Parasha declared that it must be the Vice-Governor's wife, so, as I did not want to be bored with her, I gave orders that I was to be reported 'not at home.'" For her part, the guest would have liked to have proceeded to business by communicating her tidings, but a sudden exclamation from the hostess imparted (temporarily) a new direction to the conversation.
"What a pretty chintz!" she cried, gazing at the other's gown.
"Yes, it IS pretty," agreed the visitor.

"On the other hand, Praskovia Thedorovna thinks that--" In other words, the ladies proceeded to indulge in a conversation on the subject of dress; and only after this had lasted for a considerable while did the visitor let fall a remark which led her entertainer to inquire: "And how is the universal charmer ?" "My God!" replied the other.

"There has been SUCH a business! In fact, do you know why I am here at all ?" And the visitor's breathing became more hurried, and further words seemed to be hovering between her lips like hawks preparing to stoop upon their prey.

Only a person of the unhumanity of a "true friend" would have had the heart to interrupt her; but the hostess was just such a friend, and at once interposed with: "I wonder how any one can see anything in the man to praise or to admire.

For my own part, I think--and I would say the same thing straight to his face--that he is a perfect rascal." "Yes, but do listen to what I have got to tell you." "Oh, I know that some people think him handsome," continued the hostess, unmoved; "but _I_ say that he is nothing of the kind--that, in particular, his nose is perfectly odious." "Yes, but let me finish what I was saying." The guest's tone was almost piteous in its appeal.
"What is it, then ?" "You cannot imagine my state of mind! You see, this morning I received a visit from Father Cyril's wife--the Archpriest's wife--you know her, don't you?
Well, whom do you suppose that fine gentleman visitor of ours has turned out to be ?" "The man who has built the Archpriest a poultry-run ?" "Oh dear no! Had that been all, it would have been nothing.No.