who sent those telegrams. Nor, for that matter, do I wish to recall old scores. True, I know that you are a vixen by nature⁠—that you are a wasp which will sting one if one touches it⁠—yet, my heart is sore for you, for I loved your mother, Katerina. Now, will you leave everything here, and come away with me? Otherwise, I do not know what is to become of you, and it is not right that you should continue living with these people. Nay,” she interposed, the moment that Polina attempted to speak, “I have not yet finished. I ask of you nothing in return. My house in Moscow is, as you know, large enough for a palace, and you could occupy a whole floor of it if you liked, and keep away from me for weeks together. Will you come with me or will you not?”

“First of all, let me ask of you ,” replied Polina, “whether you are intending to depart at once?”