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inquire after me. Promise me not to look for other meetings but those which I shall myself assign."

Aleksèy was about to swear by Holy Friday, but she stopped him with a smile. "I do not require oaths," said Lisa, "thy word is sufficient."

After that they walked about in the wood in friendly conversation, until Lisa said: "It is time." They parted, and Aleksèy, when left alone, could not understand how a simple country girl had contrived in two meetings to possess such influence over him. His intercourse with Akulina contained all the charms of novelty, and although the restrictions imposed by the strange maiden seemed burdensome, the idea of breaking his word never entered his head. The fact was, that in spite of his ominous ring, his mysterious correspondence, and his gloomy disenchantment, Aleksèy was a good and ardent youth, with a pure heart, capable of innocent enjoyments.

Were I to follow my inclinations, I would here certainly give a detailed account of how the young people met, of their growing attachment and confidence in each other, and of their occupations and discourse; but I am aware that the greatest portion of my readers would not share this pleasure with me. As a rule these details are nauseating, and I shall therefore pass them over and remark briefly, that two months had scarcely gone by before my Aleksèy was hopelessly in love, and Lisa, though more reserved than he, not more indifferent. They were both happy in the present, and cared but little for the future.

The thought of inseparable ties had crossed their minds