"Yes, it's all very well," said the colonel to Vronsky, whom he had invited to come and see him.

" Petritsky's becoming impossible.

Not a week goes by without some scandal.

This government clerk won't let it drop, he'll go on with the thing.

" Vronsky saw all the thanklessness of the business, and that there could be no question of a duel in it, that everything must be done to soften the government clerk, and hush the matter up.