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Volintsev did not ask what the one thing was, and in profound silence they all returned to Darya Mihailovna's house. Before dinner the party was again assembled in the drawing-room. Pigasov, however, did not come. Rudin was not at his best; he did nothing but press Pandalevsky to play Beethoven. Volintsev was silent and stared at the floor.
You mean there is no hope? 'None. 'Why should we be so unhappy! That abominable Pandalevsky!... You ask me, Natalya Alexyevna, what I intend to do? My head is going round I cannot take in anything... I can feel nothing but my unhappiness... I am amazed that you can preserve such self-possession! 'Do you think it is easy for me? said Natalya. Rudin began to walk along the bank.
'At him, good dog! Pandalevsky said to himself at the same instant, and smiled all over. 'That word expresses my meaning, pursued Rudin. 'You understand it; why not make use of it? You don't believe in anything. Why do you believe in facts? 'Why? That's good! Facts are matters of experience, every one knows what facts are. I judge of them by experience, by my own senses.
Darya Mihailovna was secretly perplexed; for the first time it struck her that she did not really understand her daughter. When she had heard from Pandalevsky of her meeting with Rudin, she was not so much displeased as amazed that her sensible Natalya could resolve upon such a step.
Pandalevsky went to bed, and as he took off his daintily embroidered braces, he said aloud 'A very smart fellow! and suddenly, looking harshly at his page, ordered him out of the room.
Then she summoned Mlle. Boncourt and remained a long while closeted with her. When she had dismissed her she sent for Pandalevsky. She wanted at all hazards to discover the real cause of Rudin's departure... but Pandalevsky succeeded in completely satisfying her. It was what he was there for. The next day Volintsev and his sister came to dinner.
Alexandra Pavlovna, to tell the truth, understood little of all that Rudin said, but was full of wonder and delight; her brother too was admiring him. Pandalevsky was watching Darya Mihailovna and was filled with envy. Pigasov thought, 'If I have to give five hundred roubles I will get a nightingale to sing better than that! But the most impressed of all the party were Bassistoff and Natalya.
Sergei Pavlitch did nothing but gaze at Natalya, near whom he was sitting, and zealously filled up her glass with water. Pandalevsky tried in vain to entertain his neighbour, Alexandra Pavlovna; he was bubbling over with sweetness, but she hardly refrained from yawning.
But enough of Rudin; let us talk of something else. What of what's his name Pandalevsky? is he still living at Darya Mihailovna's? he concluded, turning to Bassistoff. 'Oh yes, he is still there. She has managed to get him a very profitable place. Lezhnyov smiled. 'That's a man who won't die in want, one can count upon that. Supper was over. The guests dispersed.
'Boys! cried Bassistoff suddenly, 'do you see that willow at the corner? let's see who can get to it first. One! two! three! and away! The boys set off at full speed to the willow. Bassistoff rushed after them. 'What a lout! thought Pandalevsky, 'he is spoiling those boys. A perfect peasant!
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