He sat staring at the 'embers' in the fireplace.
(..) She has written to me. To you? They think I don't have the right to refuse. It's the boy's birthday. My friend, you would be blowing on the embers of a fire which must be allowed to die. Let me write to her. I'm here to see Serozha. I beg your pardon, Your Excellency. No, I've come to see Serozha. (..)2012 Anna Karenina