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"Time, indeed, that depends! Why, there's time one would give a

month of for sixpence, and time you wouldn't give half an hour of

for any money. Isn't that so, Katinka? What is it? why are you so

depressed?"

"I'm not depressed."

"Where are you off to? Stay a little longer," he said to Varenka.

"I must be going home," said Varenka, getting up, and again she

went off into a giggle. When she had recovered, she said

good-bye, and went into the house to get her hat.

Kitty followed her. Even Varenka struck her as different. She was

not worse, but different from what she had fancied her before.

"Oh, dear! it's a long while since I've laughed so much!" said

Varenka, gathering up her parasol and her bag. "How nice he is,

your father!"

Kitty did not speak.

"When shall I see you again?" asked Varenka.

"Mamma meant to go and see the Petrovs. Won't you be there?" said

Kitty, to try Varenka.

"Yes," answered Varenka. "They're getting ready to go away, so I

promised to help them pack."