At that moment there was a rather loud peal of thunder, and heavy raindrops pattered on the window panes. The room grew dark. Anna Andreyevna seemed alarmed and crossed herself. We were all startled.
"It will soon be over," said the old man, looking towards the window. Then he got up and began walking up and down the room.
Nellie looked askance at him. She was in a state of extreme abnormal excitement. I saw that, though she seemed to avoid looking at me.
"Well, what next?" asked the old man, sitting down in his easy-chair again.
Nellie looked round timidly.
"So you didn't see your grandfather again?"
"Yes, I did..."
"Yes, yes! Tell us, darling, tell us," Anna Andreyevna put in hastily.
"I didn't see him for three weeks," said Nellie, "not till it was quite winter. It was winter th
