Page:The Novels of Ivan Turgenev (volume VI).djvu/74

Rh 'I think I interrupted you─forgive me; and besides I'm just going away. Who knows whether we shall meet again? I wanted to say good-bye to you.'

Nezhdanov pressed her chilly red fingers.

'You saw that gentleman here?' he began; 'we came to terms. I am going to him as a tutor. His estate is in S province, near S itself.'

A rapturous smile flashed across Mashurina's face.

'Near S! Then perhaps we shall see each other again. They may possibly send us there.' Mashurina sighed 'Ah, Alexey Dmitritch.'

'What?' inquired Nezhdanov.

Mashurina assumed a concentrated look.

'Never mind. Good-bye. Never mind.'

Once more she pressed Nezhdanov's hand and retreated.

'And in all Petersburg there is no one cares for me like that queer creature!' was Nezhdanov's thought. 'But why need she have interrupted me? It's all for the best, though!

The following morning Nezhdanov betook himself to Sipyagin's town residence, and there, in a magnificent study, filled with furniture of a severe style, in full harmony with the dignity of a liberal politician and modern gentleman,