soul. The believer cannot be unhappy because he is not alone. But you will see.' She was just settling herself to read when the footman came in again. `Madame Borozdina? Tell her tomorrow, at two o'clock. Yes,' she said, marking the place in the book by inserting a finger, and gazing before her with her fine pensive eyes, `that is how true faith acts. You know Marie Sanina? You know about her trouble? She lost her only child. She was in despair. And what happened? She found this comforter, and she thanks God now for the death of her child. Such is the happiness faith brings!'

`Oh, yes, that is most...' said Stepan Arkadyevich, glad they were going to read, and let him have a chance to collect his faculties. `No, I see I'd better not ask her about anything today,' he thought. `If only I can get out of this without putting my foot in it!'

`It will be dull for you,' said Countess Lidia Ivanovna, addressing Landau; `you don't know English - but it's short.'

`Oh, I shall understand,' said Landau, with the same smile, and he closed his eyes.

Alexei Alexandrovich and Lidia Ivanovna exchanged meaning glances, and the reading began.