before him. He suspected him, at least, of culpable intriguing, and, wishing to try him, he ordered him, in genuine Russian fashion, to leave the town within forty-eight hours. Tchitchikoff, who had feared something worse, at once felt relieved; he spoke, and spoke so well, that everything, even those atrocious reports, seemed to militate in his favour. He modestly called his excellency’s attention to the fact that such an abrupt departure would not only throw his own affairs into confusion, but would prove extremely prejudicial to the honourable people with whom he had business connections. Finally he was authorised to remain in the city as long as he pleased, but on conditions that he conducted himself properly, and in such a way as not to give rise to any more scandalous reports.

“Prince!” retorted our hero, “I have heard it said, and I believe it true, that it would be easier to stay the waters of the Dnieper or the Volga than the tongues of chatterers in a little town.”

He then came forth from this audience possessed of more assurance than formerly; and he did not hide his contempt for the scandal-mongers who for a few hours had believed that he was seriously compromised.

Soon afterwards Khlobuyoff received the fifteen thousand roubles remaining due to him for his estate; and he was seen walking beside Tchitchikoff at the pompous funeral of the wealthy aunt, whose obsequies were defrayed by Lyenitzuin. On the day when the seals were removed from the residence of the deceased a will was found, and all interested parties were summoned by the authorities to hear it read. Lyenitzuin, detained no doubt by the cares of office, did not come until late; and when the perusal of the will was over he received with cold dignity the congratulations of the people present. He was appointed universal legatee, various small legacies being bequeathed to Khlobuyoff, to two lady companions, a couple of poor cousins, and a shrine in the neighbourhood. The poor relations called Lyenitzuin’s attention to the fact that five or six coffers, a jewel case, and some sixty pieces of gold and silver plate were missing; but Lyenitzuin, upon hearing this, merely smiled and shrugged his shoulders. He was no doubt fully aware as to where the missing articles had gone.