“My dear count, you were one of my best pupils⁠—you must dance,” said little Iogel coming up to Nikoláy. “Look how many charming young ladies⁠—” He turned with the same request to Denísov who was also a former pupil of his.

“No, my dear fellow, I’ll be a wallflower,” said Denísov. “Don’t you wecollect what bad use I made of your lessons?”

“Oh no!” said Iogel, hastening to reassure him. “You were only inattentive, but you had talent⁠—oh yes, you had talent!”