He could not continue to speak, and stepping away from the net he

tried to suppress the sobs that were choking him.

The inspector, the same officer who had directed Nekhludoff to

the women's ward, and whose interest he seemed to have aroused,

came into the room, and, seeing Nekhludoff not at the net, asked

him why he was not talking to her whom he wanted to see.

Nekhludoff blew his nose, gave himself a shake, and, trying to

"It's so inconvenient through these nets; nothing can be heard."