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He read the letters. One was very unpleasant, from a merchant who

was buying a forest on his wife's property. To sell this forest

was absolutely essential; but at present, until he was reconciled

with his wife, the subject could not be discussed. The most

unpleasant thing of all was that his pecuniary interests should

in this way enter into the question of his reconciliation with

his wife. And the idea that he might be led on by his interests,

that he might seek a reconciliation with his wife on account of

the sale of the forest-that idea hurt him.

When he had finished his letters, Stepan Arkadyevitch moved the

office-papers close to him, rapidly looked through two pieces of

business, made a few notes with a big pencil, and pushing away

the papers, turned to his coffee. As he sipped his coffee, he

opened a still damp morning paper, and began reading it.