Now he was gone, everything was gone.

In the whole day, no one except the disagreeable Rybin had called.
Beyond the window, the dense, cold rain was sighing and knocking at the panes.

The rain and the drippings from the roof filled the air with a doleful, wailing melody.

The whole house appeared to be rocking gently to and fro, and everything around her seemed aimless and unnecessary.
A gentle rap was heard at the door.

It came once, and then a second time.