“Not at all,” replied Nikoláy as if offended at the idea. “As befits a soldier, Aunt, I don’t force myself on anyone or refuse anything,” he said before he had time to consider what he was saying.

“Well then, remember, this is not a joke!”

“Of course not!”

“Yes, yes,” the governor’s wife said as if talking to herself. “But, my dear boy, among other things you are too attentive to the other, the blonde. One is sorry for the husband, really.⁠ ⁠…”

“Oh no, we are good friends with him,” said Nikoláy in the simplicity of his heart; it did not enter his head that a pastime so pleasant to himself might not be pleasant to someone else.