I repeat again that Pyotr Stepanovitch was always, in continual whispers, strengthening in the governor's household an idea he had insinuated there already, that Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch was a man who had very mysterious connections with very mysterious circles, and that he had certainly come here with some commission from them.
People here seemed in a strange state of mind at the time.

Among the ladies especially a sort of frivolity was conspicuous, and it could not be said to be a gradual growth.

Certain very free-and-easy notions seemed to be in the air.

There was a sort of dissipated gaiety and levity, and I can't say it was always quite pleasant.

A lax way of thinking was the fashion.