The latter understood that she was being asked to entertain this young man, and sitting down beside him she began to speak about his father; but he answered her, as he had the countess, only in monosyllables.

The other guests were all conversing with one another.

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

The countess rose and went into the ballroom.