Pagina 367 van 2288

On reaching the French theater, Vronsky retired to the foyer with

the colonel, and reported to him his success, or non-success. The

colonel, thinking it all over, made up his mind not to pursue the

matter further, but then for his own satisfaction proceeded to

cross-examine Vronsky about his interview; and it was a long

while before he could restrain his laughter, as Vronsky described

how the government clerk, after subsiding for a while, would

suddenly flare up again, as he recalled the details, and how

Vronsky, at the last half word of conciliation, skillfully

manoeuvered a retreat, shoving Petritsky out before him.

"It's a disgraceful story, but killing. Kedrov really can't fight

the gentleman! Was he so awfully hot?" he commented, laughing.

"But what do you say to Claire today? She's marvelous," he went

on, speaking of a new French actress. "However often you see her,

every day she's different. It's only the French who can do that."

Chapter 6