When, much later, “Uncle” rode up to Nikoláy and began talking to him, he felt flattered that, after what had happened, “Uncle” deigned to speak to him.

Toward evening Ilágin took leave of Nikoláy, who found that they were so far from home that he accepted “Uncle’s” offer that the hunting party should spend the night in his little village of Mikháylovna.

“And if you put up at my house that will be better still. That’s it, come on!” said “Uncle.” “You see it’s damp weather, and you could rest, and the little countess could be driven home in a trap.”

“Uncle’s” offer was accepted. A huntsman was sent to Otrádnoe for a trap, while Nikoláy rode with Natásha and Pétya to “Uncle’s” house.