" After some words of preparation, Countess Lidia Ivanovna, breathing hard and flushing crimson, gave into Alexey Alexandrovitch's hands the letter she had received.

After reading the letter, he sat a long while in silence.

"I don't think I have the right to refuse her," he said, timidly lifting his eyes.

"Dear friend, you never see evil in anyone!" "On the contrary, I see that all is evil.

But whether it is just..." His face showed irresolution, and a seeking for counsel, support, and guidance in a matter he did not understand.