"No matter," thought Alexey Alexandrovitch, "so much the better.

I will inform him at once of my position in regard to his sister, and explain why it is I can't dine with him.

" "Come in!" he said aloud, collecting his papers, and putting them in the blotting-paper.

"There, you see, you're talking nonsense, and he's at home!" responded Stepan Arkadyevitch's voice, addressing the servant, who had refused to let him in, and taking off his coat as he went, Oblonsky walked into the room.

" Well, I'm awfully glad I've found you! So I hope..." Stepan Arkadyevitch began cheerfully.