The Russian woman's fate is a terrible one, Varvara Petrovna! It's out of that they're making the university question now, and there's even been a meeting of the Imperial Council about it.

In this strange Russia of ours one can do anything one likes; and that, again, is why it's only by the kindness and the direct warm sympathy of all the better classes that we can direct this great common cause in the true path.

Oh, heavens, have we many noble personalities among us! There are some, of course, but they are scattered far and wide.

Let us unite and we shall be stronger.
In one word, I shall first have a literary matinee, then a light luncheon, then an interval, and in the evening a ball.

We meant to begin the evening by living pictures, but it would involve a great deal of expense, and so, to please the public, there will be one or two quadrilles in masks and fancy dresses, representing well-known literary schools.