He drew up his chair, and continued to explain.

“This won’t do, Princess; it won’t do,” said he, when Princess Márya, having taken and closed the exercise book with the next day’s lesson, was about to leave: “Mathematics are most important, madam! I don’t want to have you like our silly ladies. Get used to it and you’ll like it,” and he patted her cheek. “It will drive all the nonsense out of your head.”

She turned to go, but he stopped her with a gesture and took an uncut book from the high desk.

“Here is some sort of Key to the Mysteries that your Héloïse has sent you. Religious! I don’t interfere with anyone’s belief⁠ ⁠… I have looked at it. Take it. Well, now go. Go.”

He patted her on the shoulder and himself closed the door after her.