" The Razumovskis... It was charming... You are very kind... Countess Apraksina..." was heard on all sides.

The countess rose and went into the ballroom.

"Marya Dmitrievna?" came her voice from there.

"Herself," came the answer in a rough voice, and Marya Dmitrievna entered the room.

All the unmarried ladies and even the married ones except the very oldest rose.