The old princess came in, and began complaining to the doctor of her toothache. Then Zinaida appeared.
'Come,' said the old princess, 'you must scold her, doctor. She's drinking iced water all day long; is that good for her, pray, with her delicate chest?'
'Why do you do that?' asked Lushin.
'Why, what effect could it have?'
'What effect? You might get a chill and die.'
'Truly? Do you mean it? Very well – so much the better.'
'A fine idea!' muttered the doctor. The old princess had gone out.
'Yes, a fine idea,' repeated Zinaida.
'Is life such a festive affair? Just look about you...
Is it nice, eh? Or do you imagine I don't understand it, and don't feel it? It gives me pleasure – drinking iced water; and can you seriously assure me that such a life is worth too much to be risked for an instant's pleasure – happiness I won't even talk about.'