'That's exceedingly possible,' my father responded tranquilly. 'Does she speak French?'
'Very badly.'
'H'm. It's of no consequence anyway. I think you said you had asked the daughter too; some one was telling me she was a very charming and cultivated girl.'
'Ah! Then she can't take after her mother.'
'Nor her father either,' rejoined my father. 'He was cultivated indeed, but a fool.'
My mother sighed and sank into thought. My father said no more. I felt very uncomfortable during this conversation.
After dinner I went into the garden, but without my gun.
I swore to myself that I would not go near the Zasyekins' garden, but an irresistible force drew me thither, and not in vain.
I had hardly reached the fence when I caught sight of Zinaida.
This time she was alone.