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 be glad of the opportunity of having his daughter so comfortably settled. The old people thought over the project so frequently in their own minds, that they at last exchanged their views, embraced each other, promised to make matters straight, and set-to maturing their plans, each after his own fashion. Múromsky foresaw a difficulty; he would have to persuade his Betsy to become better acquainted with Aleksèy, whom she had not met since the memorable dinner. He fancied they did not much care for each other; at least Aleksèy had never again called at Prilúchino, and Lisa withdrew whenever Ivan Petróvitch would honour them with a visit. "Well," thought Grigory Ivánovitch, "if I could get Aleksèy to come here every day, Lisa must end by falling in love with him. That is in the course of nature. Time will do the rest."

Ivan Petróvitch was less uneasy about the success of his plans. He called his son into his study that same evening, lit his pipe, and after a pause, said, "Methinks it is a long time, Alyósha, since thou hast last talked of entering the army. Or has the Hussar's uniform lost its attractions?"

"No, my father," answered Aleksèy reverently, "I see it is not your wish that I should join the Hussars; it is my duty to obey you."

"That's right," answered Ivan Petróvitch; "I see thou art an obedient son: that is a consolation. I on my part do not wish to stand in thy way: I do not wish to hurry