The colonel, thinking it all over, made up his mind not to pursue the matter further, but then for his own satisfaction proceeded to cross-examine Vronsky about his interview; and it was a long while before he could restrain his laughter, as Vronsky described how the government clerk, after subsiding for a while, would suddenly flare up again, as he recalled the details, and how Vronsky, at the last half word of conciliation, skillfully maneuvered a retreat, shoving Petritsky out before him.

"It's a disgraceful story, but killing.

Kedrov really can't fight the gentleman! Was he so awfully hot?" he commented, laughing.

" But what do you say to Claire today? She's marvelous," he went on, speaking of a new French actress.

"However often you see her, every day she's different.