"I am very glad you have come," he said, sitting down beside her, and obviously wishing to say something, he stuttered.

Several times he tried to begin to speak, but stopped.

In spite of the fact that, preparing herself for meeting him, she had schooled herself to despise and reproach him, she did not know what to say to him, and she felt sorry for him.

And so the silence lasted for some time.

" Is Seryozha quite well?" he said, and not waiting for an answer, he added: "I shan't be dining at home today, and I have got to go out directly.