"'Our intention of espousal was forgotten at St. Denis,'" Soloviev
was reading, bending his tousled, golden-haired head, illuminated
by the shade of the lamp, low over the book; "'we transgressed
against the laws of the church and, without thinking of it, became
espoused.'"
"What are they at? Of their own will, that is? Without a priest?
Just so?" asked Liubka in uneasiness, tearing herself away from
her artificial flowers.
"Of course. And what of it? Free love, and that's all there is to
it. Like you and Lichonin, now."
"Oh, me! That's an entirely different matter. You know yourself
where he took me from. But she's an innocent and genteel young
lady. That's a low-down thing for him to do. And, believe me,
Soloviev, he's sure to leave her later. Ah, the poor girl. Well,
well, well, read on."
But already after several pages all the sympathies and
commiserations of Liubka went over to the side of the deceived
chevalier.
"'However, the visits and departures by thefts of M. de B. threw
me into confusion. I also recollected the little purchases of
Manon, which exceeded our means.
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