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When Stepan Arkadyevitch had disappeared, she went back to the

sofa where she had been sitting, surrounded by the children.

Either because the children saw that their mother was fond of

this aunt, or that they felt a special charm in her themselves,

the two elder ones, and the younger following their lead, as

children so often do, had clung about their new aunt since before

dinner, and would not leave her side. And it had become a sort of

game among them to sit as close as possible to their aunt, to

touch her, hold her little hand, kiss it, play with her ring, or

even touch the flounce of her skirt.

"Come, come, as we were sitting before," said Anna Arkadyevna,

sitting down in her place.

And again Grisha poked his little face under her arm, and nestled

with his head on her gown, beaming with pride and happiness.

"And when is your next ball?" she asked Kitty.

"Next week, and a splendid ball. One of those balls where one

always enjoys oneself."