I was let into the drawing room; I waited a minute--she came in; she made me sit down and sat down herself, opposite.

I sat down, and I couldn't believe it; you know how she has always treated me.

She began at once without beating about the bush, you know her way.

'You remember,' she said, 'that four years ago when Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch was ill he did some strange things which made all the town wonder till the position was explained.

One of those actions concerned you personally.