with you . . . on my account . . .. wouldn't that be wonderful?'
'Are you very great friends with him?' Sanin asked.
'With him? that boy? He's one of my followers. You needn't trouble yourself about him!'
'Oh, I 'm not troubling myself at all.'
Maria Nikolaevna sighed. 'Ah, I know you're not. But listen, do you know what, you're such a darling, you mustn't refuse me one last request. Remember in three days' time I am going to Paris, and you are returning to Frankfort.. . . Shall we ever meet again?'
'What is this request?'
'You can ride, of course?'
'Yes.'
'Well, then, to-morrow morning I 'll take you with me, and we 'll go a ride together out of the town. We 'll have splendid horses. Then we 'll come home, wind up our business, and amen! Don't be surprised, don't tell me it's a caprice, and I 'm a madcap—all that's very likely—but simply say, I consent.'
Maria Nikolaevna turned her face towards him. It was dark in the carriage, but her eyes glittered even in the darkness.
'Very well, I consent,' said Sanin with a sigh.
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