" My dear Boris," said the mother, drawing her hand from beneath her old mantle and laying it timidly and tenderly on her son's arm, "be affectionate and attentive to him.

Count Cyril Vladimirovich is your godfather after all, your future depends on him.

Remember that, my dear, and be nice to him, as you so well know how to be.

" "If only I knew that anything besides humiliation would come of it..." answered her son coldly.

" But I have promised and will do it for your sake.