THE SWEET-SCENTED NAME
VI
When the time came for them to cross the street, Lohengrin took Mashenka by the arm. She looked at him with some surprise, but did not draw herself away. Looking cautiously round so as to avoid the traffic, he silently led her across the road, now covered with a thin layer of dirty brownish snow, and striped with the marks of carriage wheels. When they reached the pavement he dropped her arm and walked alone.
She went on with the conversation.
"No, it's impossible. That's not the way such things are done, and after all, what need is there to introduce you to my mother?"
"Believe me, Marya Constantìnovna," answered the young man, "I quite understand that you would like to know my occupation and my social position, and if I do not tell you all about it just now it is for very serious reasons. I have vowed not to disclose these matters for certain worldly considerations, and I cannot tell you for fear of unpleasant consequences."
"What foolishness!" said Mashenka again.
"No, Marya Constantìnovna," said he.
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