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 give me the choice of measures to be pursued. Where there is a will, there is a way."

"If that is so...." began Alekseï Aleksandrovitch, suddenly growing very pale. But at that instant the lawyer again ran to the door, to reply to a fresh interruption from his clerk.

"Tell her, then, that this is not a cheap shop," said he and returned to Alekseï Aleksandrovitch. As he returned to his place he caught another moth.

"My reps will be in a fine condition by summer!" he said to himself, scowling.

"You were kind enough to say ...."

"I will communicate to you my decision by letter," replied Alekseï Aleksandrovitch, standing up and leaning his hand on the table. After standing for a moment in thought, he said:—

"From your words I conclude that a divorce is possible. I shall be obliged to you if you will make your conditions known to me."

"Everything is possible if you will give me entire freedom of action," said the lawyer, eluding the last question. "When may I expect a communication from you?" asked he, moving to the door with eyes as shiny as his boots.

"Within a week. You will then have the goodness to let me know whether you accept the case, and on what terms?"

"Very good."

The lawyer bowed respectfully, conducted his client to the door, and when he was left alone, he gave vent to his feelings of joy; he felt so gay that, contrary to his principles, he made a deduction to a lady skilled in the art of making a bargain, and neglected to catch a moth, resolving definitely that he would have his furniture upholstered the next winter with velvet, as Sigonin had.