at is just what was so fascinating about it."

"Why, it would be a game to cry over--not to laugh at!" said the
actress.

"Did it succeed?" asked Nastasia Philipovna. "Come, let's try it, let's
try it; we really are not quite so jolly as we might be--let's try it!
We may like it; it's original, at all events!"

"Yes," said Ferdishenko; "it's a good idea--come along--the men begin.
Of course no one need tell a story if he prefers to be disobliging. We
must draw lots! Throw your slips of paper, gentlemen, into this hat, and
the prince shall draw for turns. It's a very simple game; all you have
to do is to tell the story of the worst action of your life. It's as
simple as anything. I'll prompt anyone who forgets the rules!"

No one liked the idea much. Some smiled, some frowned some objected,
but faintly, not wishing to oppose Nastasia's wishes; for this new idea
seemed to be rather well received by her. She was still in an excited,
hysterical state, laughing convulsively at nothing and everything. Her
eyes were blazing, and her cheeks showed two bright red spots against
the white. The melancholy appearance of some of her guests seemed to add
to her sarcastic humour, and perhaps the very cynicism and cruelty of
the game proposed by Ferdishenko pleased her. At all events she was
attracted by the idea, and gradually her guests came round to her side;
the thing was original, at least, and might turn out to be amusing. "And
supposing it's something that one--one can't speak about before ladies?"
asked the timid and silent young man.

"Why, then of course, you won't say anything about it. As if there
are not plenty of sins to your score without the need of those!" said
Ferdishenko.

"But I really don't know which of my actions is the worst," said the
lively actress.

"Ladies are exempted if they like."

"And how are you to know that one isn't lying? And if one lies the whole
point of the game is lost," said Gania.

"Oh, but think how delightful to hear how one's friends lie! Besides
you needn't be afraid, Gania; everybody knows what your worst action is
without the need of any lying on your part. Only think, gentlemen,"--and
Ferdishenko here grew quite enthusiastic, "only think with what eyes we
shall observe one another tomorrow, after our tales have been told!"

"But surely this is a joke, Nastasia Philipovna?" asked Totski. "You
don't really mean us to play this game."

"Whoever is afraid of wolves had better no