Page:Sologub Sweet Scented Name.djvu/123

 possess a haggard expression of terror and despair.

Her hands are not seen—they are folded behind her back, and from the pose of her shoulders one feels that her arms are bound. Her feet are bare and very beautiful. They are encircled with gold bracelets and fastened together by a short gold chain. The contrast of the black dress and white naked feet is beautiful yet strange.

The picture was painted some years ago by the young artist Andrew Pavlovitch Kragaef, after a strange white night spent by him with the lady of the picture—Irene Vladimirovna Omejina—in her country villa outside Petersburg.

It was at the end of May. The day had been warm and enchantingly clear. In the morning, or rather about the time when the working-folk are going to their dinner, Kragaef was called up on the telephone. A well-known woman's voice said:

"It's I—Madame Omejina. Are you disengaged to-night, Andrew Pavlovitch? I shall expect you here punctually at two o'clock."

"Thank you, Irene Vladimirovna" began Kragaef.

But the lady interrupted him.