Part 31 (1/2)
”My carriage is solid, and has a cover. Vera Va.s.silievna sat as dry as if she were in a room.”
”But in this terrible storm.”
”Only old women are afraid of a storm.”
”I'm much obliged.”
”I beg your pardon,” said Tus.h.i.+n in embarra.s.sment. ”It slipped from my tongue. I meant ordinary women.”
”G.o.d will forgive you,” laughed Tatiana Markovna. ”It won't indeed hurt you, but Vera! Were you not afraid?”
”One does not think of fear with Ivan Ivanovich.”
”If Ivan Ivanovich went bear-hunting, would you go with him?”
”Yes, Grandmother. Take me with you sometimes, Ivan Ivanovich.”
”With pleasure, Vera Va.s.silievna, in winter. You have only to command.”
”That is just like her, not to mind what her Grandmother thinks.”
”I was joking, Grandmother.”
”I know you would be equal to it. Had you no scruples about hindering Ivan Ivanovich; this distance....”
”It is my fault. As soon as I heard from Natalie Ivanovna that Vera Va.s.silievna wanted to come home, I asked for the pleasure,” he said looking at Vera with a mixed air of modesty and respect.
”A nice pleasure in this weather.”
”It was lighter while we were driving, and Vera Va.s.silievna was not afraid.”
”Is Anna Ivanovna well?”
”Thank you. She sends her kindest regards, and has sent you some preserves, also some peaches out of the orangery, and mushrooms. They are in the char-a-banc.”
”It is very good of her. We have no peaches. I have put aside for her some of the tea that Borushka brought with him.”
”Many thanks.”
”How could you let your horses climb the hill in such weather? Were they terrified by the storm?”
”My horses obey me like dogs. Should I have driven Vera Va.s.silievna if there were any danger?”
”You are a good friend,” interrupted Vera. ”I have absolute trust both in you, and in your horses.”
At this moment Raisky returned, having changed his clothes. He had noticed the glance which Vera gave Tus.h.i.+n, and had heard her last remark.
”Thank you, Vera Va.s.silievna,” answered Tus.h.i.+n. ”Don't forget what you have just said. If you ever need anything, if....”
”If there is another such raging storm,” said Tatiana Markovna.