"I didn't know you were here," she said, unmistakably feeling no regret, but a positive pleasure, in interrupting this conversation on a topic she had heard so much of that she was by now weary of it.

" Well, how is Kitty? I am dining with you today.

I tell you what, Arseny," she turned to her husband, "you take the carriage.

" And the husband and wife began to discuss their arrangements for the day.

As the husband had to drive to meet someone on official business, while the wife had to go to the concert and some public meeting of a committee on the Eastern Question, there was a great deal to consider and settle.