The 22nd of April was for Romashov not only an uncomfortable and
tiresome day, but a very remarkable one. At 10 a.m., before Romashov had
got out of bed, Nikoläiev's servant, Stepan, arrived with a letter from
Alexandra Petrovna.
MY DEAR ROMOTCHKA (she wrote), I should not be in the least
surprised if you have forgotten that to-day is my name-day, of
which I also take the liberty to remind you. And in spite of all
your transgressions, I should like to see you at my house to-day.
But don't come at the conventional hour of congratulation, but at 5
p.m. We are going to a little picnic at Dubetschnaia.--Yours,