While Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch was talking to Varvara Petrovna, she had twice beckoned to Mavriky Nikolaevitch as though she wanted to whisper something to him; but as soon as the young man bent down to her, she instantly burst into laughter; so that it seemed as though it was at poor Mavriky Nikolaevitch that she was laughing. She evidently tried to control herself, however, and put her handkerchief to her lips. Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch turned to greet her with a most innocent and openhearted air.

“Please excuse me,” she responded, speaking quickly. “You⁠ ⁠… you’ve seen Mavriky Nikolaevitch of course.⁠ ⁠… My goodness, how inexcusably tall you are, Mavriky Nikolaevitch!”

And laughter again, Mavriky Nikolaevitch was tall, but by no means inexcusably so.

“Have⁠ ⁠… you been here long?” she muttered, restraining herself again, genuinely embarrassed though her eyes were shining.