Alexey Alexandrovitch was, however, so perturbed that he did not

immediately comprehend all the good sense of adultery by mutual

consent, and his eyes expressed this uncertainty; but the lawyer

promptly came to his assistance.

"People cannot go on living together--here you have a fact. And

if both are agreed about it, the details and formalities become a

matter of no importance. And at the same time this is the

simplest and most certain method."

Alexey Alexandrovitch fully understood now. But he had religious

scruples, which hindered the execution of such a plan.

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"That is out of the question in the present case," he said.

"Only one alternative is possible: undesigned detection,

supported by letters which I have."

At the mention of letters the lawyer pursed up his lips, and gave

utterance to a thin little compassionate and contemptuous sound.

"Kindly consider," he began, "cases of that kind are, as you are

aware, under ecclesiastical jurisdiction; the reverend fathers

are fond of going into the minutest details in cases of that

kind," he said with a smile, which betrayed his sympathy with the

reverend fathers' taste. "Letters may, of course, be a partial

confirmation; but detection in the fact there must be of the most

direct kind, that is, by eyewitnesses. In fact, if you do me the

honor to intrust your confidence to me, you will do well to leave

me the choice of the measures to be employed. If one wants the

result, one must admit the means."

"If it is so..." Alexey Alexandrovitch began, suddenly turning

white; but at that moment the lawyer rose and again went to the

door to speak to the intruding clerk.

"Tell her we don't haggle over fees!" he said, and returned to

Alexey Alexandrovitch.

On his way back he caught unobserved another moth. "Nice state

my rep curtains will be in by the summer!" he thought, frowning.

"And so you were saying?..." he said.

"I will communicate my decision to you by letter," said Alexey

Alexandrovitch, getting up, and he clutched at the table. After

standing a moment in silence, he said: "From your words I may

consequently conclude that a divorce may be obtained? I would

ask you to let me know what are your terms."

"It may be obtained if you give me complete liberty of action,"

said the lawyer, not answering his question. "When can I reckon

on receiving information from you?" he asked, moving towards the

door, his eyes and his varnished boots shining.




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