True, never did a duel actually take place, since all the husbands were officials belonging to the Civil Service; but at least a given combatant would strive to heap contumely upon his rival, and, as we all know, that is a resource which may prove even more effectual than a duel.

As regards morality, the ladies of N.were nothing if not censorious, and would at once be fired with virtuous indignation when they heard of a case of vice or seduction.

Nay, even to mere frailty they would award the lash without mercy.

On the other hand, should any instance of what they called "third personism" occur among THEIR OWN circle, it was always kept dark--not a hint of what was going on being allowed to transpire, and even the wronged husband holding himself ready, should he meet with, or hear of, the "third person," to quote, in a mild and rational manner, the proverb, "Whom concerns it that a friend should consort with friend ?" In addition, I may say that, like most of the female world of St.Petersburg, the ladies of N.were pre-eminently careful and refined in their choice of words and phrases.
Never did a lady say, "I blew my nose," or "I perspired," or "I spat." No, it had to be, "I relieved my nose through the expedient of wiping it with my handkerchief," and so forth.

Again, to say, "This glass, or this plate, smells badly," was forbidden.