“You know Sónya, my cousin? I love her, and promised to marry her, and will do so.⁠ ⁠… So you see there can be no question about⁠—” said Nikoláy incoherently and blushing.

“My dear boy, what a way to look at it! You know Sónya has nothing and you yourself say your Papa’s affairs are in a very bad way. And what about your mother? It would kill her, that’s one thing. And what sort of life would it be for Sónya⁠—if she’s a girl with a heart? Your mother in despair, and you all ruined.⁠ ⁠… No, my dear, you and Sónya ought to understand that.”

Nikoláy remained silent. It comforted him to hear these arguments.

“All the same, Aunt, it is impossible,” he rejoined with a sigh, after a short pause. “Besides, would the princess have me? And besides, she is now in mourning. How can one think of it!”

“But you don’t suppose I’m going to get you married at once? There is always a right way of doing things,” replied the governor’s wife.