She found him as he was sitting with his head in both hands.

"_J'ai force la consigne_," she said, walking in with rapid steps and breathing hard with excitement and rapid exercise.

" I have heard all! Alexey Alexandrovitch! Dear friend!" she went on, warmly squeezing his hand in both of hers and gazing with her fine pensive eyes into his.

Alexey Alexandrovitch, frowning, got up, and disengaging his hand, moved her a chair.

"Won't you sit down, countess? I'm seeing no one because I'm unwell, countess," he said, and his lips twitched.