"Though indeed I fail to comprehend how, with the independence you show," he went on, getting hot, "--announcing your infidelity to your husband and seeing nothing reprehensible in it, apparently--you can see anything reprehensible in performing a wife's duties in relation to your husband.

" "Alexey Alexandrovitch! What is it you want of me?" "I want you not to meet that man here, and to conduct yourself so that neither the world nor the servants can reproach you...not to see him.

That's not much, I think.

And in return you will enjoy all the privileges of a faithful wife without fulfilling her duties.

That's all I have to say to you.