"He was very ill after that interview with his mother, which we had not foreseen," said Alexey Alexandrovitch.

" Indeed, we feared for his life.

But with rational treatment, and sea-bathing in the summer, he regained his strength, and now, by the doctor's advice, I have let him go to school.

And certainly the companionship of school has had a good effect on him, and he is perfectly well, and making good progress.

" "What a fine fellow he's grown! He's not Seryozha now, but quite full-fledged Sergey Alexyevitch!" said Stepan Arkadyevitch, smiling, as he looked at the handsome, broad-shouldered lad in blue coat and long trousers, who walked in alertly and confidently.