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"You may see for yourself, Avdotya Romanovna," he said, "whether

it is possible for us to agree. I hope now that this question is

at an end, once and for all. I will withdraw, that I may not

hinder the pleasures of family intimacy, and the discussion of

secrets." He got up from his chair and took his hat. "But in

withdrawing, I venture to request that for the future I may be

spared similar meetings, and, so to say, compromises. I appeal

particularly to you, honoured Pulcheria Alexandrovna, on this

subject, the more as my letter was addressed to you and to no one

else."

Pulcheria Alexandrovna was a little offended.