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"Well, go, Tanya, my darling. Oh, wait a minute, though," he

said, still holding her and stroking her soft little hand.

He took off the mantelpiece, where he had put it yesterday, a

little box of sweets, and gave her two, picking out her

favorites, a chocolate and a fondant.

"For Grisha?" said the little girl, pointing to the chocolate.

"Yes, yes." And still stroking her little shoulder, he kissed her

on the roots of her hair and neck, and let her go.

"The carriage is ready," said Matvey; "but there's someone to see

you with a petition."

"Been here long?" asked Stepan Arkadyevitch.

"Half an hour."

"How many times have I told you to tell me at once?"

"One must let you drink your coffee in peace, at least," said

Matvey, in the affectionately gruff tone with which it was

impossible to be angry.

"Well, show the person up at once," said Oblonsky, frowning with

vexation.