“Thus was a new and dread union consummated.

“Half an hour later the aged Count entered his wife’s boudoir.

“ ‘How now, my love?’ said he. ‘Surely it is for some welcome guest beyond the common that you have had the samovar 4 thus prepared?’ And he smote her lightly on the cheek.”

What think you of that , Barbara? True, it is a little too outspoken⁠—there can be no doubt of that; yet how grand it is, how splendid! With your permission I will also quote you an extract from Rataziaev’s story, Ermak and Zuleika :