He was sealing the envelope to the lawyer, when he heard the loud tones of Stepan Arkadyevitch's voice.

Stepan Arkadyevitch was disputing with Alexey Alexandrovitch's servant, and insisting on being announced.

"No matter," thought Alexey Alexandrovitch, "so much the better.

I will inform him at once of my position in regard to his sister, and explain why it is I can't dine with him.