Next came a number of carriages, from the windows of which peered the ladies in mourning toilets.

Yet the movements of their hands and lips made it evident that they were indulging in animated conversation--probably about the Governor-General, the balls which he might be expected to give, and their own eternal fripperies and gewgaws.

Lastly came a few empty drozhkis.

As soon as the latter had passed, our hero was able to continue on his way.

Throwing back the hood of the britchka, he said to himself: "Ah, good friend, you have lived your life, and now it is over! In the newspapers they will say of you that you died regretted not only by your subordinates, but also by humanity at large, as well as that, a respected citizen, a kind father, and a husband beyond reproach, you went to your grave amid the tears of your widow and orphans.