“And you’re surprised at the way she rides, Semën, eh?” said the count. “She’s as good as many a man!”

“Of course! It’s marvelous. So bold, so easy!”

“And Nikolásha? Where is he? By the Lyádov upland, isn’t he?”

“Yes, sir. He knows where to stand. He understands the matter so well that Danílo and I are often quite astounded,” said Semën, well knowing what would please his master.

“Rides well, eh? And how well he looks on his horse, eh?”

“A perfect picture! How he chased a fox out of the rank grass by the Zavárzinsk thicket the other day! Leaped a fearful place; what a sight when they rushed from the covert⁠ ⁠… the horse worth a thousand rubles and the rider beyond all price! Yes, one would have to search far to find another as smart.”