"It was a good thing that there was only one more visit to the factory," added Katerina Vasílyevna.
They both settled themselves on the divan among the cushions, in weariness.
"You weren't sharp enough! you can't have had much practice in racing. You ought to have stood up as I did; then the ups and downs amount to nothing."
"Even we are rather tired." says Beaumont to Kirsánof. They sat down by their wives. Kirsánof threw his arm around Viéra Pavlovna. Beaumont took Katerina Vasílyevna's hand. It was an idyllic picture. It is pleasant to see happy unions. But a shadow crossed the face of the lady in mourning for one moment, so that none except one of her young companions noticed it. He went to the window and began to study the arabesques made by the frost on the glass.
"Mesdames, your stories are very interesting, but I can't hear what you say; all I know is that they are very pathetic but that they end happily; I like that! But where is my dear little old man?"
"He is busy about the house; he is getting lunch ready; this always amuses him," said Katerina Vasílyevna.
"Well, in that case, God be with him! Tell me your story, please, but briefly; I like to be told things in few words."
"I shall relate very briefly." says Viéra Pavlovna; let me begin. When it is the others' turn, let them tell theirs. But I will tell you beforehand that there are secrets at the end of my story."
"Well, then we'll drive out these gentlemen. Or perhaps it would be better to drive them out now!"
"No; now they can listen."
Viéra Pavlovna began her story.
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"Ha! ha! ha! This sweet Julie, I love her dearly!" and she throws herself down on her knees and she carries on and behaves herself terribly. She is lovely!"
********
Bravo, Viéra Pavlovna! "I am going to jump out of the window! Bravo, gentlemen!" The lady in mourning clapped her hands. At this command the young people
