“I go to see her every day, every day.”

“Then you were there yesterday?”

“N⁠—no: I have not been these three last days.”

“It is a pity you have taken too much wine, Lebedeff! I want to ask you something⁠ ⁠… but⁠ ⁠…”

“All right! all right! I am not drunk,” replied the clerk, preparing to listen.

“Tell me, how was she when you left her?”

“She is a woman who is seeking⁠ ⁠…”

“Seeking?”