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Rh "Isn't that good?" asked Mikhaïl Ivanuitch, in a simple voice, without this time taking the tutor's measure. ("There is no need of being in strained relations with people who can examine privates. Why not speak without any pretentiousness so as not to get his ill will?")

"Yes, very good."

"Do you understand music?"

"Just a little."

"Are you a musician?"

"Somewhat."

Marya Alekséyevna overheard this talk, and a happy thought struck her.

"What do you play on, Dmitri Sergéitch?" she asked.

"The piano."

"May we ask you to give us a tune?"

"Very willingly."

He played a certain piece. He played passably—not badly at all.

After he had finished the lesson, Marya Alekséyevna came to him and said that they were going to have a little party the next evening; that it was her daughter's birthday, and asked him to come round.

Of course, there is always a dearth of young men, according to the style of all such parties; but no matter. He looked closer at the girl: with her or about her there is something interesting.

"I thank you heartily."

But the tutor was mistaken; Mary [sic] Alekséyevna had something more important in view than in finding a partner for her dancing girls.

Reader, you of course have anticipated that on this evening some explanation would take place; that Viérotchka and Lopukhóf will fall in love with each other?

Of course they will!

wanted to give a great party on Viérotchka's birthday, but Viérotchka begged to have no guests invited: the one wanted to show off the bridegroom; the other found such an exhibition distasteful. They compromised by having the smallest possible party, inviting only a few of their most intimate friends. They invited