“Oh, please do,” Olga Mihalovna interrupted; “I shall be delighted! Your children are so sweet! Kiss them all for me.⁠ ⁠… But, really, I am offended with you! I don’t understand why you are in such a hurry!”

“I really must, I really must.⁠ ⁠… Goodbye, dear. Take care of yourself. In your condition, you know⁠ ⁠…”

And the ladies kissed each other. After seeing the departing guest to her carriage, Olga Mihalovna went in to the ladies in the drawing room. There the lamps were already lighted and the gentlemen were sitting down to cards.

The party broke up after supper about a quarter past twelve. Seeing her visitors off, Olga Mihalovna stood at the door and said:

“You really ought to take a shawl! It’s turning a little chilly. Please God, you don’t catch cold!”

“Don’t trouble, Olga Mihalovna,” the ladies answered as they got into the carriage. “Well, goodbye. Mind now, we are expecting you; don’t play us false!”

“Wo-o-o!” the coachman checked the horses.

“Ready, Denis! Goodbye, Olga Mihalovna!”

“Kiss the children for me!”