The Created Legend

short by the Dragon's sickles. Their memories pursued one another in a confused, vivid flock. They began to recall the circumstances of yesterday's visit. A secret agitation, akin to sh

agreement, and corrected one another. It might have been a dream. Now it seemed one, now the other. Was it reality

earth, with a scarcely perceptible echo, his lead-heavy but transparent hours. It was three o'clock in the afternoon; they had just finished luncheon. The Rameyevs and the Matovs were at home. Again Elisaveta wrang

ny and pretended to read. They appeared to be waiting for something.

ll upon her knees, was the fir

e is comin

e bird suddenly began to chirp away somewhere-and it seemed as if the depress

asked

quite suddenly. She knew very well whom Elisa

t is strange that we sh

ed to come," said

"I think he said somethin

lier," obse

id Elisaveta. "I don't understan

onfessed Elena, astonished at herself.

in English harness, could be seen turning into the alley of birches and stopping before the house. The s

e reins to Kirsh

. They entered the drawing-room. Presently Rameyev, accompanied by the Matov brothers, came in to welcome

ngness. Misha looked on with curiosity. He liked Trirodov-he had already

and politely. Not a word was said a

about you," began Rameye

smile seemed slightly der

r being glad to see you

veta, realizing this, suddenly flushed.

put in Trirodov. "There's

to say in polite socie

him with a smile a

e. I live very much alone and so am all the more glad of the fortun

ked Rameyev in

few words," said Trirodov.

e of sadness in

better part of the

odov

. I should like to acquire t

rest go," remarked Rameyev. "

ll my share with the greatest pleasure before tho

ght of selling his native soil was distasteful to

ldn't advise it. I wouldn't think of selling Misha's share until he

nced gratefully at Ra

of land which happens to be on sal

v thank

tution now became the

ith the Headmaster of the National Schools. How do

miled cont

all,"

voice," went on Rameyev. "He's an ambitious, col

ered Trirodov calmly.

hool," suggested Piotr in

might not," as

should?" pe

for the best,

y at her father. But Trirodov

running a farm. If the school should cease being a mere school and become an educational fa

ia," said Piotr i

l establish Utopia," s

u hope to destroy what

imed Trirodo

agitated,

nd, if carried into force, would lead

ture," replied Trirodov. "Both one and the other a

of civilization are being demolished by

y. "This is very sad, of course, and proper measures should be taken. But the sufferings of the peop

on to general themes. Trirodov, who took a large share in it, spok

iotr's remarks addressed to the visitor were often caustic, even coarse. Rameyev looked vexed at Piotr now and then, but Trirodov appeared not to notice his sallies, and was simple, tranquil, and courteous. In the end Piotr