“Splendid! Excellent!” exclaimed Natásha. “Another verse,” she said, without noticing Nikoláy.

“Everything’s still the same with them,” thought Nikoláy, glancing into the drawing room, where he saw Véra and his mother with the old lady.

“Ah, and here’s Nikólenka!” cried Natásha, running up to him.

“Is Papa at home?” he asked.

“I am so glad you’ve come!” said Natásha, without answering him. “We are enjoying ourselves! Vasíli Dmítrich is staying a day longer for my sake! Did you know?”

“No, Papa is not back yet,” said Sónya.

“Nikoláy, have you come? Come here, dear!” called the old countess from the drawing room.