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"In the most serious and essential matters," Pyotr Petrovitch

replied, as though delighted at the question. "You see, it's ten

years since I visited Petersburg. All the novelties, reforms,

ideas have reached us in the provinces, but to see it all more

clearly one must be in Petersburg. And it's my notion that you

observe and learn most by watching the younger generation. And I

confess I am delighted..."

"At what?"

"Your question is a wide one. I may be mistaken, but I fancy I

find clearer views, more, so to say, criticism, more

practicality..."

"That's true," Zossimov let drop.