He saw in them two charming young girls, only late left school with all the ideas and adorations of the schoolgirl, with the schoolgirl's dream-theory of life, which is only shattered by experience. He told himself that he was absolutely cold and indifferent, and in a position truthfully to call himself her friend.
His aunt who was never happy unless she was doing something, was looking through some accounts brought her by Savili; before her lay on pieces of paper samples of hay and rye. Marfinka was working at a piece of lace. Vera, as usual, was not there. Vassilissa announced visitors; the young master; from Kolchino. "Nikolai Andreevich Vikentev, please enter."
"When she is here with me we both admire the Volga, we are never tired of talking about it. Will you have some more coffee? May I have it cleared away?" "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?"
Nature does not create, but it does emphasise human melancholy. Marfinka asked herself what had happened to everybody in the house, as she looked doubtfully round her. Even her own pretty little room did not look so gay; it was as if Vera's nervous silence had invaded it. Her eyes filled with tears. Why was everything so different?
As if Boris Pavlovich could have guessed it. I have wanted a little enamelled watch like this for a long time." "You haven't asked your Grandmother why she gives you nothing?" Marfinka shut her mouth with a kiss. "Grandmother," she said, "love me always, if you want to make me happy." "With my love I will give you my enduring gift," she said, making the sign of the cross over Marfinka.
"You haven't been to see us for three weeks," said Tatiana Markovna, reproachfully. "I could not come. The Governor would not let me off. Orders were given to settle up all the business in the office," said Vikentev, so hurriedly that he nearly swallowed some of the words. "That is absurd; don't listen to him, Granny," interrupted Marfinka. "He hasn't any business, as he himself said."
Everything in the house went on as before. There were no festivities in honour of Vera's name day, as she had expressed a wish that there should be none. Neither Marfinka nor the Vikentevs came; a messenger was sent to Kolchino with the announcement that Vera Vassilievna was unwell and was keeping her room.
These would be, in fact, no means at all, for she had outgrown Tatiana Markovna's circle of experience and morals. No, authority might serve with Marfinka, but not with the clear-headed, independent Vera. Such were Raisky's thoughts as he walked silently by Vera's side, no longer desiring full knowledge for his own sake, but for her salvation.
Marfa Egorovna bit her lip, but Vikentev stood transfixed. "Sit down, Nikolai Andreevich," continued the old lady seriously and reproachfully, "and listen to what I have to say. What does your conscience tell you? How have you rewarded my confidence?" "Don't make fun of me ... it's unkind." "I am not joking. It wasn't right of you, my friend, to speak to Marfinka, and not to me.
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