Perhaps he really was; but in spite of his pretty, good-natured face, Olenin thought him extremely unpleasant.

He seemed just to exhale that filthiness which Olenin had forsworn.

What vexed him most was that he could not--had not the strength--abruptly to repulse this man who came from that world: as if that old world he used to belong to had an irresistible claim on him.

Olenin felt angry with Beletski and with himself, yet against his wish he introduced French phrases into his own conversation, was interested in the Commander-in-Chief and in their Moscow acquaintances, and because in this Cossack village he and Beletski both spoke French, he spoke contemptuously of their fellow officers and of the Cossacks, and was friendly with Beletski, promising to visit him and inviting him to drop in to see him.

Olenin however did not himself go to see Beletski.