Part 25 (1/2)
She knew now that she loved, and that she loved earnestly, honestly; she knew that her's was a firm attachment, one which would last for her whole life. As for threats, she did not fear them. She felt that this tie was one which no violence could break.
x.x.xVII.
Maria Dmitrievna was greatly embarra.s.sed when she was informed that Madame Lavretsky was at the door. She did not even know whether she ought to receive her, being afraid of offending Lavretsky; but at last curiosity prevailed. ”After all,” she thought, ”she is a relation, too.” So she seated herself in an easy chair, and said to the footman, ”Show her in.”
A few minutes went by, then the door was thrown open, and Varvara Pavlovna, with a swift and almost noiseless step, came up to Maria Dmitrievna, and, without giving her time to rise from her chair, almost went down upon her knees before her.
”Thank you, aunt,” she began in Russian, speaking softly, but in a tone of deep emotion. ”Thank you; I had not even dared to hope that you would condescend so far. You are an angel of goodness.”
Having said this, Varvara Pavlovna unexpectedly laid hold of one of Maria Dmitrievna's hands, gently pressed it between her pale-lilac Jouvin's gloves, and then lifted it respectfully to her pouting, rosy lips. Maria Dmitrievna was entirely carried away by the sight of such a handsome and exquisitely dressed woman almost at her feet, and did not know what position to a.s.sume. She felt half inclined to draw back her hand, half inclined to make her visitor sit down, and to say something affectionate to her. She ended by rising from her chair and kissing Varvara's smooth and perfumed forehead.
Varvara appeared to be totally overcome by that kiss.
”How do you do? _bonjour_,” said Maria Dmitrievna. ”I never imagined--however, I'm really delighted to see you. You will understand, my dear, it is not my business to be judge between a man and his wife.”
”My husband is entirely in the right,” said Varvara Pavlovna, interrupting her, ”I alone am to blame.”
”Those are very praiseworthy sentiments, very,” said Maria Dmitrievna.
”Is it long since you arrived? Have you seen him? But do sit down.”
”I arrived yesterday,” answered Varvara Pavlovna, seating herself on a chair in an att.i.tude expressive of humility. ”I have seen my husband, and I have spoken with him.”
”Ah! Well, and what did he say?”
”I was afraid that my coming so suddenly might make him angry,”
continued Varvara Pavlovna; ”but he did not refuse to see me.”
”That is to say, he has not--Yes, yes, I understand,” said Maria Dmitrievna. ”It is only outwardly that he seems a little rough; his heart is really soft.”
”Fedor Ivanovich has not pardoned me. He did not want to listen to me.
But he has been good enough to let me have Lavriki to live in.”
”Ah, a lovely place!”
”I shall set off there to-morrow, according to his desire. But I considered it a duty to pay you a visit first.”
”I am very, very much obliged to you my dear. One ought never to forget one's relations. But do you know I am astonished at your speaking Russian so well. _C'est etonnant_.”
Varvara Pavlovna smiled.
”I have been too long abroad, Maria Dmitrievna, I am well aware of that. But my heart has always been Russian, and I have not forgotten my native land.”
”Yes, yes. There's nothing like that. Your husband certainly didn't expect you in the least. Yes, trust my experience--_la patrie avant tout_. Oh! please let me! What a charming mantilla you have on!”
”Do you like it?” Varvara took it quickly off her shoulders. ”It is very simple; one of Madame Baudran's.”
”One can see that at a glance. How lovely, and in what exquisite taste! I feel sure you've brought a number of charming things with you. How I should like to see them!”