In spite of the fact that, preparing herself for meeting him, she had schooled herself to despise and reproach him, she did not know what to say to him, and she felt sorry for him.

And so the silence lasted for some time.

" Is Seryozha quite well?" he said, and not waiting for an answer, he added: "I shan't be dining at home today, and I have got to go out directly.

" "I had thought of going to Moscow," she said.

"No, you did quite, quite right to come," he said, and was silent again.