“You spoke of a meeting with Nastasia Philipovna,” he said at last, in a low voice.

“Oh⁠—come! Surely you must know that there is to be a meeting today between Nastasia and Aglaya Ivanovna, and that Nastasia has been sent for on purpose, through Rogojin, from St. Petersburg? It has been brought about by invitation of Aglaya Ivanovna and my own efforts, and Nastasia is at this moment with Rogojin, not far from here⁠—at Dana Alexeyevna’s⁠—that curious friend of hers; and to this questionable house Aglaya Ivanovna is to proceed for a friendly chat with Nastasia Philipovna, and for the settlement of several problems. They are going to play at arithmetic⁠—didn’t you know about it? Word of honour?”

“It’s a most improbable story.”