She told her how he had complimented her, how he told her he was going abroad, asked her where they were going to spend the summer, and then how he had asked her about Boris.

"But such a... such a... never happened to me before!" she said.

"Only I feel afraid in his presence.

I am always afraid when I'm with him.

What does that mean? Does it mean that it's the real thing? Yes? Mamma, are you asleep?" "No, my love; I am frightened myself," answered her mother.