Paul with my thanks. . . . And that carriage, will it never come? "

"Here it is," answered Lisabeta Ivanovna, looking out of the window.

"Well! and you are not ready? Will you never cease to keep me waiting—it is simply unbearable."

Lisabeta ran to her room. She had not been there more than a minute or two when the Countess rang the bell furiously; her three maids came in at one door, while a footman entered by another.

"Does no one hear me in this house," cried the Countess. "Let one of you go and tell Lisabeta Ivanovna that I am waiting for her."

The companion entered at this moment dressed for the street.

"At last, mademoiselle," said the Countess, "but what means this elaborate costume? Who is going to see you? Tell me what kind of a day is it. Windy, is it not?"

"No, your Excellency," said the footman, "on the contrary, it is quite mild."

"You never know what you are saying. Open the window. . . . It is just as I said; it is blowing a hurricane and is bitterly cold besides. I will not need the carriage. Lisanka,