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In the middle of the mazurka, repeating a complicated figure,

newly invented by Korsunsky, Anna came forward into the center of

the circle, chose two gentlemen, and summoned a lady and Kitty.

Kitty gazed at her in dismay as she went up. Anna looked at her

with drooping eyelids, and smiled, pressing her hand. But,

noticing that Kitty only responded to her smile by a look of

despair and amazement, she turned away from her, and began gaily

talking to the other lady.

"Yes, there is something uncanny, devilish and fascinating in

her," Kitty said to herself.

Anna did not mean to stay to supper, but the master of the house

began to press her to do so.

"Nonsense, Anna Arkadyevna," said Korsunsky, drawing her bare arm

under the sleeve of his dress coat, "I've such an idea for a

_cotillion! Un bijou!_"

And he moved gradually on, trying to draw her along with him.

Their host smiled approvingly.