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to the best advantage on this occasion. It is true indeed that the lady, as a tender mother, had no need of this advice.

The visitors were introduced. After the first salutations, old Sundukow complimented the officer, called him a gallant youth, praised his dragoon uniform, inquired the particulars of the action on the Kagul, asked after field-marshal Rumjanzow, and was overjoyed to hear that hopes were entertained of peace, as he had been exceedingly apprehensive of a new recruiting. The young man never ceased boasting of his exploits, and answered all the questions put to him with the greatest accuracy; but when the lady entered with her daughter, he became manifestly confused—his stories were no longer intelligible—he confounded the names of the generals. Baur he called Bruce, and Plemjannikow, Potemkin; and all this was owing to nothing more or less than the appearance of Glafira.

During dinner he conversed with her on the subject of their rural occupations, and in so doing betrayed his levity. The modest damsel blushed, though not at every word; for she had been several times at parties at Wladimir, and had passed a whole month of the preceding winter in Moskwa.

On taking leave, Chabarow invited Sundukow and his family to dine with him the following day.