Sanine

They turned back, shutting the gate after them. Sultan barked two or

three times and then sat in front of his kennel, sadly gazing at the

desolate yard, the silent mill and the little white footpaths across

the dusty turf.

In the public garden the band was playing, as usual, and there was a

pleasant breeze on the boulevard, where promenaders abounded. Lit up by

bright feminine toilettes, the dark throng moved now in the direction

of the shady gardens, and now towards the main entrance of massive

stone.

On entering the garden arm-in-arm, Sanine and Ivanoff instantly

encountered Soloveitchik who was walking pensively along, his hands

behind his back, and his eyes on the ground.

"We have just been to your place," said Sanine.

Soloveitchik blushed and smiled, as he timidly replied: "Oh! I beg your pardon! I am so sorry, but I never thought that you

were coming, or else I would have stayed at home. I am just out for a

little walk." His wistful eyes shone.

"Come along with us," said Sanine, kindly, as he took hold of his arm.

Soloveitchik, apparently delighted, accepted the proffered arm, thrust

his cap on the back of his head, and walked along as if, instead of

Sanine's arm, it was something precious that he was holding. His mouth

seemed to reach from ear to ear.

Purple-faced, and with distended cheeks, the members of the regimental

band flung out their deafening, brazen notes upon the air, stimulated

in their efforts by a smartly-dressed bandmaster who looked like a pert

little sparrow, and who zealously flourished his bâton. Grouped round

the band-stand were clerks, shopmen, schoolboys in Hessian boots, and

little girls wearing brightly-coloured handkerchiefs round their heads.

In the main walks and side-walks, as if engaged in an endless

quadrille, there moved a vivacious throng, composed of officers,

students, and ladies.

They soon met Dubova, Schafroff, and Yourii Svarogitsch, and exchanged

smiles as they passed. Then, after they had strolled through the entire

garden, they again met, Sina Karsavina being now one of the party,

looking charmingly graceful in her light summer dress.

"Why are you walking by yourselves, like that?" if asked Dubova.

"Come; and join us."

"Let us go down one of the side-walks," suggested Schafroff. "Here,

it's so terribly crowded."

Laughing and chatting, the young people accordingly turned aside into a

more shady, quieter avenue. As they reached the end of it and were

about to turn, Sarudine, Tanaroff and Volochine suddenly came round the

corner. Sanine saw at once that Sarudine had not expected to meet him

here, and that he was considerably disconcerted. His handsome face grew

dark, and he drew himself up to his full height. Tanaroff laughed

contemptuously.