But all the time he was uncomfortable and angry, he could not have said why--whether because he could not get his epigram just right, or from some other reason.

When at last Volgarinov had received him with exaggerated politeness and unmistakable triumph at his humiliation, and had all but refused the favor asked of him, Stepan Arkadyevitch had made haste to forget it all as soon as possible.

And now, at the mere recollection, he blushed.

"Now there is something I want to talk about, and you know what it is.

About Anna," Stepan Arkadyevitch said, pausing for a brief space, and shaking off the unpleasant impression.