On the spot the officers set off in pursuit of her; she was alarmed, and feeling still more unwell, ran up the staircase home.

Venden himself, on returning from his office, heard a ring at their bell and voices, went out, and seeing the intoxicated officers with a letter, he had turned them out.

He asked for exemplary punishment.

"Yes, it's all very well," said the colonel to Vronsky, whom he had invited to come and see him.