Page:Pushkin - Russian Romance (King, 1875).djvu/185

 proaching visit. "What would Aleksèy think were he to recognize his Akulina in a well-educated young lady? What opinion would he form of her conduct, of her principles, of her good sense? On the other hand, Lisa was anxious to see what impression such an unexpected meeting would produce. Suddenly a thought crossed her mind. She hastened to communicate it to Nastia; both exulted at the idea, and they made up their minds to carry out the plan without fail.

Grigory Ivánovitch inquired of his daughter the following day at breakfast whether she still intended to conceal herself from the Beréstoffs.

"Papa," answered Lisa, "I shall receive them if you wish it, but upon one condition—that, whatever my appearance, whatever I may do, you will not scold me, nor show any sign of surprise or displeasure."

"Some new freak!" said Grigory Ivánovitch, laughing. "Well, all right, I consent; do what thou wilt, my black-eyed little rogue."

With these words he kissed her on the forehead, and Lisa ran off to make ready.

At two o'clock precisely, a home-built coach, drawn by six horses, drove up to the door, round the green lawn in front of it. The old Beréstoff alighted with the aid of two of Múromsky's liveried servants. His son had followed him on horseback, and together they entered the dining-room, where the cloth was already laid. Múromsky received his guests in the most friendly manner, and having proposed a turn in the garden before dinner, and a look at the park, led the way along the carefully swept