He went back scowling to his rooms, and sitting down beside Yashvin, who, with his long legs stretched out on a chair, was drinking brandy and seltzer water, he ordered a glass of the same for himself.

"You were talking of Lankovsky's Powerful.

That's a fine horse, and I would advise you to buy him," said Yashvin, glancing at his comrade's gloomy face.

" His hind-quarters aren't quite first-rate, but the legs and head--one couldn't wish for anything better.

" "I think I will take him," answered Vronsky.