was sitting with the little boy in her
lap, doing her best to entertain them, the door opened, and an old
gentleman, in a sky-blue suit, with a periwig on his head, entered the
room, making a profound bow as he did so. The young lady introduced him
as Herr Groben. He probably had heard about the English officers from
the elder sister, for he looked in no way surprised, and, at once coming
forward, welcomed them with apparent sincerity. He made no remark about
the capture of the fort or vessels; perhaps he thought it better to let
the subject alone. On hearing that the party at the boats were in want
of provisions, he at once volunteered to carry down a supply as soon as
it could be got ready. Higson, who thought him a very agreeable person,
at once accepted his offer; for he himself had been so much struck by
the appearance of the elder of the young ladies, and by her sweet
singing, that he was in no hurry to go away.

Herr Groben said he must apologise for the absence of the lady of the
house, Madame Paskiewich being unable to make her appearance, as she was
confined to her room by a slight indisposition; but she sent her
compliments, expressing a hope that they would be satisfied with the
treatment they might receive during the time they might think fit to
remain. Higson, not to be outdone in politeness, begged to assure
Madame Paskiewich that he was grateful for the kind reception he had met
with, and should be happy to be the bearer of any message or more
weighty articles which she might wish to send to her husband. On the
return of Mademoiselle Paskiewich, who had gone to order supper and to
superintend the packing of some baskets of provisions, Herr Groben made
his bow, and was shortly afterwards seen crossing the lawn, followed by
two long-shirted servants carrying a couple of hampers slung on a pole
borne on their shoulders.

Tom had asked the young lady her name, which she told him was
Feodorowna. "My eldest sister's," she added, "is Ivanowna. And have
you any sisters?" she asked. Upon which Tom told her all about his
family, and that he had several brothers, one of whom commanded the ship
to which he belonged, and that another was in the Guards; all of which
pieces of information considerably raised him in the young lady's
estimation. He wisely thought it better to say nothing about Higson,
except that he was the first lieutenant of his brother's ship. While
supper was being prepared, Ivanowna, ob