Conversation--not too lively--began.

The priest drank four cups of tea, incessantly wiping his bald head with his handkerchief; he related among other things that the merchant Avoshnikov was subscribing seven hundred roubles to gilding the "cumpola" of the church, and informed them of a sure remedy against freckles.

Lavretsky tried to sit near Lisa, but her manner was severe, almost stern, and she did not once glance at him.

She appeared intentionally not to observe him; a kind of cold, grave enthusiasm seemed to have taken possession of her.

Lavretsky for some reason or other tried to smile and to say something amusing; but there was perplexity in his heart, and he went away at last in secret bewilderment ....