Chapter 34 No.34

Vasilisa Vasena came every morning at seven o'clock; she was a country-woman of about thirty seven, strong, healthy, red-faced, reminiscent of a July day in her floridness and vigorous health.

She used to say quietly: "Good morning to you, Ippolyte

Ippolytovich."

And he would give a base "Eh?" in a voice like a worn-out gramophone record.