The elements out of which he was made, although somewhat diluted,
were active enough to make him uncomfortable, so long as they
remained in a confused state. He had very little power of
introversion, but he was sensible that his temperament was
changing,--that he grew more cheerful and contented with life,--
that a chasm somewhere was filling up,--just in proportion as
his acquaintance with the old music-master and his daughter became
more familiar. His visits were made so brief, were so adroitly
timed and accounted for by circumstances, that by the close of Lent
he could feel justified in making the Easter call of a friend, and
claim its attendant privileges, without fear of being repulsed.
That Easter call was an era in his life. At the risk of his wealth
and rank being suspected, he dressed himself in new and rich
garments, and hurried away towards the Smolnoi. The old nurse,
Katinka, in her scarlet gown, opened the door for him, and was the
first to say, "Christ is arisen!" What could he do but give her
the usual kiss? Formerly he had kissed hundreds of serfs, men and
women, on the sacred anniversary, with a passive good-will.
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