Chapter 8

           

           OnematterconnectedwithhismanagementsometimesworriedNicholas,andthatwashisquicktempertogetherwithhisoldhussarhabitofmakingfreeuseofhisfists.Atfirsthesawnothingreprehensibleinthis,butinthesecondyearofhismarriagehisviewofthatformofpunishmentsuddenlychanged.

           OnceinsummerhehadsentforthevillageelderfromBoguchárovo,amanwhohadsucceededtothepostwhenDrondiedandwhowasaccusedofdishonestyandvariousirregularities.Nicholaswentoutintotheporchtoquestionhim,andimmediatelyaftertheelderhadgivenafewrepliesthesoundofcriesandblowswereheard.OnreturningtolunchNicholaswentuptohiswife,whosatwithherheadbentlowoverherembroideryframe,andasusualbegantotellherwhathehadbeendoingthatmorning.AmongotherthingshespokeoftheBoguchárovoelder.CountessMaryturnedredandthenpale,butcontinuedtositwithheadbowedandlipscompressedandgaveherhusbandnoreply.

           “Suchaninsolentscoundrel!”hecried,growinghotagainatthemererecollectionofhim.“Ifhehadtoldmehewasdrunkanddidnotsee...Butwhatisthematterwithyou,Mary?”hesuddenlyasked.

           CountessMaryraisedherheadandtriedtospeak,buthastilylookeddownagainandherlipspuckered.

           “Why,whateveristhematter,mydearest?”

           ThelooksoftheplainCountessMaryalwaysimprovedwhenshewasintears.Shenevercriedfrompainorvexation,butalwaysfromsorroworpity,andwhensheweptherradianteyesacquiredanirresistiblecharm.

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