“That was Gavrila Ardalionovitch, who just went out, wasn’t it?” she asked suddenly, interrupting somebody else’s conversation to make the remark.
“Yes, it was,” said the prince.
“I hardly knew him; he is much changed, and for the better!”
“I am very glad,” said the prince.
“He has been very ill,” added Varia.
“How has he changed for the better?” asked Mrs. Epanchin. “I don’t see any change for the better! What’s better in him? Where did you get that idea from? what’s better?”
“There’s nothing better than the ‘poor knight’!” said Colia, who was standing near the last speaker’s chair.
“I quite agree with you there!” said Prince S., laughing.
“So do I,” said Adelaida, solemnly.
“ What poor knight?” asked Mrs. Epanchin, looking round at the face of each of the speakers in turn. Seein
