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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:18:03 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:18:03 -0700 |
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diff --git a/1938-h/1938-h.htm b/1938-h/1938-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..53f9a51 --- /dev/null +++ b/1938-h/1938-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,24245 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Resurrection, by Leo Tolstoy + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Resurrection, by Leo Tolstoy + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Resurrection + +Author: Leo Tolstoy + + +Released on October, 1999 [Etext #1938] +Last Updated: September 11, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RESURRECTION *** + + + + +Produced by Jim Tinsley + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + RESURRECTION + </h1> + <h3> + <b> By Leo Tolstoy </b> + </h3> + <h4> + Translated by Mrs. Louise Maude + </h4> + <h5> + [Transcriber’s Note: The following paragraph is on a page of its own, in + cursive writing, apparently in Tolstoy’s own hand.] + </h5> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + This English version + of “Resurrection” is pub- + lished by Dodd, Mead and + Company by my authority. + Leo Tolstoy + +</pre> + <hr /> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> RESURRECTION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <b>BOOK I.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. MASLOVA IN PRISON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. MASLOVA’S EARLY LIFE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. NEKHLUDOFF. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. MISSY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. THE JURYMEN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. THE JUDGES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. THE OFFICIALS OF THE COURT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. SWEARING IN THE JURY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. THE TRIAL—THE PRISONERS + QUESTIONED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. THE TRIAL—THE INDICTMENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. THE TRIAL—MASLOVA + CROSS-EXAMINED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. TWELVE YEARS BEFORE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. LIFE IN THE ARMY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. THE SECOND MEETING WITH MASLOVA. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. THE EARLY MASS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. THE FIRST STEP. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. NEKHLUDOFF AND KATUSHA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. AFTERWARDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. THE TRIAL—RESUMPTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. THE TRIAL—THE MEDICAL REPORT. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. THE TRIAL—THE PROSECUTOR AND + THE ADVOCATES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. THE TRIAL—THE SUMMING UP. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. THE TRIAL—THE VERDICT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. THE TRIAL—THE SENTENCE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. NEKHLUDOFF CONSULTS AN ADVOCATE. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. THE HOUSE OF KORCHAGIN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. MISSY’S MOTHER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. THE AWAKENING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. MASLOVA IN PRISON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. THE CELL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. THE PRISONERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. A PRISON QUARREL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. THE LEAVEN AT WORK—NEKHLUDOFF’S + DOMESTIC CHANGES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. THE ABSURDITY OF LAW—REFLECTIONS + OF A JURYMAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. THE PROCUREUR—NEKHLUDOFF + REFUSES TO SERVE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. NEKHLUDOFF ENDEAVOURS TO VISIT + MASLOVA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. MASLOVA RECALLS THE PAST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. SUNDAY IN PRISON—PREPARING + FOR MASS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX. THE PRISON CHURCH—BLIND + LEADERS OF THE BLIND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL. THE HUSKS OF RELIGION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER XLI. VISITING DAY—THE MEN’S WARD. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XLII. VISITING DAY—THE WOMEN’S + WARD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XLIII. NEKHLUDOFF VISITS MASLOVA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER XLIV. MASLOVA’S VIEW OF LIFE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XLV. FANARIN, THE ADVOCATE—THE + PETITION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XLVI. A PRISON FLOGGING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XLVII. NEKHLUDOFF AGAIN VISITS MASLOVA. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XLVIII. MASLOVA REFUSES TO MARRY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XLIX. VERA DOUKHOVA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER L. THE VICE-GOVERNOR OF THE PRISON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER LI. THE CELLS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER LII. NO. 21. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER LIII. VICTIMS OF GOVERNMENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER LIV. PRISONERS AND FRIENDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER LV. VERA DOUKHOVA EXPLAINS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER LVI. NEKHLUDOFF AND THE PRISONERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER LVII. THE VICE-GOVERNOR’S “AT-HOME”. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0058"> CHAPTER LVIII. THE VICE-GOVERNOR SUSPICIOUS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0059"> CHAPTER LIX. NEKHLUDOFF’S THIRD INTERVIEW WITH + MASLOVA IN PRISON. </a><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0063"> <b>BOOK II.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0060"> CHAPTER I. PROPERTY IN LAND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0061"> CHAPTER II. EFFORTS AT LAND RESTORATION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0062"> CHAPTER III. OLD ASSOCIATIONS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0063"> CHAPTER IV. THE PEASANTS’ LOT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0064"> CHAPTER V. MASLOVA’S AUNT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0065"> CHAPTER VI. REFLECTIONS OF A LANDLORD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0066"> CHAPTER VII. THE DISINHERITED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0067"> CHAPTER VIII. GOD’S PEACE IN THE HEART. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0068"> CHAPTER IX. THE LAND SETTLEMENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0069"> CHAPTER X. NEKHLUDOFF RETURNS TO TOWN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0070"> CHAPTER XI. AN ADVOCATE’S VIEWS ON JUDGES AND + PROSECUTORS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0071"> CHAPTER XII. WHY THE PEASANTS FLOCK TO TOWN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0072"> CHAPTER XIII. NURSE MASLOVA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0073"> CHAPTER XIV. AN ARISTOCRATIC CIRCLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0074"> CHAPTER XV. AN AVERAGE STATESMAN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0075"> CHAPTER XVI. AN UP-TO-DATE SENATOR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0076"> CHAPTER XVII. COUNTESS KATERINA IVANOVNA’S DINNER + PARTY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0077"> CHAPTER XVIII. OFFICIALDOM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0078"> CHAPTER XIX. AN OLD GENERAL OF REPUTE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0079"> CHAPTER XX. MASLOVA’S APPEAL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0080"> CHAPTER XXI. THE APPEAL DISMISSED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0081"> CHAPTER XXII. AN OLD FRIEND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0082"> CHAPTER XXIII. THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0083"> CHAPTER XXIV. MARIETTE TEMPTS NEKHLUDOFF. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0084"> CHAPTER XXV. LYDIA SHOUSTOVA’S HOME. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0085"> CHAPTER XXVI. LYDIA’S AUNT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0086"> CHAPTER XXVII. THE STATE CHURCH AND THE PEOPLE. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0087"> CHAPTER XXVIII. THE MEANING OF MARIETTE’S + ATTRACTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0088"> CHAPTER XXIX. FOR HER SAKE AND FOR GOD’S. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0089"> CHAPTER XXX. THE ASTONISHING INSTITUTION CALLED + CRIMINAL LAW. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0090"> CHAPTER XXXI. NEKHLUDOFF’S SISTER AND HER + HUSBAND. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0091"> CHAPTER XXXII. NEKHLUDOFF’S ANARCHISM. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0092"> CHAPTER XXXIII. THE AIM OF THE LAW. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0093"> CHAPTER XXXIV. THE PRISONERS START FOR SIBERIA. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0094"> CHAPTER XXXV. NOT MEN BUT STRANGE AND TERRIBLE + CREATURES? </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0095"> CHAPTER XXXVI. THE TENDER MERCIES OF THE LORD. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0096"> CHAPTER XXXVII. SPILLED LIKE WATER ON THE GROUND. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0097"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE CONVICT TRAIN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0098"> CHAPTER XXXIX. BROTHER AND SISTER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0099"> CHAPTER XL. THE FUNDAMENTAL LAW OF HUMAN LIFE. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0100"> CHAPTER XLI. TARAS’S STORY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0101"> CHAPTER XLII. LE VRAI GRAND MONDE. </a><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0106"> <b>BOOK III.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0102"> CHAPTER I. MASLOVA MAKES NEW FRIENDS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0103"> CHAPTER II. AN INCIDENT OF THE MARCH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0104"> CHAPTER III. MARY PAVLOVNA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0105"> CHAPTER IV. SIMONSON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0106"> CHAPTER V. THE POLITICAL PRISONERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0107"> CHAPTER VI. KRYLTZOFF’S STORY. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0108"> CHAPTER VII. NEKHLUDOFF SEEKS AN INTERVIEW WITH + MASLOVA. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0109"> CHAPTER VIII. NEKHLUDOFF AND THE OFFICER. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0110"> CHAPTER IX. THE POLITICAL PRISONERS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0111"> CHAPTER X. MAKAR DEVKIN. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0112"> CHAPTER XI. MASLOVA AND HER COMPANIONS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0113"> CHAPTER XII. NABATOFF AND MARKEL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0114"> CHAPTER XIII. LOVE AFFAIRS OF THE EXILES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0115"> CHAPTER XIV. CONVERSATIONS IN PRISON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0116"> CHAPTER XV. NOVODVOROFF. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0117"> CHAPTER XVI. SIMONSON SPEAKS TO NEKHLUDOFF. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0118"> CHAPTER XVII. “I HAVE NOTHING MORE TO SAY.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0119"> CHAPTER XVIII. NEVEROFF’S FATE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0120"> CHAPTER XIX. WHY IS IT DONE? </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0121"> CHAPTER XX. THE JOURNEY RESUMED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0122"> CHAPTER XXI. “JUST A WORTHLESS TRAMP.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0123"> CHAPTER XXII. NEKHLUDOFF SEES THE GENERAL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0124"> CHAPTER XXIII. THE SENTENCE COMMUTED. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0125"> CHAPTER XXIV. THE GENERAL’S HOUSEHOLD. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0126"> CHAPTER XXV. MASLOVA’S DECISION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0127"> CHAPTER XXVI. THE ENGLISH VISITOR. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0128"> CHAPTER XXVII. KRYLTZOFF AT REST. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0129"> CHAPTER XXVIII. A NEW LIFE DAWNS FOR NEKHLUDOFF. + </a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + Opinions about Tolstoy and his work differ, but on one point there surely + might be unanimity. A writer of world-wide reputation should be at least + allowed to know how to spell his own name. Why should any one insist on + spelling it “Tolstoi” (with one, two or three dots over the “i”), when he + himself writes it “Tolstoy”? The only reason I have ever heard suggested + is, that in England and America such outlandish views are attributed to + him, that an outlandish spelling is desirable to match those views. + </p> + <p> + This novel, written in the rough by Tolstoy some years ago and founded + upon an actual occurrence, was completely rewritten by him during the last + year and a half, and all the proceeds have been devoted by him to aiding + the Doukhobors, a sect who were persecuted in the Caucasus (especially + from 1895 to 1898) for refusing to learn war. About seven thousand three + hundred of them are settled in Canada, and about a hundred of the leaders + are exiled to the remote parts of Siberia. + </p> + <p> + Anything I may receive for my work in translating the book will go to the + same cause. “Prevention is better than cure,” and I would rather help + people to abstain from killing and wounding each other than devote the + money to patch up their wounds after the battle. + </p> + <h3> + LOUISE MAUDE + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + RESURRECTION + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK I. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. MASLOVA IN PRISON. + </h2> + <p> + Though hundreds of thousands had done their very best to disfigure the + small piece of land on which they were crowded together, by paving the + ground with stones, scraping away every vestige of vegetation, cutting + down the trees, turning away birds and beasts, and filling the air with + the smoke of naphtha and coal, still spring was spring, even in the town. + </p> + <p> + The sun shone warm, the air was balmy; everywhere, where it did not get + scraped away, the grass revived and sprang up between the paving-stones as + well as on the narrow strips of lawn on the boulevards. The birches, the + poplars, and the wild cherry unfolded their gummy and fragrant leaves, the + limes were expanding their opening buds; crows, sparrows, and pigeons, + filled with the joy of spring, were getting their nests ready; the flies + were buzzing along the walls, warmed by the sunshine. All were glad, the + plants, the birds, the insects, and the children. But men, grown-up men + and women, did not leave off cheating and tormenting themselves and each + other. It was not this spring morning men thought sacred and worthy of + consideration not the beauty of God’s world, given for a joy to all + creatures, this beauty which inclines the heart to peace, to harmony, and + to love, but only their own devices for enslaving one another. + </p> + <p> + Thus, in the prison office of the Government town, it was not the fact + that men and animals had received the grace and gladness of spring that + was considered sacred and important, but that a notice, numbered and with + a superscription, had come the day before, ordering that on this 28th day + of April, at 9 a.m., three prisoners at present detained in the prison, a + man and two women (one of these women, as the chief criminal, to be + conducted separately), had to appear at Court. So now, on the 28th of + April, at 8 o’clock, a jailer and soon after him a woman warder with curly + grey hair, dressed in a jacket with sleeves trimmed with gold, with a + blue-edged belt round her waist, and having a look of suffering on her + face, came into the corridor. + </p> + <p> + “You want Maslova?” she asked, coming up to the cell with the jailer who + was on duty. + </p> + <p> + The jailer, rattling the iron padlock, opened the door of the cell, from + which there came a whiff of air fouler even than that in the corridor, and + called out, “Maslova! to the Court,” and closed the door again. + </p> + <p> + Even into the prison yard the breeze had brought the fresh vivifying air + from the fields. But in the corridor the air was laden with the germs of + typhoid, the smell of sewage, putrefaction, and tar; every newcomer felt + sad and dejected in it. The woman warder felt this, though she was used to + bad air. She had just come in from outside, and entering the corridor, she + at once became sleepy. + </p> + <p> + From inside the cell came the sound of bustle and women’s voices, and the + patter of bare feet on the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Now, then, hurry up, Maslova, I say!” called out the jailer, and in a + minute or two a small young woman with a very full bust came briskly out + of the door and went up to the jailer. She had on a grey cloak over a + white jacket and petticoat. On her feet she wore linen stockings and + prison shoes, and round her head was tied a white kerchief, from under + which a few locks of black hair were brushed over the forehead with + evident intent. The face of the woman was of that whiteness peculiar to + people who have lived long in confinement, and which puts one in mind of + shoots of potatoes that spring up in a cellar. Her small broad hands and + full neck, which showed from under the broad collar of her cloak, were of + the same hue. Her black, sparkling eyes, one with a slight squint, + appeared in striking contrast to the dull pallor of her face. + </p> + <p> + She carried herself very straight, expanding her full bosom. + </p> + <p> + With her head slightly thrown back, she stood in the corridor, looking + straight into the eyes of the jailer, ready to comply with any order. + </p> + <p> + The jailer was about to lock the door when a wrinkled and severe-looking + old woman put out her grey head and began speaking to Maslova. But the + jailer closed the door, pushing the old woman’s head with it. A woman’s + laughter was heard from the cell, and Maslova smiled, turning to the + little grated opening in the cell door. The old woman pressed her face to + the grating from the other side, and said, in a hoarse voice: + </p> + <p> + “Now mind, and when they begin questioning you, just repeat over the same + thing, and stick to it; tell nothing that is not wanted.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it could not be worse than it is now, anyhow; I only wish it was + settled one way or another.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, it will be settled one way or another,” said the jailer, with + a superior’s self-assured witticism. “Now, then, get along! Take your + places!” + </p> + <p> + The old woman’s eyes vanished from the grating, and Maslova stepped out + into the middle of the corridor. The warder in front, they descended the + stone stairs, past the still fouler, noisy cells of the men’s ward, where + they were followed by eyes looking out of every one of the gratings in the + doors, and entered the office, where two soldiers were waiting to escort + her. A clerk who was sitting there gave one of the soldiers a paper + reeking of tobacco, and pointing to the prisoner, remarked, “Take her.” + </p> + <p> + The soldier, a peasant from Nijni Novgorod, with a red, pock-marked face, + put the paper into the sleeve of his coat, winked to his companion, a + broad-shouldered Tchouvash, and then the prisoner and the soldiers went to + the front entrance, out of the prison yard, and through the town up the + middle of the roughly-paved street. + </p> + <p> + Isvostchiks [cabmen], tradespeople, cooks, workmen, and government clerks, + stopped and looked curiously at the prisoner; some shook their heads and + thought, “This is what evil conduct, conduct unlike ours, leads to.” The + children stopped and gazed at the robber with frightened looks; but the + thought that the soldiers were preventing her from doing more harm quieted + their fears. A peasant, who had sold his charcoal, and had had some tea in + the town, came up, and, after crossing himself, gave her a copeck. The + prisoner blushed and muttered something; she noticed that she was + attracting everybody’s attention, and that pleased her. The comparatively + fresh air also gladdened her, but it was painful to step on the rough + stones with the ill-made prison shoes on her feet, which had become unused + to walking. Passing by a corn-dealer’s shop, in front of which a few + pigeons were strutting about, unmolested by any one, the prisoner almost + touched a grey-blue bird with her foot; it fluttered up and flew close to + her ear, fanning her with its wings. She smiled, then sighed deeply as she + remembered her present position. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. MASLOVA’S EARLY LIFE. + </h2> + <h3> + The story of the prisoner Maslova’s life was a very common one. + </h3> + <p> + Maslova’s mother was the unmarried daughter of a village woman, employed + on a dairy farm, which belonged to two maiden ladies who were landowners. + This unmarried woman had a baby every year, and, as often happens among + the village people, each one of these undesired babies, after it had been + carefully baptised, was neglected by its mother, whom it hindered at her + work, and left to starve. Five children had died in this way. They had all + been baptised and then not sufficiently fed, and just left to die. The + sixth baby, whose father was a gipsy tramp, would have shared the same + fate, had it not so happened that one of the maiden ladies came into the + farmyard to scold the dairymaids for sending up cream that smelt of the + cow. The young woman was lying in the cowshed with a fine, healthy, + new-born baby. The old maiden lady scolded the maids again for allowing + the woman (who had just been confined) to lie in the cowshed, and was + about to go away, but seeing the baby her heart was touched, and she + offered to stand godmother to the little girl, and pity for her little + god-daughter induced her to give milk and a little money to the mother, so + that she should feed the baby; and the little girl lived. The old ladies + spoke of her as “the saved one.” When the child was three years old, her + mother fell ill and died, and the maiden ladies took the child from her + old grandmother, to whom she was nothing but a burden. + </p> + <p> + The little black-eyed maiden grew to be extremely pretty, and so full of + spirits that the ladies found her very entertaining. + </p> + <p> + The younger of the ladies, Sophia Ivanovna, who had stood godmother to the + girl, had the kinder heart of the two sisters; Maria Ivanovna, the elder, + was rather hard. Sophia Ivanovna dressed the little girl in nice clothes, + and taught her to read and write, meaning to educate her like a lady. + Maria Ivanovna thought the child should be brought up to work, and trained + her to be a good servant. She was exacting; she punished, and, when in a + bad temper, even struck the little girl. Growing up under these two + different influences, the girl turned out half servant, half young lady. + They called her Katusha, which sounds less refined than Katinka, but is + not quite so common as Katka. She used to sew, tidy up the rooms, polish + the metal cases of the icons and do other light work, and sometimes she + sat and read to the ladies. + </p> + <p> + Though she had more than one offer, she would not marry. She felt that + life as the wife of any of the working men who were courting her would be + too hard; spoilt as she was by a life of case. + </p> + <p> + She lived in this manner till she was sixteen, when the nephew of the old + ladies, a rich young prince, and a university student, came to stay with + his aunts, and Katusha, not daring to acknowledge it even to herself, fell + in love with him. + </p> + <p> + Then two years later this same nephew stayed four days with his aunts + before proceeding to join his regiment, and the night before he left he + betrayed Katusha, and, after giving her a 100-rouble note, went away. Five + months later she knew for certain that she was to be a mother. After that + everything seemed repugnant to her, her only thought being how to escape + from the shame that awaited her. She began not only to serve the ladies in + a half-hearted and negligent way, but once, without knowing how it + happened, was very rude to them, and gave them notice, a thing she + repented of later, and the ladies let her go, noticing something wrong and + very dissatisfied with her. Then she got a housemaid’s place in a + police-officer’s house, but stayed there only three months, for the police + officer, a man of fifty, began to torment her, and once, when he was in a + specially enterprising mood, she fired up, called him “a fool and old + devil,” and gave him such a knock in the chest that he fell. She was + turned out for her rudeness. It was useless to look for another situation, + for the time of her confinement was drawing near, so she went to the house + of a village midwife, who also sold wine. The confinement was easy; but + the midwife, who had a case of fever in the village, infected Katusha, and + her baby boy had to be sent to the foundlings’ hospital, where, according + to the words of the old woman who took him there, he at once died. When + Katusha went to the midwife she had 127 roubles in all, 27 which she had + earned and 100 given her by her betrayer. When she left she had but six + roubles; she did not know how to keep money, but spent it on herself, and + gave to all who asked. The midwife took 40 roubles for two months’ board + and attendance, 25 went to get the baby into the foundlings’ hospital, and + 40 the midwife borrowed to buy a cow with. Twenty roubles went just for + clothes and dainties. Having nothing left to live on, Katusha had to look + out for a place again, and found one in the house of a forester. The + forester was a married man, but he, too, began to annoy her from the first + day. He disgusted her, and she tried to avoid him. But he, more + experienced and cunning, besides being her master, who could send her + wherever he liked, managed to accomplish his object. His wife found it + out, and, catching Katusha and her husband in a room all by themselves, + began beating her. Katusha defended herself, and they had a fight, and + Katusha got turned out of the house without being paid her wages. + </p> + <p> + Then Katusha went to live with her aunt in town. The aunt’s husband, a + bookbinder, had once been comfortably off, but had lost all his customers, + and had taken to drink, and spent all he could lay hands on at the + public-house. The aunt kept a little laundry, and managed to support + herself, her children, and her wretched husband. She offered Katusha the + place of an assistant laundress; but seeing what a life of misery and + hardship her aunt’s assistants led, Katusha hesitated, and applied to a + registry office for a place. One was found for her with a lady who lived + with her two sons, pupils at a public day school. A week after Katusha had + entered the house the elder, a big fellow with moustaches, threw up his + studies and made love to her, continually following her about. His mother + laid all the blame on Katusha, and gave her notice. + </p> + <p> + It so happened that, after many fruitless attempts to find a situation, + Katusha again went to the registry office, and there met a woman with + bracelets on her bare, plump arms and rings on most of her fingers. + Hearing that Katusha was badly in want of a place, the woman gave her her + address, and invited her to come to her house. Katusha went. The woman + received her very kindly, set cake and sweet wine before her, then wrote a + note and gave it to a servant to take to somebody. In the evening a tall + man, with long, grey hair and a white beard, entered the room, and sat + down at once near Katusha, smiling and gazing at her with glistening eyes. + He began joking with her. The hostess called him away into the next room, + and Katusha heard her say, “A fresh one from the country,” Then the + hostess called Katusha aside and told her that the man was an author, and + that he had a great deal of money, and that if he liked her he would not + grudge her anything. He did like her, and gave her 25 roubles, promising + to see her often. The 25 roubles soon went; some she paid to her aunt for + board and lodging; the rest was spent on a hat, ribbons, and such like. A + few days later the author sent for her, and she went. He gave her another + 25 roubles, and offered her a separate lodging. + </p> + <p> + Next door to the lodging rented for her by the author there lived a jolly + young shopman, with whom Katusha soon fell in love. She told the author, + and moved to a little lodging of her own. The shopman, who promised to + marry her, went to Nijni on business without mentioning it to her, having + evidently thrown her up, and Katusha remained alone. She meant to continue + living in the lodging by herself, but was informed by the police that in + this case she would have to get a license. She returned to her aunt. + Seeing her fine dress, her hat, and mantle, her aunt no longer offered her + laundry work. As she understood things, her niece had risen above that + sort of thing. The question as to whether she was to become a laundress or + not did not occur to Katusha, either. She looked with pity at the thin, + hard-worked laundresses, some already in consumption, who stood washing or + ironing with their thin arms in the fearfully hot front room, which was + always full of soapy steam and draughts from the windows, and thought with + horror that she might have shared the same fate. + </p> + <p> + Katusha had begun to smoke some time before, and since the young shopman + had thrown her up she was getting more and more into the habit of + drinking. It was not so much the flavour of wine that tempted her as the + fact that it gave her a chance of forgetting the misery she suffered, + making her feel more unrestrained and more confident of her own worth, + which she was not when quite sober; without wine she felt sad and ashamed. + Just at this time a woman came along who offered to place her in one of + the largest establishments in the city, explaining all the advantages and + benefits of the situation. Katusha had the choice before her of either + going into service or accepting this offer—and she chose the latter. + Besides, it seemed to her as though, in this way, she could revenge + herself on her betrayer and the shopman and all those who had injured her. + One of the things that tempted her, and was the cause of her decision, was + the woman telling her she might order her own dresses—velvet, silk, + satin, low-necked ball dresses, anything she liked. A mental picture of + herself in a bright yellow silk trimmed with black velvet with low neck + and short sleeves conquered her, and she gave up her passport. On the same + evening the procuress took an isvostchik and drove her to the notorious + house kept by Carolina Albertovna Kitaeva. + </p> + <p> + From that day a life of chronic sin against human and divine laws + commenced for Katusha Maslova, a life which is led by hundreds of + thousands of women, and which is not merely tolerated but sanctioned by + the Government, anxious for the welfare of its subjects; a life which for + nine women out of ten ends in painful disease, premature decrepitude, and + death. + </p> + <p> + Katusha Maslova lived this life for seven years. During these years she + twice changed houses, and had once been to the hospital. In the seventh + year of this life, when she was twenty-six years old, happened that for + which she was put in prison and for which she was now being taken to be + tried, after more than three months of confinement with thieves and + murderers in the stifling air of a prison. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. NEKHLUDOFF. + </h2> + <p> + When Maslova, wearied out by the long walk, reached the building, + accompanied by two soldiers, Prince Dmitri Ivanovitch Nekhludoff, who had + seduced her, was still lying on his high bedstead, with a feather bed on + the top of the spring mattress, in a fine, clean, well-ironed linen night + shirt, smoking a cigarette, and considering what he had to do to-day, and + what had happened yesterday. + </p> + <p> + Recalling the evening he had spent with the Korchagins, a wealthy and + aristocratic family, whose daughter every one expected he would marry, he + sighed, and, throwing away the end of his cigarette, was going to take + another out of the silver case; but, changing his mind, he resolutely + raised his solid frame, and, putting down his smooth, white legs, stepped + into his slippers, threw his silk dressing gown over his broad shoulders, + and passed into his dressing-room, walking heavily and quickly. There he + carefully cleaned his teeth, many of which were filled, with tooth powder, + and rinsed his mouth with scented elixir. After that he washed his hands + with perfumed soap, cleaned his long nails with particular care, then, + from a tap fixed to his marble washstand, he let a spray of cold water run + over his face and stout neck. Having finished this part of the business, + he went into a third room, where a shower bath stood ready for him. Having + refreshed his full, white, muscular body, and dried it with a rough bath + sheet, he put on his fine undergarments and his boots, and sat down before + the glass to brush his black beard and his curly hair, that had begun to + get thin above the forehead. Everything he used, everything belonging to + his toilet, his linen, his clothes, boots, necktie, pin, studs, was of the + best quality, very quiet, simple, durable and costly. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff dressed leisurely, and went into the dining-room. A table, + which looked very imposing with its four legs carved in the shape of + lions’ paws, and a huge side-board to match, stood in the oblong room, the + floor of which had been polished by three men the day before. On the + table, which was covered with a fine, starched cloth, stood a silver + coffeepot full of aromatic coffee, a sugar basin, a jug of fresh cream, + and a bread basket filled with fresh rolls, rusks, and biscuits; and + beside the plate lay the last number of the <i>Revue des Deux Mondes</i>, + a newspaper, and several letters. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was just going to open his letters, when a stout, middle-aged + woman in mourning, a lace cap covering the widening parting of her hair, + glided into the room. This was Agraphena Petrovna, formerly lady’s maid to + Nekhludoff’s mother. Her mistress had died quite recently in this very + house, and she remained with the son as his housekeeper. Agraphena + Petrovna had spent nearly ten years, at different times, abroad with + Nekhludoff’s mother, and had the appearance and manners of a lady. She had + lived with the Nekhludoffs from the time she was a child, and had known + Dmitri Ivanovitch at the time when he was still little Mitinka. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning, Dmitri Ivanovitch.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning, Agraphena Petrovna. What is it you want?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “A letter from the princess; either from the mother or the daughter. The + maid brought it some time ago, and is waiting in my room,” answered + Agraphena Petrovna, handing him the letter with a significant smile. + </p> + <p> + “All right! Directly!” said Nekhludoff, taking the letter and frowning as + he noticed Agraphena Petrovna’s smile. + </p> + <p> + That smile meant that the letter was from the younger Princess Korchagin, + whom Agraphena Petrovna expected him to marry. This supposition of hers + annoyed Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Then I’ll tell her to wait?” and Agraphena Petrovna took a crumb brush + which was not in its place, put it away, and sailed out of the room. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff opened the perfumed note, and began reading it. + </p> + <p> + The note was written on a sheet of thick grey paper, with rough edges; the + writing looked English. It said: + </p> + <p> + Having assumed the task of acting as your memory, I take the liberty of + reminding you that on this the 28th day of April you have to appear at the + Law Courts, as juryman, and, in consequence, can on no account accompany + us and Kolosoff to the picture gallery, as, with your habitual + flightiness, you promised yesterday; <i>a moins que vous ne soyez dispose + a payer la cour d’assise les 300 roubles d’amende que vous vous refusez + pour votre cheval,</i> for not appearing in time. I remembered it last + night after you were gone, so do not forget. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Princess M. Korchagin. +</pre> + <p> + On the other side was a postscript. + </p> + <p> + <i>Maman vous fait dire que votre convert vous attendra jusqu’a la nuit. + Venez absolument a quelle heure que cela soit.</i> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + M. K. +</pre> + <p> + Nekhludoff made a grimace. This note was a continuation of that skilful + manoeuvring which the Princess Korchagin had already practised for two + months in order to bind him closer and closer with invisible threads. And + yet, beside the usual hesitation of men past their youth to marry unless + they are very much in love, Nekhludoff had very good reasons why, even if + he did make up his mind to it, he could not propose at once. It was not + that ten years previously he had betrayed and forsaken Maslova; he had + quite forgotten that, and he would not have considered it a reason for not + marrying. No! The reason was that he had a liaison with a married woman, + and, though he considered it broken off, she did not. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was rather shy with women, and his very shyness awakened in + this married woman, the unprincipled wife of the marechal de noblesse of a + district where Nekhludoff was present at an election, the desire of + vanquishing him. This woman drew him into an intimacy which entangled him + more and more, while it daily became more distasteful to him. Having + succumbed to the temptation, Nekhludoff felt guilty, and had not the + courage to break the tie without her consent. And this was the reason he + did not feel at liberty to propose to Korchagin even if he had wished to + do so. Among the letters on the table was one from this woman’s husband. + Seeing his writing and the postmark, Nekhludoff flushed, and felt his + energies awakening, as they always did when he was facing any kind of + danger. + </p> + <p> + But his excitement passed at once. The marechal do noblesse, of the + district in which his largest estate lay, wrote only to let Nekhludoff + know that there was to be a special meeting towards the end of May, and + that Nekhludoff was to be sure and come to “<i>donner un coup d’epaule</i>,” + at the important debates concerning the schools and the roads, as a strong + opposition by the reactionary party was expected. + </p> + <p> + The marechal was a liberal, and was quite engrossed in this fight, not + even noticing the misfortune that had befallen him. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff remembered the dreadful moments he had lived through; once when + he thought that the husband had found him out and was going to challenge + him, and he was making up his mind to fire into the air; also the terrible + scene he had with her when she ran out into the park, and in her + excitement tried to drown herself in the pond. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I cannot go now, and can do nothing until I get a reply from her,” + thought Nekhludoff. A week ago he had written her a decisive letter, in + which he acknowledged his guilt, and his readiness to atone for it; but at + the same time he pronounced their relations to be at an end, for her own + good, as he expressed it. To this letter he had as yet received no answer. + This might prove a good sign, for if she did not agree to break off their + relations, she would have written at once, or even come herself, as she + had done before. Nekhludoff had heard that there was some officer who was + paying her marked attention, and this tormented him by awakening jealousy, + and at the same time encouraged him with the hope of escape from the + deception that was oppressing him. + </p> + <p> + The other letter was from his steward. The steward wrote to tell him that + a visit to his estates was necessary in order to enter into possession, + and also to decide about the further management of his lands; whether it + was to continue in the same way as when his mother was alive, or whether, + as he had represented to the late lamented princess, and now advised the + young prince, they had not better increase their stock and farm all the + land now rented by the peasants themselves. The steward wrote that this + would be a far more profitable way of managing the property; at the same + time, he apologised for not having forwarded the 3,000 roubles income due + on the 1st. This money would be sent on by the next mail. The reason for + the delay was that he could not get the money out of the peasants, who had + grown so untrustworthy that he had to appeal to the authorities. This + letter was partly disagreeable, and partly pleasant. It was pleasant to + feel that he had power over so large a property, and yet disagreeable, + because Nekhludoff had been an enthusiastic admirer of Henry George and + Herbert Spencer. Being himself heir to a large property, he was especially + struck by the position taken up by Spencer in Social Statics, that justice + forbids private landholding, and with the straightforward resoluteness of + his age, had not merely spoken to prove that land could not be looked upon + as private property, and written essays on that subject at the university, + but had acted up to his convictions, and, considering it wrong to hold + landed property, had given the small piece of land he had inherited from + his father to the peasants. Inheriting his mother’s large estates, and + thus becoming a landed proprietor, he had to choose one of two things: + either to give up his property, as he had given up his father’s land ten + years before, or silently to confess that all his former ideas were + mistaken and false. + </p> + <p> + He could not choose the former because he had no means but the landed + estates (he did not care to serve); moreover, he had formed luxurious + habits which he could not easily give up. Besides, he had no longer the + same inducements; his strong convictions, the resoluteness of youth, and + the ambitious desire to do something unusual were gone. As to the second + course, that of denying those clear and unanswerable proofs of the + injustice of landholding, which he had drawn from Spencer’s Social + Statics, and the brilliant corroboration of which he had at a later period + found in the works of Henry George, such a course was impossible to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. MISSY. + </h2> + <p> + When Nekhludoff had finished his coffee, he went to his study to look at + the summons, and find out what time he was to appear at the court, before + writing his answer to the princess. Passing through his studio, where a + few studies hung on the walls and, facing the easel, stood an unfinished + picture, a feeling of inability to advance in art, a sense of his + incapacity, came over him. He had often had this feeling, of late, and + explained it by his too finely-developed aesthetic taste; still, the + feeling was a very unpleasant one. Seven years before this he had given up + military service, feeling sure that he had a talent for art, and had + looked down with some disdain at all other activity from the height of his + artistic standpoint. And now it turned out that he had no right to do so, + and therefore everything that reminded him of all this was unpleasant. He + looked at the luxurious fittings of the studio with a heavy heart, and it + was in no cheerful mood that he entered his study, a large, lofty room + fitted up with a view to comfort, convenience, and elegant appearance. He + found the summons at once in a pigeon hole, labelled “immediate,” of his + large writing table. He had to appear at the court at 11 o’clock. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff sat down to write a note in reply to the princess, thanking her + for the invitation, and promising to try and come to dinner. Having + written one note, he tore it up, as it seemed too intimate. He wrote + another, but it was too cold; he feared it might give offence, so he tore + it up, too. He pressed the button of an electric bell, and his servant, an + elderly, morose-looking man, with whiskers and shaved chin and lip, + wearing a grey cotton apron, entered at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Send to fetch an isvostchik, please.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And tell the person who is waiting that I send thanks for the invitation, + and shall try to come.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not very polite, but I can’t write; no matter, I shall see her + today,” thought Nekhludoff, and went to get his overcoat. + </p> + <p> + When he came out of the house, an isvostchik he knew, with india-rubber + tires to his trap, was at the door waiting for him. “You had hardly gone + away from Prince Korchagin’s yesterday,” he said, turning half round, + “when I drove up, and the Swiss at the door says, ‘just gone.’” The + isvostchik knew that Nekhludoff visited at the Korchagins, and called + there on the chance of being engaged by him. + </p> + <p> + “Even the isvostchiks know of my relations with the Korchagins,” thought + Nekhludoff, and again the question whether he should not marry Princess + Korchagin presented itself to him, and he could not decide it either way, + any more than most of the questions that arose in his mind at this time. + </p> + <p> + It was in favour of marriage in general, that besides the comforts of + hearth and home, it made a moral life possible, and chiefly that a family + would, so Nekhludoff thought, give an aim to his now empty life. + </p> + <p> + Against marriage in general was the fear, common to bachelors past their + first youth, of losing freedom, and an unconscious awe before this + mysterious creature, a woman. + </p> + <p> + In this particular case, in favour of marrying Missy (her name was Mary, + but, as is usual among a certain set, a nickname had been given her) was + that she came of good family, and differed in everything, manner of + speaking, walking, laughing, from the common people, not by anything + exceptional, but by her “good breeding”—he could find no other term + for this quality, though he prized it very highly—-and, besides, she + thought more of him than of anybody else, therefore evidently understood + him. This understanding of him, i.e., the recognition of his superior + merits, was to Nekhludoff a proof of her good sense and correct judgment. + Against marrying Missy in particular, was, that in all likelihood, a girl + with even higher qualities could be found, that she was already 27, and + that he was hardly her first love. This last idea was painful to him. His + pride would not reconcile itself with the thought that she had loved some + one else, even in the past. Of course, she could not have known that she + should meet him, but the thought that she was capable of loving another + offended him. So that he had as many reasons for marrying as against it; + at any rate, they weighed equally with Nekhludoff, who laughed at himself, + and called himself the ass of the fable, remaining like that animal + undecided which haycock to turn to. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, before I get an answer from Mary Vasilievna (the marechal’s + wife), and finish completely with her, I can do nothing,” he said to + himself. And the conviction that he might, and was even obliged, to delay + his decision, was comforting. “Well, I shall consider all that later on,” + he said to himself, as the trap drove silently along the asphalt pavement + up to the doors of the Court. + </p> + <p> + “Now I must fulfil my public duties conscientiously, as I am in the habit + of always doing, and as I consider it right to do. Besides, they are often + interesting.” And he entered the hall of the Law Courts, past the + doorkeeper. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE JURYMEN. + </h2> + <p> + The corridors of the Court were already full of activity. The attendants + hurried, out of breath, dragging their feet along the ground without + lifting them, backwards and forwards, with all sorts of messages and + papers. Ushers, advocates, and law officers passed hither and thither. + Plaintiffs, and those of the accused who were not guarded, wandered sadly + along the walls or sat waiting. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the Law Court?” Nekhludoff asked of an attendant. + </p> + <p> + “Which? There is the Civil Court and the Criminal Court.” + </p> + <p> + “I am on the jury.” + </p> + <p> + “The Criminal Court you should have said. Here to the right, then to the + left—the second door.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff followed the direction. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile some of the Criminal Court jurymen who were late had hurriedly + passed into a separate room. At the door mentioned two men stood waiting. + </p> + <p> + One, a tall, fat merchant, a kind-hearted fellow, had evidently partaken + of some refreshments and a glass of something, and was in most pleasant + spirits. The other was a shopman of Jewish extraction. They were talking + about the price of wool when Nekhludoff came up and asked them if this was + the jurymen’s room. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear sir, this is it. One of us? On the jury, are you?” asked the + merchant, with a merry wink. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, well, we shall have a go at the work together,” he continued, after + Nekhludoff had answered in the affirmative. “My name is Baklasheff, + merchant of the Second Guild,” he said, putting out his broad, soft, + flexible hand. + </p> + <p> + “With whom have I the honour?” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff gave his name and passed into the jurymen’s room. + </p> + <p> + Inside the room were about ten persons of all sorts. They had come but a + short while ago, and some were sitting, others walking up and down, + looking at each other, and making each other’s acquaintance. There was a + retired colonel in uniform; some were in frock coats, others in morning + coats, and only one wore a peasant’s dress. + </p> + <p> + Their faces all had a certain look of satisfaction at the prospect of + fulfilling a public duty, although many of them had had to leave their + businesses, and most were complaining of it. + </p> + <p> + The jurymen talked among themselves about the weather, the early spring, + and the business before them, some having been introduced, others just + guessing who was who. Those who were not acquainted with Nekhludoff made + haste to get introduced, evidently looking upon this as an honour, and he + taking it as his due, as he always did when among strangers. Had he been + asked why he considered himself above the majority of people, he could not + have given an answer; the life he had been living of late was not + particularly meritorious. The fact of his speaking English, French, and + German with a good accent, and of his wearing the best linen, clothes, + ties, and studs, bought from the most expensive dealers in these goods, he + quite knew would not serve as a reason for claiming superiority. At the + same time he did claim superiority, and accepted the respect paid him as + his due, and was hurt if he did not get it. In the jurymen’s room his + feelings were hurt by disrespectful treatment. Among the jury there + happened to be a man whom he knew, a former teacher of his sister’s + children, Peter Gerasimovitch. Nekhludoff never knew his surname, and even + bragged a bit about this. This man was now a master at a public school. + Nekhludoff could not stand his familiarity, his self-satisfied laughter, + his vulgarity, in short. + </p> + <p> + “Ah ha! You’re also trapped.” These were the words, accompanied with + boisterous laughter, with which Peter Gerasimovitch greeted Nekhludoff. + “Have you not managed to get out of it?” + </p> + <p> + “I never meant to get out of it,” replied Nekhludoff, gloomily, and in a + tone of severity. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I call this being public spirited. But just wait until you get + hungry or sleepy; you’ll sing to another tune then.” + </p> + <p> + “This son of a priest will be saying ‘thou’ [in Russian, as in many other + languages, ‘thou’ is used generally among people very familiar with each + other, or by superiors to inferiors] to me next,” thought Nekhludoff, and + walked away, with such a look of sadness on his face, as might have been + natural if he had just heard of the death of all his relations. He came up + to a group that had formed itself round a clean-shaven, tall, dignified + man, who was recounting something with great animation. This man was + talking about the trial going on in the Civil Court as of a case well + known to himself, mentioning the judges and a celebrated advocate by name. + He was saying that it seemed wonderful how the celebrated advocate had + managed to give such a clever turn to the affair that an old lady, though + she had the right on her side, would have to pay a large sum to her + opponent. “The advocate is a genius,” he said. + </p> + <p> + The listeners heard it all with respectful attention, and several of them + tried to put in a word, but the man interrupted them, as if he alone knew + all about it. + </p> + <p> + Though Nekhludoff had arrived late, he had to wait a long time. One of the + members of the Court had not yet come, and everybody was kept waiting. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. THE JUDGES. + </h2> + <p> + The president, who had to take the chair, had arrived early. The president + was a tall, stout man, with long grey whiskers. Though married, he led a + very loose life, and his wife did the same, so they did not stand in each + other’s way. This morning he had received a note from a Swiss girl, who + had formerly been a governess in his house, and who was now on her way + from South Russia to St. Petersburg. She wrote that she would wait for him + between five and six p.m. in the Hotel Italia. This made him wish to begin + and get through the sitting as soon as possible, so as to have time to + call before six p.m. on the little red-haired Clara Vasilievna, with whom + he had begun a romance in the country last summer. He went into a private + room, latched the door, took a pair of dumb-bells out of a cupboard, moved + his arms 20 times upwards, downwards, forwards, and sideways, then holding + the dumb-bells above his head, lightly bent his knees three times. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing keeps one going like a cold bath and exercise,” he said, feeling + the biceps of his right arm with his left hand, on the third finger of + which he wore a gold ring. He had still to do the moulinee movement (for + he always went through those two exercises before a long sitting), when + there was a pull at the door. The president quickly put away the + dumb-bells and opened the door, saying, “I beg your pardon.” + </p> + <p> + One of the members, a high-shouldered, discontented-looking man, with gold + spectacles, came into the room. “Matthew Nikitich has again not come,” he + said, in a dissatisfied tone. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet?” said the president, putting on his uniform. “He is always + late.” + </p> + <p> + “It is extraordinary. He ought to be ashamed of himself,” said the member, + angrily, and taking out a cigarette. + </p> + <p> + This member, a very precise man, had had an unpleasant encounter with his + wife in the morning, because she had spent her allowance before the end of + the month, and had asked him to give her some money in advance, but he + would not give way to her, and they had a quarrel. The wife told him that + if he were going to behave so, he need not expect any dinner; there would + be no dinner for him at home. At this point he left, fearing that she + might carry out her threat, for anything might be expected from her. “This + comes of living a good, moral life,” he thought, looking at the beaming, + healthy, cheerful, and kindly president, who, with elbows far apart, was + smoothing his thick grey whiskers with his fine white hands over the + embroidered collar of his uniform. “He is always contented and merry while + I am suffering.” + </p> + <p> + The secretary came in and brought some document. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, very much,” said the president, lighting a cigarette. “Which case + shall we take first, then?” + </p> + <p> + “The poisoning case, I should say,” answered the secretary, with + indifference. + </p> + <p> + “All right; the poisoning case let it be,” said the president, thinking + that he could get this case over by four o’clock, and then go away. “And + Matthew Nikitich; has he come?” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet.” + </p> + <p> + “And Breve?” + </p> + <p> + “He is here,” replied the secretary. + </p> + <p> + “Then if you see him, please tell him that we begin with the poisoning + case.” Breve was the public prosecutor, who was to read the indictment in + this case. + </p> + <p> + In the corridor the secretary met Breve, who, with up lifted shoulders, a + portfolio under one arm, the other swinging with the palm turned to the + front, was hurrying along the corridor, clattering with his heels. + </p> + <p> + “Michael Petrovitch wants to know if you are ready?” the secretary asked. + </p> + <p> + “Of course; I am always ready,” said the public prosecutor. “What are we + taking first?” + </p> + <p> + “The poisoning case.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s quite right,” said the public prosecutor, but did not think it at + all right. He had spent the night in a hotel playing cards with a friend + who was giving a farewell party. Up to five in the morning they played and + drank, so he had no time to look at this poisoning case, and meant to run + it through now. The secretary, happening to know this, advised the + president to begin with the poisoning case. The secretary was a Liberal, + even a Radical, in opinion. + </p> + <p> + Breve was a Conservative; the secretary disliked him, and envied him his + position. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and how about the Skoptzy?” [a religious sect] asked the secretary. + </p> + <p> + “I have already said that I cannot do it without witnesses, and so I shall + say to the Court.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, what does it matter?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot do it,” said Breve; and, waving his arm, he ran into his private + room. + </p> + <p> + He was putting off the case of the Skoptzy on account of the absence of a + very unimportant witness, his real reason being that if they were tried by + an educated jury they might possibly be acquitted. + </p> + <p> + By an agreement with the president this case was to be tried in the coming + session at a provincial town, where there would be more peasants, and, + therefore, more chances of conviction. + </p> + <p> + The movement in the corridor increased. The people crowded most at the + doors of the Civil Court, in which the case that the dignified man talked + about was being heard. + </p> + <p> + An interval in the proceeding occurred, and the old woman came out of the + court, whose property that genius of an advocate had found means of + getting for his client, a person versed in law who had no right to it + whatever. The judges knew all about the case, and the advocate and his + client knew it better still, but the move they had invented was such that + it was impossible not to take the old woman’s property and not to hand it + over to the person versed in law. + </p> + <p> + The old woman was stout, well dressed, and had enormous flowers on her + bonnet; she stopped as she came out of the door, and spreading out her + short fat arms and turning to her advocate, she kept repeating. “What does + it all mean? just fancy!” + </p> + <p> + The advocate was looking at the flowers in her bonnet, and evidently not + listening to her, but considering some question or other. + </p> + <p> + Next to the old woman, out of the door of the Civil Court, his broad, + starched shirt front glistening from under his low-cut waistcoat, with a + self-satisfied look on his face, came the celebrated advocate who had + managed to arrange matters so that the old woman lost all she had, and the + person versed in the law received more than 100,000 roubles. The advocate + passed close to the old woman, and, feeling all eyes directed towards him, + his whole bearing seemed to say: “No expressions of deference are + required.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE OFFICIALS OF THE COURT. + </h2> + <p> + At last Matthew Nikitich also arrived, and the usher, a thin man, with a + long neck and a kind of sideways walk, his nether lip protruding to one + side, which made him resemble a turkey, came into the jurymen’s room. + </p> + <p> + This usher was an honest man, and had a university education, but could + not keep a place for any length of time, as he was subject to fits of + drunkenness. Three months before a certain countess, who patronised his + wife, had found him this place, and he was very pleased to have kept it so + long. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sirs, is everybody here?” he asked, putting his pince-nez on his + nose, and looking round. + </p> + <p> + “Everybody, I think,” said the jolly merchant. + </p> + <p> + “All right; we’ll soon see.” And, taking a list from his pocket, he began + calling out the names, looking at the men, sometimes through and sometimes + over his pince-nez. + </p> + <p> + “Councillor of State, [grades such as this are common in Russia, and mean + very little] J. M. Nikiforoff!” + </p> + <p> + “I am he,” said the dignified-looking man, well versed in the habits of + the law court. + </p> + <p> + “Ivan Semionovitch Ivanoff, retired colonel!” + </p> + <p> + “Here!” replied a thin man, in the uniform of a retired officer. + </p> + <p> + “Merchant of the Second Guild, Peter Baklasheff!” + </p> + <p> + “Here we are, ready!” said the good-humoured merchant, with a broad smile. + </p> + <p> + “Lieutenant of the Guards, Prince Dmitri Nekhludoff!” + </p> + <p> + “I am he,” answered Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + The usher bowed to him, looking over his pince-nez, politely and + pleasantly, as if wishing to distinguish him from the others. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Youri Demitrievitch-Dantchenko, merchant; Grigori Euphimitch + Kouleshoff,” etc. All but two were present. + </p> + <p> + “Now please to come to the court, gentlemen,” said the usher, pointing to + the door, with an amiable wave of his hand. + </p> + <p> + All moved towards the door, pausing to let each other pass. Then they went + through the corridor into the court. + </p> + <p> + The court was a large, long room. At one end there was a raised platform, + with three steps leading up to it, on which stood a table, covered with a + green cloth trimmed with a fringe of a darker shade. At the table were + placed three arm-chairs, with high-carved oak backs; on the wall behind + them hung a full-length, brightly-coloured portrait of the Emperor in + uniform and ribbon, with one foot in advance, and holding a sword. In the + right corner hung a case, with an image of Christ crowned with thorns, and + beneath it stood a lectern, and on the same side the prosecuting + attorney’s desk. On the left, opposite the desk, was the secretary’s + table, and in front of it, nearer the public, an oak grating, with the + prisoners’ bench, as yet unoccupied, behind it. Besides all this, there + were on the right side of the platform high-backed ashwood chairs for the + jury, and on the floor below tables for the advocates. All this was in the + front part of the court, divided from the back by a grating. + </p> + <p> + The back was all taken up by seats in tiers. Sitting on the front seats + were four women, either servant or factory girls, and two working men, + evidently overawed by the grandeur of the room, and not venturing to speak + above a whisper. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the jury had come in the usher entered, with his sideward gait, + and stepping to the front, called out in a loud voice, as if he meant to + frighten those present, “The Court is coming!” Every one got up as the + members stepped on to the platform. Among them the president, with his + muscles and fine whiskers. Next came the gloomy member of the Court, who + was now more gloomy than ever, having met his brother-in-law, who informed + him that he had just called in to see his sister (the member’s wife), and + that she had told him that there would be no dinner there. + </p> + <p> + “So that, evidently, we shall have to call in at a cook shop,” the + brother-in-law added, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “It is not at all funny,” said the gloomy member, and became gloomier + still. + </p> + <p> + Then at last came the third member of the Court, the same Matthew + Nikitich, who was always late. He was a bearded man, with large, round, + kindly eyes. He was suffering from a catarrh of the stomach, and, + according to his doctor’s advice, he had begun trying a new treatment, and + this had kept him at home longer than usual. Now, as he was ascending the + platform, he had a pensive air. He was in the habit of making guesses in + answer to all sorts of self-put questions by different curious means. Just + now he had asked whether the new treatment would be beneficial, and had + decided that it would cure his catarrh if the number of steps from the + door to his chair would divide by three. He made 26 steps, but managed to + get in a 27th just by his chair. + </p> + <p> + The figures of the president and the members in their uniforms, with + gold-embroidered collars, looked very imposing. They seemed to feel this + themselves, and, as if overpowered by their own grandeur, hurriedly sat + down on the high backed chairs behind the table with the green cloth, on + which were a triangular article with an eagle at the top, two glass vases—something + like those in which sweetmeats are kept in refreshment rooms—an + inkstand, pens, clean paper, and good, newly-cut pencils of different + kinds. + </p> + <p> + The public prosecutor came in with the judges. With his portfolio under + one arm, and swinging the other, he hurriedly walked to his seat near the + window, and was instantly absorbed in reading and looking through the + papers, not wasting a single moment, in hope of being ready when the + business commenced. He had been public prosecutor but a short time, and + had only prosecuted four times before this. He was very ambitious, and had + firmly made up his mind to get on, and therefore thought it necessary to + get a conviction whenever he prosecuted. He knew the chief facts of the + poisoning case, and had already formed a plan of action. He only wanted to + copy out a few points which he required. + </p> + <p> + The secretary sat on the opposite side of the platform, and, having got + ready all the papers he might want, was looking through an article, + prohibited by the censor, which he had procured and read the day before. + He was anxious to have a talk about this article with the bearded member, + who shared his views, but wanted to look through it once more before doing + so. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. SWEARING IN THE JURY. + </h2> + <p> + The president, having looked through some papers and put a few questions + to the usher and the secretary, gave the order for the prisoners to be + brought in. + </p> + <p> + The door behind the grating was instantly opened, and two gendarmes, with + caps on their heads, and holding naked swords in their hands, came in, + followed by the prisoners, a red-haired, freckled man, and two women. The + man wore a prison cloak, which was too long and too wide for him. He stuck + out his thumbs, and held his arms close to his sides, thus keeping the + sleeves, which were also too long, from slipping over his hands. Without + looking at the judges he gazed steadfastly at the form, and passing to the + other side of it, he sat down carefully at the very edge, leaving plenty + of room for the others. He fixed his eyes on the president, and began + moving the muscles of his cheeks, as if whispering something. The woman + who came next was also dressed in a prison cloak, and had a prison + kerchief round her head. She had a sallow complexion, no eyebrows or + lashes, and very red eyes. This woman appeared perfectly calm. Having + caught her cloak against something, she detached it carefully, without any + haste, and sat down. + </p> + <p> + The third prisoner was Maslova. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she appeared, the eyes of all the men in the court turned her + way, and remained fixed on her white face, her sparklingly-brilliant black + eyes and the swelling bosom under the prison cloak. Even the gendarme whom + she passed on her way to her seat looked at her fixedly till she sat down, + and then, as if feeling guilty, hurriedly turned away, shook himself, and + began staring at the window in front of him. + </p> + <p> + The president paused until the prisoners had taken their seats, and when + Maslova was seated, turned to the secretary. + </p> + <p> + Then the usual procedure commenced; the counting of the jury, remarks + about those who had not come, the fixing of the fines to be exacted from + them, the decisions concerning those who claimed exemption, the appointing + of reserve jurymen. + </p> + <p> + Having folded up some bits of paper and put them in one of the glass + vases, the president turned up the gold-embroidered cuffs of his uniform a + little way, and began drawing the lots, one by one, and opening them. + Nekhludoff was among the jurymen thus drawn. Then, having let down his + sleeves, the president requested the priest to swear in the jury. + </p> + <p> + The old priest, with his puffy, red face, his brown gown, and his gold + cross and little order, laboriously moving his stiff legs, came up to the + lectern beneath the icon. + </p> + <p> + The jurymen got up, and crowded towards the lectern. + </p> + <p> + “Come up, please,” said the priest, pulling at the cross on his breast + with his plump hand, and waiting till all the jury had drawn near. When + they had all come up the steps of the platform, the priest passed his + bald, grey head sideways through the greasy opening of the stole, and, + having rearranged his thin hair, he again turned to the jury. “Now, raise + your right arms in this way, and put your fingers together, thus,” he + said, with his tremulous old voice, lifting his fat, dimpled hand, and + putting the thumb and two first fingers together, as if taking a pinch of + something. “Now, repeat after me, ‘I promise and swear, by the Almighty + God, by His holy gospels, and by the life-giving cross of our Lord, that + in this work which,’” he said, pausing between each sentence—“don’t + let your arm down; hold it like this,” he remarked to a young man who had + lowered his arm—“‘that in this work which . . . ‘” + </p> + <p> + The dignified man with the whiskers, the colonel, the merchant, and + several more held their arms and fingers as the priest required of them, + very high, very exactly, as if they liked doing it; others did it + unwillingly and carelessly. Some repeated the words too loudly, and with a + defiant tone, as if they meant to say, “In spite of all, I will and shall + speak.” Others whispered very low, and not fast enough, and then, as if + frightened, hurried to catch up the priest. Some kept their fingers + tightly together, as if fearing to drop the pinch of invisible something + they held; others kept separating and folding theirs. Every one save the + old priest felt awkward, but he was sure he was fulfilling a very useful + and important duty. + </p> + <p> + After the swearing in, the president requested the jury to choose a + foreman, and the jury, thronging to the door, passed out into the + debating-room, where almost all of them at once began to smoke cigarettes. + Some one proposed the dignified man as foreman, and he was unanimously + accepted. Then the jurymen put out their cigarettes and threw them away + and returned to the court. The dignified man informed the president that + he was chosen foreman, and all sat down again on the high-backed chairs. + </p> + <p> + Everything went smoothly, quickly, and not without a certain solemnity. + And this exactitude, order, and solemnity evidently pleased those who took + part in it: it strengthened the impression that they were fulfilling a + serious and valuable public duty. Nekhludoff, too, felt this. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the jurymen were seated, the president made a speech on their + rights, obligations, and responsibilities. While speaking he kept changing + his position; now leaning on his right, now on his left hand, now against + the back, then on the arms of his chair, now putting the papers straight, + now handling his pencil and paper-knife. + </p> + <p> + According to his words, they had the right of interrogating the prisoners + through the president, to use paper and pencils, and to examine the + articles put in as evidence. Their duty was to judge not falsely, but + justly. Their responsibility meant that if the secrecy of their discussion + were violated, or communications were established with outsiders, they + would be liable to punishment. Every one listened with an expression of + respectful attention. The merchant, diffusing a smell of brandy around + him, and restraining loud hiccups, approvingly nodded his head at every + sentence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE TRIAL—THE PRISONERS QUESTIONED. + </h2> + <p> + When he had finished his speech, the president turned to the male + prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “Simeon Kartinkin, rise.” + </p> + <p> + Simeon jumped up, his lips continuing to move nervously and inaudibly. + </p> + <p> + “Your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Simon Petrov Kartinkin,” he said, rapidly, with a cracked voice, having + evidently prepared the answer. + </p> + <p> + “What class do you belong to?” + </p> + <p> + “Peasant.” + </p> + <p> + “What government, district, and parish?” + </p> + <p> + “Toula Government, Krapivinskia district, Koupianovski parish, the village + Borki.” + </p> + <p> + “Your age?” + </p> + <p> + “Thirty-three; born in the year one thousand eight—” + </p> + <p> + “What religion?” + </p> + <p> + “Of the Russian religion, orthodox.” + </p> + <p> + “Married?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Your occupation?” + </p> + <p> + “I had a place in the Hotel Mauritania.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever been tried before?” + </p> + <p> + “I never got tried before, because, as we used to live formerly—” + </p> + <p> + “So you never were tried before?” + </p> + <p> + “God forbid, never.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you received a copy of the indictment?” + </p> + <p> + “I have.” + </p> + <p> + “Sit down.” + </p> + <p> + “Euphemia Ivanovna Botchkova,” said the president, turning to the next + prisoner. + </p> + <p> + But Simon continued standing in front of Botchkova. + </p> + <p> + “Kartinkin, sit down!” Kartinkin continued standing. + </p> + <p> + “Kartinkin, sit down!” But Kartinkin sat down only when the usher, with + his head on one side, and with preternaturally wide-open eyes, ran up, and + said, in a tragic whisper, “Sit down, sit down!” + </p> + <p> + Kartinkin sat down as hurriedly as he had risen, wrapping his cloak round + him, and again began moving his lips silently. + </p> + <p> + “Your name?” asked the president, with a weary sigh at being obliged to + repeat the same questions, without looking at the prisoner, but glancing + over a paper that lay before him. The president was so used to his task + that, in order to get quicker through it all, he did two things at a time. + </p> + <p> + Botchkova was forty-three years old, and came from the town of Kalomna. + She, too, had been in service at the Hotel Mauritania. + </p> + <p> + “I have never been tried before, and have received a copy of the + indictment.” She gave her answers boldly, in a tone of voice as if she + meant to add to each answer, “And I don’t care who knows it, and I won’t + stand any nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + She did not wait to be told, but sat down as soon as she had replied to + the last question. + </p> + <p> + “Your name?” turning abruptly to the third prisoner. “You will have to + rise,” he added, softly and gently, seeing that Maslova kept her seat. + </p> + <p> + Maslova got up and stood, with her chest expanded, looking at the + president with that peculiar expression of readiness in her smiling black + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Lubov,” she said. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff had put on his pince-nez, looking at the prisoners while they + were being questioned. + </p> + <p> + “No, it is impossible,” he thought, not taking his eyes off the prisoner. + “Lubov! How can it be?” he thought to himself, after hearing her answer. + The president was going to continue his questions, but the member with the + spectacles interrupted him, angrily whispering something. The president + nodded, and turned again to the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “How is this,” he said, “you are not put down here as Lubov?” + </p> + <p> + The prisoner remained silent. + </p> + <p> + “I want your real name.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your baptismal name?” asked the angry member. + </p> + <p> + “Formerly I used to be called Katerina.” + </p> + <p> + “No, it cannot be,” said Nekhludoff to himself; and yet he was now certain + that this was she, that same girl, half ward, half servant to his aunts; + that Katusha, with whom he had once been in love, really in love, but whom + he had betrayed and then abandoned, and never again brought to mind, for + the memory would have been too painful, would have convicted him too + clearly, proving that he who was so proud of his integrity had treated + this woman in a revolting, scandalous way. + </p> + <p> + Yes, this was she. He now clearly saw in her face that strange, + indescribable individuality which distinguishes every face from all + others; something peculiar, all its own, not to be found anywhere else. In + spite of the unhealthy pallor and the fulness of the face, it was there, + this sweet, peculiar individuality; on those lips, in the slight squint of + her eyes, in the voice, particularly in the naive smile, and in the + expression of readiness on the face and figure. + </p> + <p> + “You should have said so,” remarked the president, again in a gentle tone. + “Your patronymic?” + </p> + <p> + “I am illegitimate.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, were you not called by your godfather’s name?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mikhaelovna.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is it she can be guilty of?” continued Nekhludoff, in his mind, + unable to breathe freely. + </p> + <p> + “Your family name—your surname, I mean?” the president went on. + </p> + <p> + “They used to call me by my mother’s surname, Maslova.” + </p> + <p> + “What class?” + </p> + <p> + “Meschanka.” [the lowest town class or grade] + </p> + <p> + “Religion—orthodox?” + </p> + <p> + “Orthodox.” + </p> + <p> + “Occupation. What was your occupation?” + </p> + <p> + Maslova remained silent. + </p> + <p> + “What was your employment?” + </p> + <p> + “You know yourself,” she said, and smiled. Then, casting a hurried look + round the room, again turned her eyes on the president. + </p> + <p> + There was something so unusual in the expression of her face, so terrible + and piteous in the meaning of the words she had uttered, in this smile, + and in the furtive glance she had cast round the room, that the president + was abashed, and for a few minutes silence reigned in the court. The + silence was broken by some one among the public laughing, then somebody + said “Ssh,” and the president looked up and continued: + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever been tried before?” + </p> + <p> + “Never,” answered Maslova, softly, and sighed. + </p> + <p> + “Have you received a copy of the indictment?” + </p> + <p> + “I have,” she answered. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down.” + </p> + <p> + The prisoner leant back to pick up her skirt in the way a fine lady picks + up her train, and sat down, folding her small white hands in the sleeves + of her cloak, her eyes fixed on the president. Her face was calm again. + </p> + <p> + The witnesses were called, and some sent away; the doctor who was to act + as expert was chosen and called into the court. + </p> + <p> + Then the secretary got up and began reading the indictment. He read + distinctly, though he pronounced the “I” and “r” alike, with a loud voice, + but so quickly that the words ran into one another and formed one + uninterrupted, dreary drone. + </p> + <p> + The judges bent now on one, now on the other arm of their chairs, then on + the table, then back again, shut and opened their eyes, and whispered to + each other. One of the gendarmes several times repressed a yawn. + </p> + <p> + The prisoner Kartinkin never stopped moving his cheeks. Botchkova sat + quite still and straight, only now and then scratching her head under the + kerchief. + </p> + <p> + Maslova sat immovable, gazing at the reader; only now and then she gave a + slight start, as if wishing to reply, blushed, sighed heavily, and changed + the position of her hands, looked round, and again fixed her eyes on the + reader. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff sat in the front row on his high-backed chair, without removing + his pince-nez, and looked at Maslova, while a complicated and fierce + struggle was going on in his soul. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. THE TRIAL—THE INDICTMENT. + </h2> + <p> + The indictment ran as follows: On the 17th of January, 18—, in the + lodging-house Mauritania, occurred the sudden death of the Second Guild + merchant, Therapont Emilianovich Smelkoff, of Kourgan. + </p> + <p> + The local police doctor of the fourth district certified that death was + due to rupture of the heart, owing to the excessive use of alcoholic + liquids. The body of the said Smelkoff was interred. After several days + had elapsed, the merchant Timokhin, a fellow-townsman and companion of the + said Smelkoff, returned from St. Petersburg, and hearing the circumstances + that accompanied the death of the latter, notified his suspicions that the + death was caused by poison, given with intent to rob the said Smelkoff of + his money. This suspicion was corroborated on inquiry, which proved: + </p> + <p> + 1. That shortly before his death the said Smelkoff had received the sum of + 3,800 roubles from the bank. When an inventory of the property of the + deceased was made, only 312 roubles and 16 copecks were found. + </p> + <p> + 2. The whole day and night preceding his death the said Smelkoff spent + with Lubka (alias Katerina Maslova) at her home and in the lodging-house + Mauritania, which she also visited at the said Smelkoff’s request during + his absence, to get some money, which she took out of his portmanteau in + the presence of the servants of the lodging-house Mauritania, Euphemia + Botchkova and Simeon Kartinkin, with a key given her by the said Smelkoff. + In the portmanteau opened by the said Maslova, the said Botchkova and + Kartinkin saw packets of 100-rouble bank-notes. + </p> + <p> + 3. On the said Smelkoff’s return to the lodging-house Mauritania, together + with Lubka, the latter, in accordance with the attendant Kartinkin’s + advice, gave the said Smelkoff some white powder given to her by the said + Kartinkin, dissolved in brandy. + </p> + <p> + 4. The next morning the said Lubka (alias Katerina Maslova) sold to her + mistress, the witness Kitaeva, a brothel-keeper, a diamond ring given to + her, as she alleged, by the said Smelkoff. + </p> + <p> + 5. The housemaid of the lodging-house Mauritania, Euphemia Botchkova, + placed to her account in the local Commercial Bank 1,800 roubles. The + postmortem examination of the body of the said Smelkoff and the chemical + analysis of his intestines proved beyond doubt the presence of poison in + the organism, so that there is reason to believe that the said Smelkoff’s + death was caused by poisoning. + </p> + <p> + When cross-examined, the accused, Maslova, Botchkova, and Kartinkin, + pleaded not guilty, deposing—Maslova, that she had really been sent + by Smelkoff from the brothel, where she “works,” as she expresses it, to + the lodging-house Mauritania to get the merchant some money, and that, + having unlocked the portmanteau with a key given her by the merchant, she + took out 40 roubles, as she was told to do, and that she had taken nothing + more; that Botchkova and Kartinkin, in whose presence she unlocked and + locked the portmanteau, could testify to the truth of the statement. + </p> + <p> + She gave this further evidence—that when she came to the + lodging-house for the second time she did, at the instigation of Simeon + Kartinkin, give Smelkoff some kind of powder, which she thought was a + narcotic, in a glass of brandy, hoping he would fall asleep and that she + would be able to get away from him; and that Smelkoff, having beaten her, + himself gave her the ring when she cried and threatened to go away. + </p> + <p> + The accused, Euphemia Botchkova, stated that she knew nothing about the + missing money, that she had not even gone into Smelkoff’s room, but that + Lubka had been busy there all by herself; that if anything had been + stolen, it must have been done by Lubka when she came with the merchant’s + key to get his money. + </p> + <p> + At this point Maslova gave a start, opened her mouth, and looked at + Botchkova. “When,” continued the secretary, “the receipt for 1,800 roubles + from the bank was shown to Botchkova, and she was asked where she had + obtained the money, she said that it was her own earnings for 12 years, + and those of Simeon, whom she was going to marry. The accused Simeon + Kartinkin, when first examined, confessed that he and Botchkova, at the + instigation of Maslova, who had come with the key from the brothel, had + stolen the money and divided it equally among themselves and Maslova.” + Here Maslova again started, half-rose from her seat, and, blushing + scarlet, began to say something, but was stopped by the usher. “At last,” + the secretary continued, reading, “Kartinkin confessed also that he had + supplied the powders in order to get Smelkoff to sleep. When examined the + second time he denied having had anything to do with the stealing of the + money or giving Maslova the powders, accusing her of having done it + alone.” + </p> + <p> + Concerning the money placed in the bank by Botchkova, he said the same as + she, that is, that the money was given to them both by the lodgers in tips + during 12 years’ service. + </p> + <p> + The indictment concluded as follows: + </p> + <p> + In consequence of the foregoing, the peasant of the village Borki, Simeon + Kartinkin, 33 years of age, the meschanka Euphemia Botchkova, 43 years of + age, and the meschanka Katerina Maslova, 27 years of age, are accused of + having on the 17th day of January, 188—, jointly stolen from the + said merchant, Smelkoff, a ring and money, to the value of 2,500 roubles, + and of having given the said merchant, Smelkoff, poison to drink, with + intent of depriving him of life, and thereby causing his death. This crime + is provided for in clause 1,455 of the Penal Code, paragraphs 4 and 5. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. THE TRIAL—MASLOVA CROSS-EXAMINED. + </h2> + <p> + When the reading of the indictment was over, the president, after having + consulted the members, turned to Kartinkin, with an expression that + plainly said: Now we shall find out the whole truth down to the minutest + detail. + </p> + <p> + “Peasant Simeon Kartinkin,” he said, stooping to the left. + </p> + <p> + Simeon Kartinkin got up, stretched his arms down his sides, and leaning + forward with his whole body, continued moving his cheeks inaudibly. + </p> + <p> + “You are accused of having on the 17th January, 188—, together with + Euphemia Botchkova and Katerina Maslova, stolen money from a portmanteau + belonging to the merchant Smelkoff, and then, having procured some + arsenic, persuaded Katerina Maslova to give it to the merchant Smelkoff in + a glass of brandy, which was the cause of Smelkoff’s death. Do you plead + guilty?” said the president, stooping to the right. + </p> + <p> + “Not nohow, because our business is to attend on the lodgers, and—” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll tell us that afterwards. Do you plead guilty?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, sir. I only,—” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll tell us that afterwards. Do you plead guilty?” quietly and firmly + asked the president. + </p> + <p> + “Can’t do such a thing, because that—” + </p> + <p> + The usher again rushed up to Simeon Kartinkin, and stopped him in a tragic + whisper. + </p> + <p> + The president moved the hand with which he held the paper and placed the + elbow in a different position with an air that said: “This is finished,” + and turned to Euphemia Botchkova. + </p> + <p> + “Euphemia Botchkova, you are accused of having, on the 17th of January, + 188-, in the lodging-house Mauritania, together with Simeon Kartinkin and + Katerina Maslova, stolen some money and a ring out of the merchant + Smelkoff’s portmanteau, and having shared the money among yourselves, + given poison to the merchant Smelkoff, thereby causing his death. Do you + plead guilty?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not guilty of anything,” boldly and firmly replied the prisoner. “I + never went near the room, but when this baggage went in she did the whole + business.” + </p> + <p> + “You will say all this afterwards,” the president again said, quietly and + firmly. “So you do not plead guilty?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not take the money nor give the drink, nor go into the room. Had I + gone in I should have kicked her out.” + </p> + <p> + “So you do not plead guilty?” + </p> + <p> + “Never.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well.” + </p> + <p> + “Katerina Maslova,” the president began, turning to the third prisoner, + “you are accused of having come from the brothel with the key of the + merchant Smelkoff’s portmanteau, money, and a ring.” He said all this like + a lesson learned by heart, leaning towards the member on his left, who was + whispering into his ear that a bottle mentioned in the list of the + material evidence was missing. “Of having stolen out of the portmanteau + money and a ring,” he repeated, “and shared it. Then, returning to the + lodging house Mauritania with Smelkoff, of giving him poison in his drink, + and thereby causing his death. Do you plead guilty?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not guilty of anything,” she began rapidly. “As I said before I say + again, I did not take it—I did not take it; I did not take anything, + and the ring he gave me himself.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not plead guilty of having stolen 2,500 roubles?” asked the + president. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve said I took nothing but the 40 roubles.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and do you plead guilty of having given the merchant Smelkoff a + powder in his drink?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that I did. Only I believed what they told me, that they were + sleeping powders, and that no harm could come of them. I never thought, + and never wished. . . God is my witness; I say, I never meant this,” she + said. + </p> + <p> + “So you do not plead guilty of having stolen the money and the ring from + the merchant Smelkoff, but confess that you gave him the powder?” said the + president. + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes, I do confess this, but I thought they were sleeping powders. I + only gave them to make him sleep; I never meant and never thought of + worse.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said the president, evidently satisfied with the results + gained. “Now tell us how it all happened,” and he leaned back in his chair + and put his folded hands on the table. “Tell us all about it. A free and + full confession will be to your advantage.” + </p> + <p> + Maslova continued to look at the president in silence, and blushing. + </p> + <p> + “Tell us how it happened.” + </p> + <p> + “How it happened?” Maslova suddenly began, speaking quickly. “I came to + the lodging-house, and was shown into the room. He was there, already very + drunk.” She pronounced the word <i>he</i> with a look of horror in her + wide-open eyes. “I wished to go away, but he would not let me.” She + stopped, as if having lost the thread, or remembered some thing else. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and then?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what then? I remained a bit, and went home again.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the public prosecutor raised himself a little, leaning on + one elbow in an awkward manner. + </p> + <p> + “You would like to put a question?” said the president, and having + received an answer in the affirmative, he made a gesture inviting the + public prosecutor to speak. + </p> + <p> + “I want to ask, was the prisoner previously acquainted with Simeon + Kartinkin?” said the public prosecutor, without looking at Maslova, and, + having put the question, he compressed his lips and frowned. + </p> + <p> + The president repeated the question. Maslova stared at the public + prosecutor, with a frightened look. + </p> + <p> + “With Simeon? Yes,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to know what the prisoner’s acquaintance with Kartinkin + consisted in. Did they meet often?” + </p> + <p> + “Consisted in? . . . He invited me for the lodgers; it was not an + acquaintance at all,” answered Maslova, anxiously moving her eyes from the + president to the public prosecutor and back to the president. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to know why Kartinkin invited only Maslova, and none of the + other girls, for the lodgers?” said the public prosecutor, with + half-closed eyes and a cunning, Mephistophelian smile. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know. How should I know?” said Maslova, casting a frightened look + round, and fixing her eyes for a moment on Nekhludoff. “He asked whom he + liked.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible that she has recognised me?” thought Nekhludoff, and the + blood rushed to his face. But Maslova turned away without distinguishing + him from the others, and again fixed her eyes anxiously on the public + prosecutor. + </p> + <p> + “So the prisoner denies having had any intimate relations with Kartinkin? + Very well, I have no more questions to ask.” + </p> + <p> + And the public prosecutor took his elbow off the desk, and began writing + something. He was not really noting anything down, but only going over the + letters of his notes with a pen, having seen the procureur and leading + advocates, after putting a clever question, make a note, with which, later + on, to annihilate their adversaries. + </p> + <p> + The president did not continue at once, because he was consulting the + member with the spectacles, whether he was agreed that the questions + (which had all been prepared be forehand and written out) should be put. + </p> + <p> + “Well! What happened next?” he then went on. + </p> + <p> + “I came home,” looking a little more boldly only at the president, “and + went to bed. Hardly had I fallen asleep when one of our girls, Bertha, + woke me. ‘Go, your merchant has come again!’ He”—she again uttered + the word <i>he</i> with evident horror—“he kept treating our girls, + and then wanted to send for more wine, but his money was all gone, and he + sent me to his lodgings and told me where the money was, and how much to + take. So I went.” + </p> + <p> + The president was whispering to the member on his left, but, in order to + appear as if he had heard, he repeated her last words. + </p> + <p> + “So you went. Well, what next?” + </p> + <p> + “I went, and did all he told me; went into his room. I did not go alone, + but called Simeon Kartinkin and her,” she said, pointing to Botchkova. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a lie; I never went in,” Botchkova began, but was stopped. + </p> + <p> + “In their presence I took out four notes,” continued Maslova, frowning, + without looking at Botchkova. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but did the prisoner notice,” again asked the prosecutor, “how much + money there was when she was getting out the 40 roubles?” + </p> + <p> + Maslova shuddered when the prosecutor addressed her; she did not know why + it was, but she felt that he wished her evil. + </p> + <p> + “I did not count it, but only saw some 100-rouble notes.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! The prisoner saw 100-rouble notes. That’s all?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, so you brought back the money,” continued the president, looking at + the clock. + </p> + <p> + “I did.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and then?” + </p> + <p> + “Then he took me back with him,” said Maslova. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and how did you give him the powder? In his drink?” + </p> + <p> + “How did I give it? I put them in and gave it him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you give it him?” + </p> + <p> + She did not answer, but sighed deeply and heavily. + </p> + <p> + “He would not let me go,” she said, after a moment’s silence, “and I was + quite tired out, and so I went out into the passage and said to Simeon, + ‘If he would only let me go, I am so tired.’ And he said, ‘We are also + sick of him; we were thinking of giving him a sleeping draught; he will + fall asleep, and then you can go.’ So I said all right. I thought they + were harmless, and he gave me the packet. I went in. He was lying behind + the partition, and at once called for brandy. I took a bottle of ‘fine + champagne’ from the table, poured out two glasses, one for him and one for + myself, and put the powders into his glass, and gave it him. Had I known + how could I have given them to him?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and how did the ring come into your possession?” asked the + president. “When did he give it you?” + </p> + <p> + “That was when we came back to his lodgings. I wanted to go away, and he + gave me a knock on the head and broke my comb. I got angry and said I’d go + away, and he took the ring off his finger and gave it to me so that I + should not go,” she said. + </p> + <p> + Then the public prosecutor again slightly raised himself, and, putting on + an air of simplicity, asked permission to put a few more questions, and, + having received it, bending his head over his embroidered collar, he said: + “I should like to know how long the prisoner remained in the merchant + Smelkoff’s room.” + </p> + <p> + Maslova again seemed frightened, and she again looked anxiously from the + public prosecutor to the president, and said hurriedly: + </p> + <p> + “I do not remember how long.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but does the prisoner remember if she went anywhere else in the + lodging-house after she left Smelkoff?” + </p> + <p> + Maslova considered for a moment. “Yes, I did go into an empty room next to + his.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and why did you go in?” asked the public prosecutor, forgetting + himself, and addressing her directly. + </p> + <p> + “I went in to rest a bit, and to wait for an isvostchik.” + </p> + <p> + “And was Kartinkin in the room with the prisoner, or not?” + </p> + <p> + “He came in.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did he come in?” + </p> + <p> + “There was some of the merchant’s brandy left, and we finished it + together.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, finished it together. Very well! And did the prisoner talk to + Kartinkin, and, if so, what about?” + </p> + <p> + Maslova suddenly frowned, blushed very red, and said, hurriedly, “What + about? I did not talk about anything, and that’s all I know. Do what you + like with me; I am not guilty, and that’s all.” + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing more to ask,” said the prosecutor, and, drawing up his + shoulders in an unnatural manner, began writing down, as the prisoner’s + own evidence, in the notes for his speech, that she had been in the empty + room with Kartinkin. + </p> + <p> + There was a short silence. + </p> + <p> + “You have nothing more to say?” + </p> + <p> + “I have told everything,” she said, with a sigh, and sat down. + </p> + <p> + Then the president noted something down, and, having listened to something + that the member on his left whispered to him, he announced a ten-minutes’ + interval, rose hurriedly, and left the court. The communication he had + received from the tall, bearded member with the kindly eyes was that the + member, having felt a slight stomach derangement, wished to do a little + massage and to take some drops. And this was why an interval was made. + </p> + <p> + When the judges had risen, the advocates, the jury, and the witnesses also + rose, with the pleasant feeling that part of the business was finished, + and began moving in different directions. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff went into the jury’s room, and sat down by the window. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. TWELVE YEARS BEFORE. + </h2> + <h3> + “Yes, this was Katusha.” + </h3> + <p> + The relations between Nekhludoff and Katusha had been the following: + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff first saw Katusha when he was a student in his third year at + the University, and was preparing an essay on land tenure during the + summer vacation, which he passed with his aunts. Until then he had always + lived, in summer, with his mother and sister on his mother’s large estate + near Moscow. But that year his sister had married, and his mother had gone + abroad to a watering-place, and he, having his essay to write, resolved to + spend the summer with his aunts. It was very quiet in their secluded + estate and there was nothing to distract his mind; his aunts loved their + nephew and heir very tenderly, and he, too, was fond of them and of their + simple, old-fashioned life. + </p> + <p> + During that summer on his aunts’ estate, Nekhludoff passed through that + blissful state of existence when a young man for the first time, without + guidance from any one outside, realises all the beauty and significance of + life, and the importance of the task allotted in it to man; when he grasps + the possibility of unlimited advance towards perfection for one’s self and + for all the world, and gives himself to this task, not only hopefully, but + with full conviction of attaining to the perfection he imagines. In that + year, while still at the University, he had read Spencer’s Social Statics, + and Spencer’s views on landholding especially impressed him, as he himself + was heir to large estates. His father had not been rich, but his mother + had received 10,000 acres of land for her dowry. At that time he fully + realised all the cruelty and injustice of private property in land, and + being one of those to whom a sacrifice to the demands of conscience gives + the highest spiritual enjoyment, he decided not to retain property rights, + but to give up to the peasant labourers the land he had inherited from his + father. It was on this land question he wrote his essay. + </p> + <p> + He arranged his life on his aunts’ estate in the following manner. He got + up very early, sometimes at three o’clock, and before sunrise went through + the morning mists to bathe in the river, under the hill. He returned while + the dew still lay on the grass and the flowers. Sometimes, having finished + his coffee, he sat down with his books of reference and his papers to + write his essay, but very often, instead of reading or writing, he left + home again, and wandered through the fields and the woods. Before dinner + he lay down and slept somewhere in the garden. At dinner he amused and + entertained his aunts with his bright spirits, then he rode on horseback + or went for a row on the river, and in the evening he again worked at his + essay, or sat reading or playing patience with his aunts. + </p> + <p> + His joy in life was so great that it agitated him, and kept him awake many + a night, especially when it was moonlight, so that instead of sleeping he + wandered about in the garden till dawn, alone with his dreams and fancies. + </p> + <p> + And so, peacefully and happily, he lived through the first month of his + stay with his aunts, taking no particular notice of their half-ward, + half-servant, the black-eyed, quick-footed Katusha. Then, at the age of + nineteen, Nekhludoff, brought up under his mother’s wing, was still quite + pure. If a woman figured in his dreams at all it was only as a wife. All + the other women, who, according to his ideas he could not marry, were not + women for him, but human beings. + </p> + <p> + But on Ascension Day that summer, a neighbour of his aunts’, and her + family, consisting of two young daughters, a schoolboy, and a young artist + of peasant origin who was staying with them, came to spend the day. After + tea they all went to play in the meadow in front of the house, where the + grass had already been mown. They played at the game of gorelki, and + Katusha joined them. Running about and changing partners several times, + Nekhludoff caught Katusha, and she became his partner. Up to this time he + had liked Katusha’s looks, but the possibility of any nearer relations + with her had never entered his mind. + </p> + <p> + “Impossible to catch those two,” said the merry young artist, whose turn + it was to catch, and who could run very fast with his short, muscular + legs. + </p> + <p> + “You! And not catch us?” said Katusha. + </p> + <p> + “One, two, three,” and the artist clapped his hands. Katusha, hardly + restraining her laughter, changed places with Nekhludoff, behind the + artist’s back, and pressing his large hand with her little rough one, and + rustling with her starched petticoat, ran to the left. Nekhludoff ran fast + to the right, trying to escape from the artist, but when he looked round + he saw the artist running after Katusha, who kept well ahead, her firm + young legs moving rapidly. There was a lilac bush in front of them, and + Katusha made a sign with her head to Nekhludoff to join her behind it, for + if they once clasped hands again they were safe from their pursuer, that + being a rule of the game. He understood the sign, and ran behind the bush, + but he did not know that there was a small ditch overgrown with nettles + there. He stumbled and fell into the nettles, already wet with dew, + stinging his bands, but rose immediately, laughing at his mishap. + </p> + <p> + Katusha, with her eyes black as sloes, her face radiant with joy, was + flying towards him, and they caught hold of each other’s hands. + </p> + <p> + “Got stung, I daresay?” she said, arranging her hair with her free hand, + breathing fast and looking straight up at him with a glad, pleasant smile. + </p> + <p> + “I did not know there was a ditch here,” he answered, smiling also, and + keeping her hand in his. She drew nearer to him, and he himself, not + knowing how it happened, stooped towards her. She did not move away, and + he pressed her hand tight and kissed her on the lips. + </p> + <p> + “There! You’ve done it!” she said; and, freeing her hand with a swift + movement, ran away from him. Then, breaking two branches of white lilac + from which the blossoms were already falling, she began fanning her hot + face with them; then, with her head turned back to him, she walked away, + swaying her arms briskly in front of her, and joined the other players. + </p> + <p> + After this there grew up between Nekhludoff and Katusha those peculiar + relations which often exist between a pure young man and girl who are + attracted to each other. + </p> + <p> + When Katusha came into the room, or even when he saw her white apron from + afar, everything brightened up in Nekhludoff’s eyes, as when the sun + appears everything becomes more interesting, more joyful, more important. + The whole of life seemed full of gladness. And she felt the same. But it + was not only Katusha’s presence that had this effect on Nekhludoff. The + mere thought that Katusha existed (and for her that Nekhludoff existed) + had this effect. + </p> + <p> + When he received an unpleasant letter from his mother, or could not get on + with his essay, or felt the unreasoning sadness that young people are + often subject to, he had only to remember Katusha and that he should see + her, and it all vanished. Katusha had much work to do in the house, but + she managed to get a little leisure for reading, and Nekhludoff gave her + Dostoievsky and Tourgeneff (whom he had just read himself) to read. She + liked Tourgeneff’s Lull best. They had talks at moments snatched when + meeting in the passage, on the veranda, or the yard, and sometimes in the + room of his aunts’ old servant, Matrona Pavlovna, with whom he sometimes + used to drink tea, and where Katusha used to work. + </p> + <p> + These talks in Matrona Pavlovna’s presence were the pleasantest. When they + were alone it was worse. Their eyes at once began to say something very + different and far more important than what their mouths uttered. Their + lips puckered, and they felt a kind of dread of something that made them + part quickly. These relations continued between Nekhludoff and Katusha + during the whole time of his first visit to his aunts’. They noticed it, + and became frightened, and even wrote to Princess Elena Ivanovna, + Nekhludoff’s mother. His aunt, Mary Ivanovna, was afraid Dmitri would form + an intimacy with Katusha; but her fears were groundless, for Nekhludoff, + himself hardly conscious of it, loved Katusha, loved her as the pure love, + and therein lay his safety—his and hers. He not only did not feel + any desire to possess her, but the very thought of it filled him with + horror. The fears of the more poetical Sophia Ivanovna, that Dmitri, with + his thoroughgoing, resolute character, having fallen in love with a girl, + might make up his mind to marry her, without considering either her birth + or her station, had more ground. + </p> + <p> + Had Nekhludoff at that time been conscious of his love for Katusha, and + especially if he had been told that he could on no account join his life + with that of a girl in her position, it might have easily happened that, + with his usual straight-forwardness, he would have come to the conclusion + that there could be no possible reason for him not to marry any girl + whatever, as long as he loved her. But his aunts did not mention their + fears to him; and, when he left, he was still unconscious of his love for + Katusha. He was sure that what he felt for Katusha was only one of the + manifestations of the joy of life that filled his whole being, and that + this sweet, merry little girl shared this joy with him. Yet, when he was + going away, and Katusha stood with his aunts in the porch, and looked + after him, her dark, slightly-squinting eyes filled with tears, he felt, + after all, that he was leaving something beautiful, precious, something + which would never reoccur. And he grew very sad. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, Katusha,” he said, looking across Sophia Ivanovna’s cap as he + was getting into the trap. “Thank you for everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, Dmitri Ivanovitch,” she said, with her pleasant, tender voice, + keeping back the tears that filled her eyes—and ran away into the + hall, where she could cry in peace. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. LIFE IN THE ARMY. + </h2> + <p> + After that Nekhludoff did not see Katusha for more than three years. When + he saw her again he had just been promoted to the rank of officer and was + going to join his regiment. On the way he came to spend a few days with + his aunts, being now a very different young man from the one who had spent + the summer with them three years before. He then had been an honest, + unselfish lad, ready to sacrifice himself for any good cause; now he was + depraved and selfish, and thought only of his own enjoyment. Then God’s + world seemed a mystery which he tried enthusiastically and joyfully to + solve; now everything in life seemed clear and simple, defined by the + conditions of the life he was leading. Then he had felt the importance of, + and had need of intercourse with, nature, and with those who had lived and + thought and felt before him—philosophers and poets. What he now + considered necessary and important were human institutions and intercourse + with his comrades. Then women seemed mysterious and charming—charming + by the very mystery that enveloped them; now the purpose of women, all + women except those of his own family and the wives of his friends, was a + very definite one: women were the best means towards an already + experienced enjoyment. Then money was not needed, and he did not require + even one-third of what his mother allowed him; but now this allowance of + 1,500 roubles a month did not suffice, and he had already had some + unpleasant talks about it with his mother. + </p> + <p> + Then he had looked on his spirit as the I; now it was his healthy strong + animal I that he looked upon as himself. + </p> + <p> + And all this terrible change had come about because he had ceased to + believe himself and had taken to believing others. This he had done + because it was too difficult to live believing one’s self; believing one’s + self, one had to decide every question not in favour of one’s own animal + life, which is always seeking for easy gratifications, but almost in every + case against it. Believing others there was nothing to decide; everything + had been decided already, and decided always in favour of the animal I and + against the spiritual. Nor was this all. Believing in his own self he was + always exposing himself to the censure of those around him; believing + others he had their approval. So, when Nekhludoff had talked of the + serious matters of life, of God, truth, riches, and poverty, all round him + thought it out of place and even rather funny, and his mother and aunts + called him, with kindly irony, notre cher philosophe. But when he read + novels, told improper anecdotes, went to see funny vaudevilles in the + French theatre and gaily repeated the jokes, everybody admired and + encouraged him. When he considered it right to limit his needs, wore an + old overcoat, took no wine, everybody thought it strange and looked upon + it as a kind of showing off; but when he spent large sums on hunting, or + on furnishing a peculiar and luxurious study for himself, everybody + admired his taste and gave him expensive presents to encourage his hobby. + While he kept pure and meant to remain so till he married his friends + prayed for his health, and even his mother was not grieved but rather + pleased when she found out that he had become a real man and had gained + over some French woman from his friend. (As to the episode with Katusha, + the princess could not without horror think that he might possibly have + married her.) In the same way, when Nekhludoff came of age, and gave the + small estate he had inherited from his father to the peasants because he + considered the holding of private property in land wrong, this step filled + his mother and relations with dismay and served as an excuse for making + fun of him to all his relatives. He was continually told that these + peasants, after they had received the land, got no richer, but, on the + contrary, poorer, having opened three public-houses and left off doing any + work. But when Nekhludoff entered the Guards and spent and gambled away so + much with his aristocratic companions that Elena Ivanovna, his mother, had + to draw on her capital, she was hardly pained, considering it quite + natural and even good that wild oats should be sown at an early age and in + good company, as her son was doing. At first Nekhludoff struggled, but all + that he had considered good while he had faith in himself was considered + bad by others, and what he had considered evil was looked upon as good by + those among whom he lived, and the struggle grew too hard. And at last + Nekhludoff gave in, i.e., left off believing himself and began believing + others. At first this giving up of faith in himself was unpleasant, but it + did not long continue to be so. At that time he acquired the habit of + smoking, and drinking wine, and soon got over this unpleasant feeling and + even felt great relief. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff, with his passionate nature, gave himself thoroughly to the new + way of life so approved of by all those around, and he entirely stifled + the inner voice which demanded something different. This began after he + moved to St. Petersburg, and reached its highest point when he entered the + army. + </p> + <p> + Military life in general depraves men. It places them in conditions of + complete idleness, i.e., absence of all useful work; frees them of their + common human duties, which it replaces by merely conventional ones to the + honour of the regiment, the uniform, the flag; and, while giving them on + the one hand absolute power over other men, also puts them into conditions + of servile obedience to those of higher rank than themselves. + </p> + <p> + But when, to the usual depraving influence of military service with its + honours, uniforms, flags, its permitted violence and murder, there is + added the depraving influence of riches and nearness to and intercourse + with members of the Imperial family, as is the case in the chosen regiment + of the Guards in which all the officers are rich and of good family, then + this depraving influence creates in the men who succumb to it a perfect + mania of selfishness. And this mania of selfishness attacked Nekhludoff + from the moment he entered the army and began living in the way his + companions lived. He had no occupation whatever except to dress in a + uniform, splendidly made and well brushed by other people, and, with arms + also made and cleaned and handed to him by others, ride to reviews on a + fine horse which had been bred, broken in and fed by others. There, with + other men like himself, he had to wave a sword, shoot off guns, and teach + others to do the same. He had no other work, and the highly-placed + persons, young and old, the Tsar and those near him, not only sanctioned + his occupation but praised and thanked him for it. + </p> + <p> + After this was done, it was thought important to eat, and particularly to + drink, in officers’ clubs or the salons of the best restaurants, + squandering large sums of money, which came from some invisible source; + then theatres, ballets, women, then again riding on horseback, waving of + swords and shooting, and again the squandering of money, the wine, cards, + and women. This kind of life acts on military men even more depravingly + than on others, because if any other than a military man lead such a life + he cannot help being ashamed of it in the depth of his heart. A military + man is, on the contrary, proud of a life of this kind especially at war + time, and Nekhludoff had entered the army just after war with the Turks + had been declared. “We are prepared to sacrifice our lives at the wars, + and therefore a gay, reckless life is not only pardonable, but absolutely + necessary for us, and so we lead it.” + </p> + <p> + Such were Nekhludoff’s confused thoughts at this period of his existence, + and he felt all the time the delight of being free of the moral barriers + he had formerly set himself. And the state he lived in was that of a + chronic mania of selfishness. He was in this state when, after three + years’ absence, he came again to visit his aunts. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. THE SECOND MEETING WITH MASLOVA. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff went to visit his aunts because their estate lay near the road + he had to travel in order to join his regiment, which had gone forward, + because they had very warmly asked him to come, and especially because he + wanted to see Katusha. Perhaps in his heart he had already formed those + evil designs against Katusha which his now uncontrolled animal self + suggested to him, but he did not acknowledge this as his intention, but + only wished to go back to the spot where he had been so happy, to see his + rather funny, but dear, kind-hearted old aunts, who always, without his + noticing it, surrounded him with an atmosphere of love and admiration, and + to see sweet Katusha, of whom he had retained so pleasant a memory. + </p> + <p> + He arrived at the end of March, on Good Friday, after the thaw had set in. + It was pouring with rain so that he had not a dry thread on him and was + feeling very cold, but yet vigorous and full of spirits, as always at that + time. “Is she still with them?” he thought, as he drove into the familiar, + old-fashioned courtyard, surrounded by a low brick wall, and now filled + with snow off the roofs. + </p> + <p> + He expected she would come out when she heard the sledge bells but she did + not. Two bare-footed women with pails and tucked-up skirts, who had + evidently been scrubbing the floors, came out of the side door. She was + not at the front door either, and only Tikhon, the man-servant, with his + apron on, evidently also busy cleaning, came out into the front porch. His + aunt Sophia Ivanovna alone met him in the ante-room; she had a silk dress + on and a cap on her head. Both aunts had been to church and had received + communion. + </p> + <p> + “Well, this is nice of you to come,” said Sophia Ivanovna, kissing him. + “Mary is not well, got tired in church; we have been to communion.” + </p> + <p> + “I congratulate you, Aunt Sophia,” [it is usual in Russia to congratulate + those who have received communion] said Nekhludoff, kissing Sophia + Ivanovna’s hand. “Oh, I beg your pardon, I have made you wet.” + </p> + <p> + “Go to your room—why you are soaking wet. Dear me, you have got + moustaches! . . . Katusha! Katusha! Get him some coffee; be quick.” + </p> + <p> + “Directly,” came the sound of a well-known, pleasant voice from the + passage, and Nekhludoff’s heart cried out “She’s here!” and it was as if + the sun had come out from behind the clouds. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff, followed by Tikhon, went gaily to his old room to change his + things. He felt inclined to ask Tikhon about Katusha; how she was, what + she was doing, was she not going to be married? But Tikhon was so + respectful and at the same time so severe, insisted so firmly on pouring + the water out of the jug for him, that Nekhludoff could not make up his + mind to ask him about Katusha, but only inquired about Tikhon’s grandsons, + about the old so-called “brother’s” horse, and about the dog Polkan. All + were alive except Polkan, who had gone mad the summer before. + </p> + <p> + When he had taken off all his wet things and just begun to dress again, + Nekhludoff heard quick, familiar footsteps and a knock at the door. + Nekhludoff knew the steps and also the knock. No one but she walked and + knocked like that. + </p> + <p> + Having thrown his wet greatcoat over his shoulders, he opened the door. + </p> + <p> + “Come in.” It was she, Katusha, the same, only sweeter than before. The + slightly squinting naive black eyes looked up in the same old way. Now as + then, she had on a white apron. She brought him from his aunts a piece of + scented soap, with the wrapper just taken off, and two towels—one a + long Russian embroidered one, the other a bath towel. The unused soap with + the stamped inscription, the towels, and her own self, all were equally + clean, fresh, undefiled and pleasant. The irrepressible smile of joy at + the sight of him made the sweet, firm lips pucker up as of old. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, Dmitri Ivanovitch?” she uttered with difficulty, her face + suffused with a rosy blush. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning! How do you do?” he said, also blushing. “Alive and well?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the Lord be thanked. And here is your favorite pink soap and towels + from your aunts,” she said, putting the soap on the table and hanging the + towels over the back of a chair. + </p> + <p> + “There is everything here,” said Tikhon, defending the visitor’s + independence, and pointing to Nekhludoff’s open dressing case filled with + brushes, perfume, fixatoire, a great many bottles with silver lids and all + sorts of toilet appliances. + </p> + <p> + “Thank my aunts, please. Oh, how glad I am to be here,” said Nekhludoff, + his heart filling with light and tenderness as of old. + </p> + <p> + She only smiled in answer to these words, and went out. The aunts, who had + always loved Nekhludoff, welcomed him this time more warmly than ever. + Dmitri was going to the war, where he might be wounded or killed, and this + touched the old aunts. Nekhludoff had arranged to stay only a day and + night with his aunts, but when he had seen Katusha he agreed to stay over + Easter with them and telegraphed to his friend Schonbock, whom he was to + have joined in Odessa, that he should come and meet him at his aunts’ + instead. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he had seen Katusha Nekhludoff’s old feelings toward her awoke + again. Now, just as then, he could not see her white apron without getting + excited; he could not listen to her steps, her voice, her laugh, without a + feeling of joy; he could not look at her eyes, black as sloes, without a + feeling of tenderness, especially when she smiled; and, above all, he + could not notice without agitation how she blushed when they met. He felt + he was in love, but not as before, when this love was a kind of mystery to + him and he would not own, even to himself, that he loved, and when he was + persuaded that one could love only once; now he knew he was in love and + was glad of it, and knew dimly what this love consisted of and what it + might lead to, though he sought to conceal it even from himself. In + Nekhludoff, as in every man, there were two beings: one the spiritual, + seeking only that kind of happiness for him self which should tend towards + the happiness of all; the other, the animal man, seeking only his own + happiness, and ready to sacrifice to it the happiness of the rest of the + world. At this period of his mania of self-love brought on by life in + Petersburg and in the army, this animal man ruled supreme and completely + crushed the spiritual man in him. + </p> + <p> + But when he saw Katusha and experienced the same feelings as he had had + three years before, the spiritual man in him raised its head once more and + began to assert its rights. And up to Easter, during two whole days, an + unconscious, ceaseless inner struggle went on in him. + </p> + <p> + He knew in the depths of his soul that he ought to go away, that there was + no real reason for staying on with his aunts, knew that no good could come + of it; and yet it was so pleasant, so delightful, that he did not honestly + acknowledge the facts to himself and stayed on. On Easter eve, the priest + and the deacon who came to the house to say mass had had (so they said) + the greatest difficulty in getting over the three miles that lay between + the church and the old ladies’ house, coming across the puddles and the + bare earth in a sledge. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff attended the mass with his aunts and the servants, and kept + looking at Katusha, who was near the door and brought in the censers for + the priests. Then having given the priests and his aunts the Easter kiss, + though it was not midnight and therefore not Easter yet, he was already + going to bed when he heard the old servant Matrona Pavlovna preparing to + go to the church to get the koulitch and paski [Easter cakes] blest after + the midnight service. “I shall go too,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + The road to the church was impassable either in a sledge or on wheels, so + Nekhludoff, who behaved in his aunts’ house just as he did at home, + ordered the old horse, “the brother’s horse,” to be saddled, and instead + of going to bed he put on his gay uniform, a pair of tight-fitting riding + breeches and his overcoat, and got on the old over-fed and heavy horse, + which neighed continually all the way as he rode in the dark through the + puddles and snow to the church. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. THE EARLY MASS. + </h2> + <p> + For Nekhludoff this early mass remained for ever after one of the + brightest and most vivid memories of his life. When he rode out of the + darkness, broken only here and there by patches of white snow, into the + churchyard illuminated by a row of lamps around the church, the service + had already begun. + </p> + <p> + The peasants, recognising Mary Ivanovna’s nephew, led his horse, which was + pricking up its ears at the sight of the lights, to a dry place where he + could get off, put it up for him, and showed him into the church, which + was full of people. On the right stood the peasants; the old men in + home-spun coats, and clean white linen bands [long strips of linen are + worn by the peasants instead of stockings] wrapped round their legs, the + young men in new cloth coats, bright-coloured belts round their waists, + and top-boots. + </p> + <p> + On the left stood the women, with red silk kerchiefs on their heads, black + velveteen sleeveless jackets, bright red shirt-sleeves, gay-coloured + green, blue, and red skirts, and thick leather boots. The old women, + dressed more quietly, stood behind them, with white kerchiefs, homespun + coats, old-fashioned skirts of dark home-spun material, and shoes on their + feet. Gaily-dressed children, their hair well oiled, went in and out among + them. + </p> + <p> + The men, making the sign of the cross, bowed down and raised their heads + again, shaking back their hair. + </p> + <p> + The women, especially the old ones, fixed their eyes on an icon surrounded + with candies and made the sign of the cross, firmly pressing their folded + fingers to the kerchief on their foreheads, to their shoulders, and their + stomachs, and, whispering something, stooped or knelt down. The children, + imitating the grown-up people, prayed earnestly when they knew that they + were being observed. The gilt case containing the icon glittered, + illuminated on all sides by tall candles ornamented with golden spirals. + The candelabra was filled with tapers, and from the choir sounded most + merry tunes sung by amateur choristers, with bellowing bass and shrill + boys’ voices among them. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff passed up to the front. In the middle of the church stood the + aristocracy of the place: a landed proprietor, with his wife and son (the + latter dressed in a sailor’s suit), the police officer, the telegraph + clerk, a tradesman in top-boots, and the village elder, with a medal on + his breast; and to the right of the ambo, just behind the landed + proprietor’s wife, stood Matrona Pavlovna in a lilac dress and fringed + shawl and Katusha in a white dress with a tucked bodice, blue sash, and + red bow in her black hair. + </p> + <p> + Everything seemed festive, solemn, bright, and beautiful: the priest in + his silver cloth vestments with gold crosses; the deacon, the clerk and + chanter in their silver and gold surplices; the amateur choristers in + their best clothes, with their well-oiled hair; the merry tunes of the + holiday hymns that sounded like dance music; and the continual blessing of + the people by the priests, who held candles decorated with flowers, and + repeated the cry of “Christ is risen!” “Christ is risen!” All was + beautiful; but, above all, Katusha, in her white dress, blue sash, and the + red bow on her black head, her eyes beaming with rapture. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff knew that she felt his presence without looking at him. He + noticed this as he passed her, walking up to the altar. He had nothing to + tell her, but he invented something to say and whispered as he passed her: + “Aunt told me that she would break her fast after the late mass.” The + young blood rushed up to Katusha’s sweet face, as it always did when she + looked at him. The black eyes, laughing and full of joy, gazed naively up + and remained fixed on Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “I know,” she said, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the clerk was going out with a copper coffee-pot + [coffee-pots are often used for holding holy water in Russia] of holy + water in his hand, and, not noticing Katusha, brushed her with his + surplice. Evidently he brushed against Katusha through wishing to pass + Nekhludoff at a respectful distance, and Nekhludoff was surprised that he, + the clerk, did not understand that everything here, yes, and in all the + world, only existed for Katusha, and that everything else might remain + unheeded, only not she, because she was the centre of all. For her the + gold glittered round the icons; for her all these candles in candelabra + and candlesticks were alight; for her were sung these joyful hymns, + “Behold the Passover of the Lord” “Rejoice, O ye people!” All—all + that was good in the world was for her. And it seemed to him that Katusha + was aware that it was all for her when he looked at her well-shaped + figure, the tucked white dress, the wrapt, joyous expression of her face, + by which he knew that just exactly the same that was singing in his own + soul was also singing in hers. + </p> + <p> + In the interval between the early and the late mass Nekhludoff left the + church. The people stood aside to let him pass, and bowed. Some knew him; + others asked who he was. + </p> + <p> + He stopped on the steps. The beggars standing there came clamouring round + him, and he gave them all the change he had in his purse and went down. It + was dawning, but the sun had not yet risen. The people grouped round the + graves in the churchyard. Katusha had remained inside. Nekhludoff stood + waiting for her. + </p> + <p> + The people continued coming out, clattering with their nailed boots on the + stone steps and dispersing over the churchyard. A very old man with + shaking head, his aunts’ cook, stopped Nekhludoff in order to give him the + Easter kiss, his old wife took an egg, dyed yellow, out of her + handkerchief and gave it to Nekhludoff, and a smiling young peasant in a + new coat and green belt also came up. + </p> + <p> + “Christ is risen,” he said, with laughing eyes, and coming close to + Nekhludoff he enveloped him in his peculiar but pleasant peasant smell, + and, tickling him with his curly beard, kissed him three times straight on + the mouth with his firm, fresh lips. + </p> + <p> + While the peasant was kissing Nekhludoff and giving him a dark brown egg, + the lilac dress of Matrona Pavlovna and the dear black head with the red + bow appeared. + </p> + <p> + Katusha caught sight of him over the heads of those in front of her, and + he saw how her face brightened up. + </p> + <p> + She had come out with Matrona Pavlovna on to the porch, and stopped there + distributing alms to the beggars. A beggar with a red scab in place of a + nose came up to Katusha. She gave him something, drew nearer him, and, + evincing no sign of disgust, but her eyes still shining with joy, kissed + him three times. And while she was doing this her eyes met Nekhludoff’s + with a look as if she were asking, “Is this that I am doing right?” “Yes, + dear, yes, it is right; everything is right, everything is beautiful. I + love!” + </p> + <p> + They came down the steps of the porch, and he came up to them. + </p> + <p> + He did not mean to give them the Easter kiss, but only to be nearer to + her. Matrona Pavlovna bowed her head, and said with a smile, “Christ is + risen!” and her tone implied, “To-day we are all equal.” She wiped her + mouth with her handkerchief rolled into a ball and stretched her lips + towards him. + </p> + <p> + “He is, indeed,” answered Nekhludoff, kissing her. Then he looked at + Katusha; she blushed, and drew nearer. “Christ is risen, Dmitri + Ivanovitch.” + </p> + <p> + “He is risen, indeed,” answered Nekhludoff, and they kissed twice, then + paused as if considering whether a third kiss were necessary, and, having + decided that it was, kissed a third time and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “You are going to the priests?” asked Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “No, we shall sit out here a bit, Dmitri Ivanovitch,” said Katusha with + effort, as if she had accomplished some joyous task, and, her whole chest + heaving with a deep sigh, she looked straight in his face with a look of + devotion, virgin purity, and love, in her very slightly squinting eyes. + </p> + <p> + In the love between a man and a woman there always comes a moment when + this love has reached its zenith—a moment when it is unconscious, + unreasoning, and with nothing sensual about it. Such a moment had come for + Nekhludoff on that Easter eve. When he brought Katusha back to his mind, + now, this moment veiled all else; the smooth glossy black head, the white + tucked dress closely fitting her graceful maidenly form, her, as yet, + un-developed bosom, the blushing cheeks, the tender shining black eyes + with their slight squint heightened by the sleepless night, and her whole + being stamped with those two marked features, purity and chaste love, love + not only for him (he knew that), but for everybody and everything, not for + the good alone, but for all that is in the world, even for that beggar + whom she had kissed. + </p> + <p> + He knew she had that love in her because on that night and morning he was + conscious of it in himself, and conscious that in this love he became one + with her. Ah! if it had all stopped there, at the point it had reached + that night. “Yes, all that horrible business had not yet happened on that + Easter eve!” he thought, as he sat by the window of the jurymen’s room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. THE FIRST STEP. + </h2> + <p> + When he returned from church Nekhludoff broke the fast with his aunts and + took a glass of spirits and some wine, having got into that habit while + with his regiment, and when he reached his room fell asleep at once, + dressed as he was. He was awakened by a knock at the door. He knew it was + her knock, and got up, rubbing his eyes and stretching himself. + </p> + <p> + “Katusha, is it you? Come in,” said he. + </p> + <p> + She opened the door. + </p> + <p> + “Dinner is ready,” she said. She still had on the same white dress, but + not the bow in her hair. She looked at him with a smile, as if she had + communicated some very good news to him. + </p> + <p> + “I am coming,” he answered, as he rose, taking his comb to arrange his + hair. + </p> + <p> + She stood still for a minute, and he, noticing it, threw down his comb and + made a step towards her, but at that very moment she turned suddenly and + went with quick light steps along the strip of carpet in the middle of the + passage. + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, what a fool I am,” thought Nekhludoff. “Why did I not stop her?” + What he wanted her for he did not know himself, but he felt that when she + came into his room something should have been done, something that is + generally done on such occasions, and that he had left it undone. + </p> + <p> + “Katusha, wait,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want?” she said, stopping. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, only—” and, with an effort, remembering how men in his + position generally behave, he put his arm round her waist. + </p> + <p> + She stood still and looked into his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t, Dmitri Ivanovitch, you must not,” she said, blushing to tears and + pushing away his arm with her strong hard hand. Nekhludoff let her go, and + for a moment he felt not only confused and ashamed but disgusted with + himself. He should now have believed himself, and then he would have known + that this confusion and shame were caused by the best feelings of his soul + demanding to be set free; but he thought it was only his stupidity and + that he ought to behave as every one else did. He caught her up and kissed + her on the neck. + </p> + <p> + This kiss was very different from that first thoughtless kiss behind the + lilac bush, and very different to the kiss this morning in the churchyard. + This was a dreadful kiss, and she felt it. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what are you doing?” she cried, in a tone as if he had irreparably + broken something of priceless value, and ran quickly away. + </p> + <p> + He came into the dining-room. His aunts, elegantly dressed, their family + doctor, and a neighbour were already there. Everything seemed so very + ordinary, but in Nekhludoff a storm was raging. He understood nothing of + what was being said and gave wrong answers, thinking only of Katusha. The + sound of her steps in the passage brought back the thrill of that last + kiss and he could think of nothing else. When she came into the room he, + without looking round, felt her presence with his whole being and had to + force himself not to look at her. + </p> + <p> + After dinner he at once went into his bedroom and for a long time walked + up and down in great excitement, listening to every sound in the house and + expecting to hear her steps. The animal man inside him had now not only + lifted its head, but had succeeded in trampling under foot the spiritual + man of the days of his first visit, and even of that every morning. That + dreadful animal man alone now ruled over him. + </p> + <p> + Though he was watching for her all day he could not manage to meet her + alone. She was probably trying to evade him. In the evening, however, she + was obliged to go into the room next to his. The doctor had been asked to + stay the night, and she had to make his bed. When he heard her go in + Nekhludoff followed her, treading softly and holding his breath as if he + were going to commit a crime. + </p> + <p> + She was putting a clean pillow-case on the pillow, holding it by two of + its corners with her arms inside the pillow-case. She turned round and + smiled, not a happy, joyful smile as before, but in a frightened, piteous + way. The smile seemed to tell him that what he was doing was wrong. He + stopped for a moment. There was still the possibility of a struggle. The + voice of his real love for her, though feebly, was still speaking of her, + her feelings, her life. Another voice was saying, “Take care I don’t let + the opportunity for your own happiness, your own enjoyment, slip by!” And + this second voice completely stifled the first. He went up to her with + determination and a terrible, ungovernable animal passion took possession + of him. + </p> + <p> + With his arm round he made her sit down on the bed; and feeling that there + was something more to be done he sat down beside her. + </p> + <p> + “Dmitri Ivanovitch, dear! please let me go,” she said, with a piteous + voice. “Matrona Pavlovna is coming,” she cried, tearing herself away. Some + one was really coming to the door. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I’ll come to you in the night,” he whispered. “You’ll be + alone?” + </p> + <p> + “What are you thinking of? On no account. No, no!” she said, but only with + her lips; the tremulous confusion of her whole being said something very + different. + </p> + <p> + It was Matrona Pavlovna who had come to the door. She came in with a + blanket over her arm, looked reproachfully at Nekhludoff, and began + scolding Katusha for having taken the wrong blanket. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff went out in silence, but he did not even feel ashamed. He could + see by Matrona Pavlovna’s face that she was blaming him, he knew that she + was blaming him with reason and felt that he was doing wrong, but this + novel, low animal excitement, having freed itself of all the old feelings + of real love for Katusha, ruled supreme, leaving room for nothing else. He + went about as if demented all the evening, now into his aunts’, then back + into his own room, then out into the porch, thinking all the time how he + could meet her alone; but she avoided him, and Matrona Pavlovna watched + her closely. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. NEKHLUDOFF AND KATUSHA. + </h2> + <p> + And so the evening passed and night came. The doctor went to bed. + Nekhludoff’s aunts had also retired, and he knew that Matrona Pavlovna was + now with them in their bedroom so that Katusha was sure to be alone in the + maids’ sitting-room. He again went out into the porch. It was dark, damp + and warm out of doors, and that white spring mist which drives away the + last snow, or is diffused by the thawing of the last snow, filled the air. + From the river under the hill, about a hundred steps from the front door, + came a strange sound. It was the ice breaking. Nekhludoff came down the + steps and went up to the window of the maids’ room, stepping over the + puddles on the bits of glazed snow. His heart was beating so fiercely in + his breast that he seemed to hear it, his laboured breath came and went in + a burst of long-drawn sighs. In the maids’ room a small lamp was burning, + and Katusha sat alone by the table, looking thoughtfully in front of her. + Nekhludoff stood a long time without moving and waited to see what she, + not knowing that she was observed, would do. For a minute or two she did + not move; then she lifted her eyes, smiled and shook her head as if + chiding herself, then changed her pose and dropped both her arms on the + table and again began gazing down in front of her. He stood and looked at + her, involuntarily listening to the beating of his own heart and the + strange sounds from the river. There on the river, beneath the white mist, + the unceasing labour went on, and sounds as of something sobbing, + cracking, dropping, being shattered to pieces mixed with the tinkling of + the thin bits of ice as they broke against each other like glass. + </p> + <p> + There he stood, looking at Katusha’s serious, suffering face, which + betrayed the inner struggle of her soul, and he felt pity for her; but, + strange though it may seem, this pity only confirmed him in his evil + intention. + </p> + <p> + He knocked at the window. She started as if she had received an electric + shock, her whole body trembled, and a look of horror came into her face. + Then she jumped up, approached the window and brought her face up to the + pane. The look of terror did not leave her face even when, holding her + hands up to her eyes like blinkers and peering through the glass, she + recognised him. Her face was unusually grave; he had never seen it so + before. She returned his smile, but only in submission to him; there was + no smile in her soul, only fear. He beckoned her with his hand to come out + into the yard to him. But she shook her head and remained by the window. + He brought his face close to the pane and was going to call out to her, + but at that moment she turned to the door; evidently some one inside had + called her. Nekhludoff moved away from the window. The fog was so dense + that five steps from the house the windows could not be seen, but the + light from the lamp shone red and huge out of a shapeless black mass. And + on the river the same strange sounds went on, sobbing and rustling and + cracking and tinkling. Somewhere in the fog, not far off, a cock crowed; + another answered, and then others, far in the village took up the cry till + the sound of the crowing blended into one, while all around was silent + excepting the river. It was the second time the cocks crowed that night. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff walked up and down behind the corner of the house, and once or + twice got into a puddle. Then again came up to the window. The lamp was + still burning, and she was again sitting alone by the table as if + uncertain what to do. He had hardly approached the window when she looked + up. He knocked. Without looking who it was she at once ran out of the + room, and he heard the outside door open with a snap. He waited for her + near the side porch and put his arms round her without saying a word. She + clung to him, put up her face, and met his kiss with her lips. Then the + door again gave the same sort of snap and opened, and the voice of Matrona + Pavlovna called out angrily, “Katusha!” + </p> + <p> + She tore herself away from him and returned into the maids’ room. He heard + the latch click, and then all was quiet. The red light disappeared and + only the mist remained, and the bustle on the river went on. Nekhludoff + went up to the window, nobody was to be seen; he knocked, but got no + answer. He went back into the house by the front door, but could not + sleep. He got up and went with bare feet along the passage to her door, + next to Matrona Pavlovna’s room. He heard Matrona Pavlovna snoring + quietly, and was about to go on when she coughed and turned on her + creaking bed, and his heart fell, and he stood immovable for about five + minutes. When all was quiet and she began to snore peacefully again, he + went on, trying to step on the boards that did not creak, and came to + Katusha’s door. There was no sound to be heard. She was probably awake, or + else he would have heard her breathing. But as soon as he had whispered + “Katusha” she jumped up and began to persuade him, as if angrily, to go + away. + </p> + <p> + “Open! Let me in just for a moment! I implore you!” He hardly knew what he + was saying. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * * * * * * * +</pre> + <p> + When she left him, trembling and silent, giving no answer to his words, he + again went out into the porch and stood trying to understand the meaning + of what had happened. + </p> + <p> + It was getting lighter. From the river below the creaking and tinkling and + sobbing of the breaking ice came still louder and a gurgling sound could + now also be heard. The mist had begun to sink, and from above it the + waning moon dimly lighted up something black and weird. + </p> + <p> + “What was the meaning of it all? Was it a great joy or a great misfortune + that had befallen him?” he asked himself. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. AFTERWARDS. + </h2> + <p> + The next day the gay, handsome, and brilliant Schonbock joined Nekhludoff + at his aunts’ house, and quite won their hearts by his refined and amiable + manner, his high spirits, his generosity, and his affection for Dmitri. + </p> + <p> + But though the old ladies admired his generosity it rather perplexed them, + for it seemed exaggerated. He gave a rouble to some blind beggars who came + to the gate, gave 15 roubles in tips to the servants, and when Sophia + Ivanovna’s pet dog hurt his paw and it bled, he tore his hemstitched + cambric handkerchief into strips (Sophia Ivanovna knew that such + handkerchiefs cost at least 15 roubles a dozen) and bandaged the dog’s + foot. The old ladies had never met people of this kind, and did not know + that Schonbock owed 200,000 roubles which he was never going to pay, and + that therefore 25 roubles more or less did not matter a bit to him. + Schonbock stayed only one day, and he and Nekhludoff both, left at night. + They could not stay away from their regiment any longer, for their leave + was fully up. + </p> + <p> + At the stage which Nekhludoff’s selfish mania had now reached he could + think of nothing but himself. He was wondering whether his conduct, if + found out, would be blamed much or at all, but he did not consider what + Katusha was now going through, and what was going to happen to her. + </p> + <p> + He saw that Schonbock guessed his relations to her and this flattered his + vanity. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I see how it is you have taken such a sudden fancy to your aunts that + you have been living nearly a week with them,” Schonbock remarked when he + had seen Katusha. “Well, I don’t wonder—should have done the same. + She’s charming.” Nekhludoff was also thinking that though it was a pity to + go away before having fully gratified the cravings of his love for her, + yet the absolute necessity of parting had its advantages because it put a + sudden stop to relations it would have been very difficult for him to + continue. Then he thought that he ought to give her some money, not for + her, not because she might need it, but because it was the thing to do. + </p> + <p> + So he gave her what seemed to him a liberal amount, considering his and + her station. On the day of his departure, after dinner, he went out and + waited for her at the side entrance. She flushed up when she saw him and + wished to pass by, directing his attention to the open door of the maids’ + room by a look, but he stopped her. + </p> + <p> + “I have come to say good-bye,” he said, crumbling in his hand an envelope + with a 100-rouble note inside. “There, I . . . ” + </p> + <p> + She guessed what he meant, knit her brows, and shaking her head pushed his + hand away. + </p> + <p> + “Take it; oh, you must!” he stammered, and thrust the envelope into the + bib of her apron and ran back to his room, groaning and frowning as if he + had hurt himself. And for a long time he went up and down writhing as in + pain, and even stamping and groaning aloud as he thought of this last + scene. “But what else could I have done? Is it not what happens to every + one? And if every one does the same . . . well I suppose it can’t be + helped.” In this way he tried to get peace of mind, but in vain. The + recollection of what had passed burned his conscience. In his soul—in + the very depths of his soul—he knew that he had acted in a base, + cruel, cowardly manner, and that the knowledge of this act of his must + prevent him, not only from finding fault with any one else, but even from + looking straight into other people’s eyes; not to mention the + impossibility of considering himself a splendid, noble, high-minded + fellow, as he did and had to do to go on living his life boldly and + merrily. There was only one solution of the problem—i.e., not to + think about it. He succeeded in doing so. The life he was now entering + upon, the new surroundings, new friends, the war, all helped him to + forget. And the longer he lived, the less he thought about it, until at + last he forgot it completely. + </p> + <p> + Once only, when, after the war, he went to see his aunts in hopes of + meeting Katusha, and heard that soon after his last visit she had left, + and that his aunts had heard she had been confined somewhere or other and + had gone quite to the bad, his heart ached. According to the time of her + confinement, the child might or might not have been his. His aunts said + she had gone wrong, that she had inherited her mother’s depraved nature, + and he was pleased to hear this opinion of his aunts’. It seemed to acquit + him. At first he thought of trying to find her and her child, but then, + just because in the depths of his soul he felt so ashamed and pained when + thinking about her, he did not make the necessary effort to find her, but + tried to forget his sin again and ceased to think about it. And now this + strange coincidence brought it all back to his memory, and demanded from + him the acknowledgment of the heartless, cruel cowardice which had made it + possible for him to live these nine years with such a sin on his + conscience. But he was still far from such an acknowledgment, and his only + fear was that everything might now be found out, and that she or her + advocate might recount it all and put him to shame before every one + present. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. THE TRIAL—RESUMPTION. + </h2> + <p> + In this state of mind Nekhludoff left the Court and went into the + jurymen’s room. He sat by the window smoking all the while, and hearing + what was being said around him. + </p> + <p> + The merry merchant seemed with all his heart to sympathise with Smelkoff’s + way of spending his time. “There, old fellow, that was something like! + Real Siberian fashion! He knew what he was about, no fear! That’s the sort + of wench for me.” + </p> + <p> + The foreman was stating his conviction, that in some way or other the + expert’s conclusions were the important thing. Peter Gerasimovitch was + joking about something with the Jewish clerk, and they burst out laughing. + Nekhludoff answered all the questions addressed to him in monosyllables + and longed only to be left in peace. + </p> + <p> + When the usher, with his sideways gait, called the jury back to the Court, + Nekhludoff was seized with fear, as if he were not going to judge, but to + be judged. In the depth of his soul he felt that he was a scoundrel, who + ought to be ashamed to look people in the face, yet, by sheer force of + habit, he stepped on to the platform in his usual self-possessed manner, + and sat down, crossing his legs and playing with his pince-nez. + </p> + <p> + The prisoners had also been led out, and were now brought in again. There + were some new faces in the Court witnesses, and Nekhludoff noticed that + Maslova could not take her eyes off a very fat woman who sat in the row in + front of the grating, very showily dressed in silk and velvet, a high hat + with a large bow on her head, and an elegant little reticule on her arm, + which was bare to the elbow. This was, as he subsequently found out, one + of the witnesses, the mistress of the establishment to which Maslova had + belonged. + </p> + <p> + The examination of the witnesses commenced: they were asked their names, + religion, etc. Then, after some consultation as to whether the witnesses + were to be sworn in or not, the old priest came in again, dragging his + legs with difficulty, and, again arranging the golden cross on his breast, + swore the witnesses and the expert in the same quiet manner, and with the + same assurance that he was doing something useful and important. + </p> + <p> + The witnesses having been sworn, all but Kitaeva, the keeper of the house, + were led out again. She was asked what she knew about this affair. Kitaeva + nodded her head and the big hat at every sentence and smiled affectedly. + She gave a very full and intelligent account, speaking with a strong + German accent. First of all, the hotel servant Simeon, whom she knew, came + to her establishment on behalf of a rich Siberian merchant, and she sent + Lubov back with him. After a time Lubov returned with the merchant. The + merchant was already somewhat intoxicated—she smiled as she said + this—and went on drinking and treating the girls. He was short of + money. He sent this same Lubov to his lodgings. He had taken a + “predilection” to her. She looked at the prisoner as she said this. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff thought he saw Maslova smile here, and this seemed disgusting + to him. A strange, indefinite feeling of loathing, mingled with suffering, + arose in him. + </p> + <p> + “And what was your opinion of Maslova?” asked the blushing and confused + applicant for a judicial post, appointed to act as Maslova’s advocate. + </p> + <p> + “Zee ferry pesht,” answered Kitaeva. “Zee yoong voman is etucated and + elecant. She was prought up in a coot family and can reat French. She tid + have a trop too moch sometimes, put nefer forcot herself. A ferry coot + girl.” + </p> + <p> + Katusha looked at the woman, then suddenly turned her eyes on the jury and + fixed them on Nekhludoff, and her face grew serious and even severe. One + of her serious eyes squinted, and those two strange eyes for some time + gazed at Nekhludoff, who, in spite of the terrors that seized him, could + not take his look off these squinting eyes, with their bright, clear + whites. + </p> + <p> + He thought of that dreadful night, with its mist, the ice breaking on the + river below, and when the waning moon, with horns turned upwards, that had + risen towards morning, lit up something black and weird. These two black + eyes now looking at him reminded him of this weird, black something. “She + has recognised me,” he thought, and Nekhludoff shrank as if expecting a + blow. But she had not recognised him. She sighed quietly and again looked + at the president. Nekhludoff also sighed. “Oh, if it would only get on + quicker,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + He now felt the same loathing and pity and vexation as when, out shooting, + he was obliged to kill a wounded bird. The wounded bird struggles in the + game bag. One is disgusted and yet feels pity, and one is in a hurry to + kill the bird and forget it. + </p> + <p> + Such mixed feelings filled Nekhludoff’s breast as he sat listening to the + examination of the witnesses. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. THE TRIAL—THE MEDICAL REPORT. + </h2> + <p> + But, as if to spite him, the case dragged out to a great length. After + each witness had been examined separately and the expert last of all, and + a great number of useless questions had been put, with the usual air of + importance, by the public prosecutor and by both advocates, the president + invited the jury to examine the objects offered as material evidence. They + consisted of an enormous diamond ring, which had evidently been worn on + the first finger, and a test tube in which the poison had been analysed. + These things had seals and labels attached to them. + </p> + <p> + Just as the witnesses were about to look at these things, the public + prosecutor rose and demanded that before they did this the results of the + doctor’s examination of the body should be read. The president, who was + hurrying the business through as fast as he could in order to visit his + Swiss friend, though he knew that the reading of this paper could have no + other effect than that of producing weariness and putting off the dinner + hour, and that the public prosecutor wanted it read simply because he knew + he had a right to demand it, had no option but to express his consent. + </p> + <p> + The secretary got out the doctor’s report and again began to read in his + weary lisping voice, making no distinction between the “r’s” and “l’s.” + </p> + <p> + The external examination proved that: + </p> + <p> + “1. Theropont Smelkoff’s height was six feet five inches. + </p> + <p> + “Not so bad, that. A very good size,” whispered the merchant, with + interest, into Nekhludoff’s ear. + </p> + <p> + “2. He looked about 40 years of age. + </p> + <p> + “3. The body was of a swollen appearance. + </p> + <p> + “4. The flesh was of a greenish colour, with dark spots in several places. + </p> + <p> + “5. The skin was raised in blisters of different sizes and in places had + come off in large pieces. + </p> + <p> + “6. The hair was chestnut; it was thick, and separated easily from the + skin when touched. + </p> + <p> + “7. The eye-balls protruded from their sockets and the cornea had grown + dim. + </p> + <p> + “8. Out of the nostrils, both ears, and the mouth oozed serous liquid; the + mouth was half open. + </p> + <p> + “9. The neck had almost disappeared, owing to the swelling of the face and + chest.” + </p> + <p> + And so on and so on. + </p> + <p> + Four pages were covered with the 27 paragraphs describing all the details + of the external examination of the enormous, fat, swollen, and decomposing + body of the merchant who had been making merry in the town. The indefinite + loathing that Nekhludoff felt was increased by the description of the + corpse. Katusha’s life, and the scrum oozing from the nostrils of the + corpse, and the eyes that protruded out of their sockets, and his own + treatment of her—all seemed to belong to the same order of things, + and he felt surrounded and wholly absorbed by things of the same nature. + </p> + <p> + When the reading of the report of the external examination was ended, the + president heaved a sigh and raised his hand, hoping it was finished; but + the secretary at once went on to the description of the internal + examination. The president’s head again dropped into his hand and he shut + his eyes. The merchant next to Nekhludoff could hardly keep awake, and now + and then his body swayed to and fro. The prisoners and the gendarmes sat + perfectly quiet. + </p> + <p> + The internal examination showed that: + </p> + <p> + “1. The skin was easily detachable from the bones of the skull, and there + was no coagulated blood. + </p> + <p> + “2. The bones of the skull were of average thickness and in sound + condition. + </p> + <p> + “3. On the membrane of the brain there were two discoloured spots about + four inches long, the membrane itself being of a dull white.” And so on + for 13 paragraphs more. Then followed the names and signatures of the + assistants, and the doctor’s conclusion showing that the changes observed + in the stomach, and to a lesser degree in the bowels and kidneys, at the + postmortem examination, and described in the official report, gave great + probability to the conclusion that Smelkoff’s death was caused by poison + which had entered his stomach mixed with alcohol. To decide from the state + of the stomach what poison had been introduced was difficult; but it was + necessary to suppose that the poison entered the stomach mixed with + alcohol, since a great quantity of the latter was found in Smelkoff’s + stomach. + </p> + <p> + “He could drink, and no mistake,” again whispered the merchant, who had + just waked up. + </p> + <p> + The reading of this report had taken a full hour, but it had not satisfied + the public prosecutor, for, when it had been read through and the + president turned to him, saying, “I suppose it is superfluous to read the + report of the examination of the internal organs?” he answered in a severe + tone, without looking at the president, “I shall ask to have it read.” + </p> + <p> + He raised himself a little, and showed by his manner that he had a right + to have this report read, and would claim this right, and that if that + were not granted it would serve as a cause of appeal. + </p> + <p> + The member of the Court with the big beard, who suffered from catarrh of + the stomach, feeling quite done up, turned to the president: + </p> + <p> + “What is the use of reading all this? It is only dragging it out. These + new brooms do not sweep clean; they only take a long while doing it.” + </p> + <p> + The member with the gold spectacles said nothing, but only looked gloomily + in front of him, expecting nothing good, either from his wife or life in + general. The reading of the report commenced. + </p> + <p> + “In the year 188-, on February 15th, I, the undersigned, commissioned by + the medical department, made an examination, No. 638,” the secretary began + again with firmness and raising the pitch of his voice as if to dispel the + sleepiness that had overtaken all present, “in the presence of the + assistant medical inspector, of the internal organs: + </p> + <p> + “1. The right lung and the heart (contained in a 6-lb. glass jar). + </p> + <p> + “2. The contents of the stomach (in a 6-lb. glass jar). + </p> + <p> + “3. The stomach itself (in a 6-lb. glass jar). + </p> + <p> + “4. The liver, the spleen and the kidneys (in a 9-lb. glass jar). + </p> + <p> + “5. The intestines (in a 9-lb. earthenware jar).” + </p> + <p> + The president here whispered to one of the members, then stooped to the + other, and having received their consent, he said: “The Court considers + the reading of this report superfluous.” The secretary stopped reading and + folded the paper, and the public prosecutor angrily began to write down + something. “The gentlemen of the jury may now examine the articles of + material evidence,” said the president. The foreman and several of the + others rose and went to the table, not quite knowing what to do with their + hands. They looked in turn at the glass, the test tube, and the ring. The + merchant even tried on the ring. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that was a finger,” he said, returning to his place; “like a + cucumber,” he added. Evidently the image he had formed in his mind of the + gigantic merchant amused him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. THE TRIAL—THE PROSECUTOR AND THE ADVOCATES. + </h2> + <p> + When the examination of the articles of material evidence was finished, + the president announced that the investigation was now concluded and + immediately called on the prosecutor to proceed, hoping that as the latter + was also a man, he, too, might feel inclined to smoke or dine, and show + some mercy on the rest. But the public prosecutor showed mercy neither to + himself nor to any one else. He was very stupid by nature, but, besides + this, he had had the misfortune of finishing school with a gold medal and + of receiving a reward for his essay on “Servitude” when studying Roman Law + at the University, and was therefore self-confident and self-satisfied in + the highest degree (his success with the ladies also conducing to this) + and his stupidity had become extraordinary. + </p> + <p> + When the word was given to him, he got up slowly, showing the whole of his + graceful figure in his embroidered uniform. Putting his hand on the desk + he looked round the room, slightly bowing his head, and, avoiding the eyes + of the prisoners, began to read the speech he had prepared while the + reports were being read. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen of the jury! The business that now lies before you is, if I may + so express myself, very characteristic.” + </p> + <p> + The speech of a public prosecutor, according to his views, should always + have a social importance, like the celebrated speeches made by the + advocates who have become distinguished. True, the audience consisted of + three women—a semptress, a cook, and Simeon’s sister—and a + coachman; but this did not matter. The celebrities had begun in the same + way. To be always at the height of his position, i.e., to penetrate into + the depths of the psychological significance of crime and to discover the + wounds of society, was one of the prosecutor’s principles. + </p> + <p> + “You see before you, gentlemen of the jury, a crime characteristic, if I + may so express myself, of the end of our century; bearing, so to say, the + specific features of that very painful phenomenon, the corruption to which + those elements of our present-day society, which are, so to say, + particularly exposed to the burning rays of this process, are subject.” + </p> + <p> + The public prosecutor spoke at great length, trying not to forget any of + the notions he had formed in his mind, and, on the other hand, never to + hesitate, and let his speech flow on for an hour and a quarter without a + break. + </p> + <p> + Only once he stopped and for some time stood swallowing his saliva, but he + soon mastered himself and made up for the interruption by heightened + eloquence. He spoke, now with a tender, insinuating accent, stepping from + foot to foot and looking at the jury, now in quiet, business-like tones, + glancing into his notebook, then with a loud, accusing voice, looking from + the audience to the advocates. But he avoided looking at the prisoners, + who were all three fixedly gazing at him. Every new craze then in vogue + among his set was alluded to in his speech; everything that then was, and + some things that still are, considered to be the last words of scientific + wisdom: the laws of heredity and inborn criminality, evolution and the + struggle for existence, hypnotism and hypnotic influence. + </p> + <p> + According to his definition, the merchant Smelkoff was of the genuine + Russian type, and had perished in consequence of his generous, trusting + nature, having fallen into the hands of deeply degraded individuals. + </p> + <p> + Simeon Kartinkin was the atavistic production of serfdom, a stupefied, + ignorant, unprincipled man, who had not even any religion. Euphemia was + his mistress, and a victim of heredity; all the signs of degeneration were + noticeable in her. The chief wire-puller in this affair was Maslova, + presenting the phenomenon of decadence in its lowest form. “This woman,” + he said, looking at her, “has, as we have to-day heard from her mistress + in this court, received an education; she cannot only read and write, but + she knows French; she is illegitimate, and probably carries in her the + germs of criminality. She was educated in an enlightened, noble family and + might have lived by honest work, but she deserts her benefactress, gives + herself up to a life of shame in which she is distinguished from her + companions by her education, and chiefly, gentlemen of the jury, as you + have heard from her mistress, by her power of acting on the visitors by + means of that mysterious capacity lately investigated by science, + especially by the school of Charcot, known by the name of hypnotic + influence. By these means she gets hold of this Russian, this kind-hearted + Sadko, [Sadko, the hero of a legend] the rich guest, and uses his trust in + order first to rob and then pitilessly to murder him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he is piling it on now, isn’t he?” said the president with a smile, + bending towards the serious member. + </p> + <p> + “A fearful blockhead!” said the serious member. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the public prosecutor went on with his speech. “Gentlemen of the + jury,” gracefully swaying his body, “the fate of society is to a certain + extent in your power. Your verdict will influence it. Grasp the full + meaning of this crime, the danger that awaits society from those whom I + may perhaps be permitted to call pathological individuals, such as + Maslova. Guard it from infection; guard the innocent and strong elements + of society from contagion or even destruction.” + </p> + <p> + And as if himself overcome by the significance of the expected verdict, + the public prosecutor sank into his chair, highly delighted with his + speech. + </p> + <p> + The sense of the speech, when divested of all its flowers of rhetoric, was + that Maslova, having gained the merchant’s confidence, hypnotised him and + went to his lodgings with his key meaning to take all the money herself, + but having been caught in the act by Simeon and Euphemia had to share it + with them. Then, in order to hide the traces of the crime, she had + returned to the lodgings with the merchant and there poisoned him. + </p> + <p> + After the prosecutor had spoken, a middle-aged man in swallow-tail coat + and low-cut waistcoat showing a large half-circle of starched white shirt, + rose from the advocates’ bench and made a speech in defence of Kartinkin + and Botchkova; this was an advocate engaged by them for 300 roubles. He + acquitted them both and put all the blame on Maslova. He denied the truth + of Maslova’s statements that Botchkova and Kartinkin were with her when + she took the money, laying great stress on the point that her evidence + could not be accepted, she being charged with poisoning. “The 2,500 + roubles,” the advocate said, “could have been easily earned by two honest + people getting from three to five roubles per day in tips from the + lodgers. The merchant’s money was stolen by Maslova and given away, or + even lost, as she was not in a normal state.” + </p> + <p> + The poisoning was committed by Maslova alone; therefore he begged the jury + to acquit Kartinkin and Botchkova of stealing the money; or if they could + not acquit them of the theft, at least to admit that it was done without + any participation in the poisoning. + </p> + <p> + In conclusion the advocate remarked, with a thrust at the public + prosecutor, that “the brilliant observations of that gentleman on + heredity, while explaining scientific facts concerning heredity, were + inapplicable in this case, as Botchkova was of unknown parentage.” The + public prosecutor put something down on paper with an angry look, and + shrugged his shoulders in contemptuous surprise. + </p> + <p> + Then Maslova’s advocate rose, and timidly and hesitatingly began his + speech in her defence. + </p> + <p> + Without denying that she had taken part in the stealing of the money, he + insisted on the fact that she had no intention of poisoning Smelkoff, but + had given him the powder only to make him fall asleep. He tried to go in + for a little eloquence in giving a description of how Maslova was led into + a life of debauchery by a man who had remained unpunished while she had to + bear all the weight of her fall; but this excursion into the domain of + psychology was so unsuccessful that it made everybody feel uncomfortable. + When he muttered something about men’s cruelty and women’s helplessness, + the president tried to help him by asking him to keep closer to the facts + of the case. When he had finished the public prosecutor got up to reply. + He defended his position against the first advocate, saying that even if + Botchkova was of unknown parentage the truth of the doctrine of heredity + was thereby in no way invalidated, since the laws of heredity were so far + proved by science that we can not only deduce the crime from heredity, but + heredity from the crime. As to the statement made in defence of Maslova, + that she was the victim of an imaginary (he laid a particularly venomous + stress on the word imaginary) betrayer, he could only say that from the + evidence before them it was much more likely that she had played the part + of temptress to many and many a victim who had fallen into her hands. + Having said this he sat down in triumph. Then the prisoners were offered + permission to speak in their own defence. + </p> + <p> + Euphemia Botchkova repeated once more that she knew nothing about it and + had taken part in nothing, and firmly laid the whole blame on Maslova. + Simeon Kartinkin only repeated several times: “It is your business, but I + am innocent; it’s unjust.” Maslova said nothing in her defence. Told she + might do so by the president, she only lifted her eyes to him, cast a look + round the room like a hunted animal, and, dropping her head, began to cry, + sobbing aloud. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” the merchant asked Nekhludoff, hearing him utter a + strange sound. This was the sound of weeping fiercely kept back. + Nekhludoff had not yet understood the significance of his present + position, and attributed the sobs he could hardly keep back and the tears + that filled his eyes to the weakness of his nerves. He put on his + pince-nez in order to hide the tears, then got out his handkerchief and + began blowing his nose. + </p> + <p> + Fear of the disgrace that would befall him if every one in the court knew + of his conduct stifled the inner working of his soul. This fear was, + during this first period, stronger than all else. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. THE TRIAL—THE SUMMING UP. + </h2> + <p> + After the last words of the prisoners had been heard, the form in which + the questions were to be put to the jury was settled, which also took some + time. At last the questions were formulated, and the president began the + summing up. + </p> + <p> + Before putting the case to the jury, he spoke to them for some time in a + pleasant, homely manner, explaining that burglary was burglary and theft + was theft, and that stealing from a place which was under lock and key was + stealing from a place under lock and key. While he was explaining this, he + looked several times at Nekhludoff as if wishing to impress upon him these + important facts, in hopes that, having understood it, Nekhludoff would + make his fellow-jurymen also understand it. When he considered that the + jury were sufficiently imbued with these facts, he proceeded to enunciate + another truth—namely, that a murder is an action which has the death + of a human being as its consequence, and that poisoning could therefore + also be termed murder. When, according to his opinion, this truth had also + been received by the jury, he went on to explain that if theft and murder + had been committed at the same time, the combination of the crimes was + theft with murder. + </p> + <p> + Although he was himself anxious to finish as soon as possible, although he + knew that his Swiss friend would be waiting for him, he had grown so used + to his occupation that, having begun to speak, he could not stop himself, + and therefore he went on to impress on the jury with much detail that if + they found the prisoners guilty, they would have the right to give a + verdict of guilty; and if they found them not guilty, to give a verdict of + not guilty; and if they found them guilty of one of the crimes and not of + the other, they might give a verdict of guilty on the one count and of not + guilty on the other. Then he explained that though this right was given + them they should use it with reason. + </p> + <p> + He was going to add that if they gave an affirmative answer to any + question that was put to them they would thereby affirm everything + included in the question, so that if they did not wish to affirm the whole + of the question they should mention the part of the question they wished + to be excepted. But, glancing at the clock, and seeing it was already five + minutes to three, he resolved to trust to their being intelligent enough + to understand this without further comment. + </p> + <p> + “The facts of this case are the following,” began the president, and + repeated all that had already been said several times by the advocates, + the public prosecutor and the witnesses. + </p> + <p> + The president spoke, and the members on each side of him listened with + deeply-attentive expressions, but looked from time to time at the clock, + for they considered the speech too long though very good—i.e., such + as it ought to be. The public prosecutor, the lawyers, and, in fact, + everyone in the court, shared the same impression. The president finished + the summing up. Then he found it necessary to tell the jury what they all + knew, or might have found out by reading it up—i.e., how they were + to consider the case, count the votes, in case of a tie to acquit the + prisoners, and so on. + </p> + <p> + Everything seemed to have been told; but no, the president could not + forego his right of speaking as yet. It was so pleasant to hear the + impressive tones of his own voice, and therefore he found it necessary to + say a few words more about the importance of the rights given to the jury, + how carefully they should use the rights and how they ought not to abuse + them, about their being on their oath, that they were the conscience of + society, that the secrecy of the debating-room should be considered + sacred, etc. + </p> + <p> + From the time the president commenced his speech, Maslova watched him + without moving her eyes as if afraid of losing a single word; so that + Nekhludoff was not afraid of meeting her eyes and kept looking at her all + the time. And his mind passed through those phases in which a face which + we have not seen for many years first strikes us with the outward changes + brought about during the time of separation, and then gradually becomes + more and more like its old self, when the changes made by time seem to + disappear, and before our spiritual eyes rises only the principal + expression of one exceptional, unique individuality. Yes, though dressed + in a prison cloak, and in spite of the developed figure, the fulness of + the bosom and lower part of the face, in spite of a few wrinkles on the + forehead and temples and the swollen eyes, this was certainly the same + Katusha who, on that Easter eve, had so innocently looked up to him whom + she loved, with her fond, laughing eyes full of joy and life. + </p> + <p> + “What a strange coincidence that after ten years, during which I never saw + her, this case should have come up today when I am on the jury, and that + it is in the prisoners’ dock that I see her again! And how will it end? + Oh, dear, if they would only get on quicker.” + </p> + <p> + Still he would not give in to the feelings of repentance which began to + arise within him. He tried to consider it all as a coincidence, which + would pass without infringing his manner of life. He felt himself in the + position of a puppy, when its master, taking it by the scruff of its neck, + rubs its nose in the mess it has made. The puppy whines, draws back and + wants to get away as far as possible from the effects of its misdeed, but + the pitiless master does not let go. + </p> + <p> + And so, Nekhludoff, feeling all the repulsiveness of what he had done, + felt also the powerful hand of the Master, but he did not feel the whole + significance of his action yet and would not recognise the Master’s hand. + He did not wish to believe that it was the effect of his deed that lay + before him, but the pitiless hand of the Master held him and he felt he + could not get away. He was still keeping up his courage and sat on his + chair in the first row in his usual self-possessed pose, one leg + carelessly thrown over the other, and playing with his pince-nez. Yet all + the while, in the depths of his soul, he felt the cruelty, cowardice and + baseness, not only of this particular action of his but of his whole + self-willed, depraved, cruel, idle life; and that dreadful veil which had + in some unaccountable manner hidden from him this sin of his and the whole + of his subsequent life was beginning to shake, and he caught glimpses of + what was covered by that veil. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. THE TRIAL—THE VERDICT. + </h2> + <p> + At last the president finished his speech, and lifting the list of + questions with a graceful movement of his arm he handed it to the foreman, + who came up to take it. The jury, glad to be able to get into the + debating-court, got up one after the other and left the room, looking as + if a bit ashamed of themselves and again not knowing what to do with their + hands. As soon as the door was closed behind them a gendarme came up to + it, pulled his sword out of the scabbard, and, holding it up against his + shoulder, stood at the door. The judges got up and went away. The + prisoners were also led out. When the jury came into the debating-room the + first thing they did was to take out their cigarettes, as before, and + begin smoking. The sense of the unnaturalness and falseness of their + position, which all of them had experienced while sitting in their places + in the court, passed when they entered the debating-room and started + smoking, and they settled down with a feeling of relief and at once began + an animated conversation. + </p> + <p> + “‘Tisn’t the girl’s fault. She’s got mixed up in it,” said the kindly + merchant. “We must recommend her to mercy.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just what we are going to consider,” said the foreman. “We must + not give way to our personal impressions.” + </p> + <p> + “The president’s summing up was good,” remarked the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “Good? Why, it nearly sent me to sleep!” + </p> + <p> + “The chief point is that the servants could have known nothing about the + money if Maslova had not been in accord with them,” said the clerk of + Jewish extraction. + </p> + <p> + “Well, do you think that it was she who stole the money?” asked one of the + jury. + </p> + <p> + “I will never believe it,” cried the kindly merchant; “it was all that + red-eyed hag’s doing.” + </p> + <p> + “They are a nice lot, all of them,” said the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “But she says she never went into the room.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, believe her by all means.” + </p> + <p> + “I should not believe that jade, not for the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Whether you believe her or not does not settle the question,” said the + clerk. + </p> + <p> + “The girl had the key,” said the colonel. + </p> + <p> + “What if she had?” retorted the merchant. + </p> + <p> + “And the ring?” + </p> + <p> + “But didn’t she say all about it?” again cried the merchant. “The fellow + had a temper of his own, and had had a drop too much besides, and gave the + girl a licking; what could be simpler? Well, then he’s sorry—quite + naturally. ‘There, never mind,’ says he; ‘take this.’ Why, I heard them + say he was six foot five high; I should think he must have weighed about + 20 stones.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s not the point,” said Peter Gerasimovitch. “The question is, + whether she was the instigator and inciter in this affair, or the + servants?” + </p> + <p> + “It was not possible for the servants to do it alone; she had the key.” + </p> + <p> + This kind of random talk went on for a considerable time. At last the + foreman said: “I beg your pardon, gentlemen, but had we not better take + our places at the table and discuss the matter? Come, please.” And he took + the chair. + </p> + <p> + The questions were expressed in the following manner. + </p> + <p> + 1. Is the peasant of the village Borki, Krapivinskia district, Simeon + Petrov Kartinkin, 33 years of age, guilty of having, in agreement with + other persons, given the merchant Smelkoff, on the 17th January, 188-, in + the town of N——-, with intent to deprive him of life, for the + purpose of robbing him, poisoned brandy, which caused Smelkoff’s death, + and of having stolen from him about 2,500 roubles in money and a diamond + ring? + </p> + <p> + 2. Is the meschanka Euphemia Ivanovna Botchkova, 43 years of age, guilty + of the crimes described above? + </p> + <p> + 3. Is the meschanka Katerina Michaelovna Maslova, 27 years of age, guilty + of the crimes described in the first question? + </p> + <p> + 4. If the prisoner Euphemia Botchkova is not guilty according to the first + question, is she not guilty of having, on the 17th January, in the town of + N——, while in service at the hotel Mauritania, stolen from a + locked portmanteau, belonging to the merchant Smelkoff, a lodger in that + hotel, and which was in the room occupied by him, 2,500 roubles, for which + object she unlocked the portmanteau with a key she brought and fitted to + the lock? + </p> + <p> + The foreman read the first question. + </p> + <p> + “Well, gentlemen, what do you think?” This question was quickly answered. + All agreed to say “Guilty,” as if convinced that Kartinkin had taken part + both in the poisoning and the robbery. An old artelshik, [member of an + artel, an association of workmen, in which the members share profits and + liabilities] whose answers were all in favour of acquittal, was the only + exception. + </p> + <p> + The foreman thought he did not understand, and began to point out to him + that everything tended to prove Kartinkin’s guilt. The old man answered + that he did understand, but still thought it better to have pity on him. + “We are not saints ourselves,” and he kept to his opinion. + </p> + <p> + The answer to the second question concerning Botchkova was, after much + dispute and many exclamations, answered by the words, “Not guilty,” there + being no clear proofs of her having taken part in the poisoning—a + fact her advocate had strongly insisted on. The merchant, anxious to + acquit Maslova, insisted that Botchkova was the chief instigator of it + all. Many of the jury shared this view, but the foreman, wishing to be in + strict accord with the law, declared they had no grounds to consider her + as an accomplice in the poisoning. After much disputing the foreman’s + opinion triumphed. + </p> + <p> + To the fourth question concerning Botchkova the answer was “Guilty.” But + on the artelshik’s insistence she was recommended to mercy. + </p> + <p> + The third question, concerning Maslova, raised a fierce dispute. The + foreman maintained she was guilty both of the poisoning and the theft, to + which the merchant would not agree. The colonel, the clerk and the old + artelshik sided with the merchant, the rest seemed shaky, and the opinion + of the foreman began to gain ground, chiefly because all the jurymen were + getting tired, and preferred to take up the view that would bring them + sooner to a decision and thus liberate them. + </p> + <p> + From all that had passed, and from his former knowledge of Maslova, + Nekhludoff was certain that she was innocent of both the theft and the + poisoning. And he felt sure that all the others would come to the same + conclusion. When he saw that the merchant’s awkward defence (evidently + based on his physical admiration for her, which he did not even try to + hide) and the foreman’s insistence, and especially everybody’s weariness, + were all tending to her condemnation, he longed to state his objections, + yet dared not, lest his relations with Maslova should be discovered. He + felt he could not allow things to go on without stating his objection; + and, blushing and growing pale again, was about to speak when Peter + Gerasimovitch, irritated by the authoritative manner of the foreman, began + to raise his objections and said the very things Nekhludoff was about to + say. + </p> + <p> + “Allow me one moment,” he said. “You seem to think that her having the key + proves she is guilty of the theft; but what could be easier than for the + servants to open the portmanteau with a false key after she was gone?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, of course,” said the merchant. + </p> + <p> + “She could not have taken the money, because in her position she would + hardly know what to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just what I say,” remarked the merchant. + </p> + <p> + “But it is very likely that her coming put the idea into the servants’ + heads and that they grasped the opportunity and shoved all the blame on + her.” Peter Gerasimovitch spoke so irritably that the foreman became + irritated too, and went on obstinately defending the opposite views; but + Peter Gerasimovitch spoke so convincingly that the majority agreed with + him, and decided that Maslova was not guilty of stealing the money and + that the ring was given her. + </p> + <p> + But when the question of her having taken part in the poisoning was + raised, her zealous defender, the merchant, declared that she must be + acquitted, because she could have no reason for the poisoning. The + foreman, however, said that it was impossible to acquit her, because she + herself had pleaded guilty to having given the powder. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but thinking it was opium,” said the merchant. + </p> + <p> + “Opium can also deprive one of life,” said the colonel, who was fond of + wandering from the subject, and he began telling how his brother-in-law’s + wife would have died of an overdose of opium if there had not been a + doctor near at hand to take the necessary measures. The colonel told his + story so impressively, with such self-possession and dignity, that no one + had the courage to interrupt him. Only the clerk, infected by his example, + decided to break in with a story of his own: “There are some who get so + used to it that they can take 40 drops. I have a relative—,” but the + colonel would not stand the interruption, and went on to relate what + effects the opium had on his brother-in-law’s wife. + </p> + <p> + “But, gentlemen, do you know it is getting on towards five o’clock?” said + one of the jury. + </p> + <p> + “Well, gentlemen, what are we to say, then?” inquired the foreman. “Shall + we say she is guilty, but without intent to rob? And without stealing any + property? Will that do?” Peter Gerasimovitch, pleased with his victory, + agreed. + </p> + <p> + “But she must be recommended to mercy,” said the merchant. + </p> + <p> + All agreed; only the old artelshik insisted that they should say “Not + guilty.” + </p> + <p> + “It comes to the same thing,” explained the foreman; “without intent to + rob, and without stealing any property. Therefore, ‘Not guilty,’ that’s + evident.” + </p> + <p> + “All right; that’ll do. And we recommend her to mercy,” said the merchant, + gaily. + </p> + <p> + They were all so tired, so confused by the discussions, that nobody + thought of saying that she was guilty of giving the powder but without the + intent of taking life. Nekhludoff was so excited that he did not notice + this omission, and so the answers were written down in the form agreed + upon and taken to the court. + </p> + <p> + Rabelais says that a lawyer who was trying a case quoted all sorts of + laws, read 20 pages of judicial senseless Latin, and then proposed to the + judges to throw dice, and if the numbers proved odd the defendant would be + right, if not, the plaintiff. + </p> + <p> + It was much the same in this case. The resolution was taken, not because + everybody agreed upon it, but because the president, who had been summing + up at such length, omitted to say what he always said on such occasions, + that the answer might be, “Yes, guilty, but without the intent of taking + life;” because the colonel had related the story of his brother-in-law’s + wife at such great length; because Nekhludoff was too excited to notice + that the proviso “without intent to take life” had been omitted, and + thought that the words “without intent” nullified the conviction; because + Peter Gerasimovitch had retired from the room while the questions and + answers were being read, and chiefly because, being tired, and wishing to + get away as soon as possible, all were ready to agree with the decision + which would bring matters to an end soonest. + </p> + <p> + The jurymen rang the bell. The gendarme who had stood outside the door + with his sword drawn put the sword back into the scabbard and stepped + aside. The judges took their seats and the jury came out one by one. + </p> + <p> + The foreman brought in the paper with an air of solemnity and handed it to + the president, who looked at it, and, spreading out his hands in + astonishment, turned to consult his companions. The president was + surprised that the jury, having put in a proviso—without intent to + rob—did not put in a second proviso—without intent to take + life. From the decision of the jury it followed that Maslova had not + stolen, nor robbed, and yet poisoned a man without any apparent reason. + </p> + <p> + “Just see what an absurd decision they have come to,” he whispered to the + member on his left. “This means penal servitude in Siberia, and she is + innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely you do not mean to say she is innocent?” answered the serious + member. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she is positively innocent. I think this is a case for putting + Article 817 into practice (Article 817 states that if the Court considers + the decision of the jury unjust it may set it aside).” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think?” said the president, turning to the other member. The + kindly member did not answer at once. He looked at the number on a paper + before him and added up the figures; the sum would not divide by three. He + had settled in his mind that if it did divide by three he would agree to + the president’s proposal, but though the sum would not so divide his + kindness made him agree all the same. + </p> + <p> + “I, too, think it should be done,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “And you?” asked the president, turning to the serious member. + </p> + <p> + “On no account,” he answered, firmly. “As it is, the papers accuse the + jury of acquitting prisoners. What will they say if the Court does it? I, + shall not agree to that on any account.” + </p> + <p> + The president looked at his watch. “It is a pity, but what’s to be done?” + and handed the questions to the foreman to read out. All got up, and the + foreman, stepping from foot to foot, coughed, and read the questions and + the answers. All the Court, secretary, advocates, and even the public + prosecutor, expressed surprise. The prisoners sat impassive, evidently not + understanding the meaning of the answers. Everybody sat down again, and + the president asked the prosecutor what punishments the prisoners were to + be subjected to. + </p> + <p> + The prosecutor, glad of his unexpected success in getting Maslova + convicted, and attributing the success entirely to his own eloquence, + looked up the necessary information, rose and said: “With Simeon Kartinkin + I should deal according to Statute 1,452 paragraph 93. Euphemia Botchkova + according to Statute . . ., etc. Katerina Maslova according to Statute . . + ., etc.” + </p> + <p> + All three punishments were the heaviest that could be inflicted. + </p> + <p> + “The Court will adjourn to consider the sentence,” said the president, + rising. Everybody rose after him, and with the pleasant feeling of a task + well done began to leave the room or move about in it. + </p> + <p> + “D’you know, sirs, we have made a shameful hash of it?” said Peter + Gerasimovitch, approaching Nekhludoff, to whom the foreman was relating + something. “Why, we’ve got her to Siberia.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you saying?” exclaimed Nekhludoff. This time he did not notice + the teacher’s familiarity. + </p> + <p> + “Why, we did not put in our answer ‘Guilty, but without intent of causing + death.’ The secretary just told me the public prosecutor is for condemning + her to 15 years’ penal servitude.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but it was decided so,” said the foreman. + </p> + <p> + Peter Gerasimovitch began to dispute this, saying that since she did not + take the money it followed naturally that she could not have had any + intention of committing murder. + </p> + <p> + “But I read the answer before going out,” said the foreman, defending + himself, “and nobody objected.” + </p> + <p> + “I had just then gone out of the room,” said Peter Gerasimovitch, turning + to Nekhludoff, “and your thoughts must have been wool-gathering to let the + thing pass.” + </p> + <p> + “I never imagined this,” Nekhludoff replied. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you didn’t?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well, we can get it put right,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear no; it’s finished.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff looked at the prisoners. They whose fate was being decided + still sat motionless behind the grating in front of the soldiers. Maslova + was smiling. Another feeling stirred in Nekhludoff’s soul. Up to now, + expecting her acquittal and thinking she would remain in the town, he was + uncertain how to act towards her. Any kind of relations with her would be + so very difficult. But Siberia and penal servitude at once cut off every + possibility of any kind of relations with her. The wounded bird would stop + struggling in the game-bag, and no longer remind him of its existence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. THE TRIAL—THE SENTENCE. + </h2> + <p> + Peter Gerasimovitch’s assumption was correct. The president came back from + the debating room with a paper, and read as follows:—“April 28th, + 188-. By His Imperial Majesty’s ukase No. ——- The Criminal + Court, on the strength of the decision of the jury, in accordance with + Section 3 of Statute 771, Section 3 of Statutes 770 and 777, decrees that + the peasant, Simeon Kartinkin, 33 years of age, and the meschanka Katerina + Maslova, 27 years of age, are to be deprived of all property rights and to + be sent to penal servitude in Siberia, Kartinkin for eight, Maslova for + four years, with the consequences stated in Statute 25 of the code. The + meschanka Botchkova, 43 years of age, to be deprived of all special + personal and acquired rights, and to be imprisoned for three years with + consequences in accord with Statute 48 of the code. The costs of the case + to be borne equally by the prisoners; and, in the case of their being + without sufficient property, the costs to be transferred to the Treasury. + Articles of material evidence to be sold, the ring to be returned, the + phials destroyed.” Botchkova was condemned to prison, Simeon Kartinken and + Katerina Maslova to the loss of all special rights and privileges and to + penal servitude in Siberia, he for eight and she for four years. + </p> + <p> + Kartinkin stood holding his arms close to his sides and moving his lips. + Botchkova seemed perfectly calm. Maslova, when she heard the sentence, + blushed scarlet. “I’m not guilty, not guilty!” she suddenly cried, so that + it resounded through the room. “It is a sin! I am not guilty! I never + wished—I never thought! It is the truth I am saying—the + truth!” and sinking on the bench she burst into tears and sobbed aloud. + When Kartinkin and Botchkova went out she still sat crying, so that a + gendarme had to touch the sleeve of her cloak. + </p> + <p> + “No; it is impossible to leave it as it is,” said Nekhludoff to himself, + utterly forgetting his bad thoughts. He did not know why he wished to look + at her once more, but hurried out into the corridor. There was quite a + crowd at the door. The advocates and jury were going out, pleased to have + finished the business, and he was obliged to wait a few seconds, and when + he at last got out into the corridor she was far in front. He hurried + along the corridor after her, regardless of the attention he was arousing, + caught her up, passed her, and stopped. She had ceased crying and only + sobbed, wiping her red, discoloured face with the end of the kerchief on + her head. She passed without noticing him. Then he hurried back to see the + president. The latter had already left the court, and Nekhludoff followed + him into the lobby and went up to him just as he had put on his light grey + overcoat and was taking the silver-mounted walking-stick which an + attendant was handing him. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, may I have a few words with you concerning some business I have just + decided upon?” said Nekhludoff. “I am one of the jury.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, certainly, Prince Nekhludoff. I shall be delighted. I think we have + met before,” said the president, pressing Nekhludoff’s hand and recalling + with pleasure the evening when he first met Nekhludoff, and when he had + danced so gaily, better than all the young people. “What can I do for + you?” + </p> + <p> + “There is a mistake in the answer concerning Maslova. She is not guilty of + the poisoning and yet she is condemned to penal servitude,” said + Nekhludoff, with a preoccupied and gloomy air. + </p> + <p> + “The Court passed the sentence in accordance with the answers you + yourselves gave,” said the president, moving towards the front door; + “though they did not seem to be quite in accord.” And he remembered that + he had been going to explain to the jury that a verdict of “guilty” meant + guilty of intentional murder unless the words “without intent to take + life” were added, but had, in his hurry to get the business over, omitted + to do so. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but could not the mistake be rectified?” + </p> + <p> + “A reason for an appeal can always be found. You will have to speak to an + advocate,” said the president, putting on his hat a little to one side and + continuing to move towards the door. + </p> + <p> + “But this is terrible.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you see, there were two possibilities before Maslova,” said the + president, evidently wishing to be as polite and pleasant to Nekhludoff as + he could. Then, having arranged his whiskers over his coat collar, he put + his hand lightly under Nekhludoff’s elbow, and, still directing his steps + towards the front door, he said, “You are going, too?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Nekhludoff, quickly getting his coat, and following him. + </p> + <p> + They went out into the bright, merry sunlight, and had to raise their + voices because of the rattling of the wheels on the pavement. + </p> + <p> + “The situation is a curious one, you see,” said the president; “what lay + before this Maslova was one of two things: either to be almost acquitted + and only imprisoned for a short time, or, taking the preliminary + confinement into consideration, perhaps not at all—or Siberia. There + is nothing between. Had you but added the words, ‘without intent to cause + death,’ she would have been acquitted.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it was inexcusable of me to omit that,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “That’s where the whole matter lies,” said the president, with a smile, + and looked at his watch. He had only three-quarters of an hour left before + the time appointed by his Clara would elapse. + </p> + <p> + “Now, if you like to speak to the advocates you’ll have to find a reason + for an appeal; that can be easily done.” Then, turning to an isvostchik, + he called out, “To the Dvoryanskaya 30 copecks; I never give more.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, your honour; here you are.” + </p> + <p> + “Good-afternoon. If I can be of any use, my address is House Dvornikoff, + on the Dvoryanskaya; it’s easy to remember.” And he bowed in a friendly + manner as he got into the trap and drove off. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. NEKHLUDOFF CONSULTS AN ADVOCATE. + </h2> + <p> + His conversation with the president and the fresh air quieted Nekhludoff a + little. He now thought that the feelings experienced by him had been + exaggerated by the unusual surroundings in which he had spent the whole of + the morning, and by that wonderful and startling coincidence. Still, it + was absolutely necessary to take some steps to lighten Maslova’s fate, and + to take them quickly. “Yes, at once! It will be best to find out here in + the court where the advocate Fanarin or Mikishin lives.” These were two + well-known advocates whom Nekhludoff called to mind. He returned to the + court, took off his overcoat, and went upstairs. In the first corridor he + met Fanarin himself. He stopped him, and told him that he was just going + to look him up on a matter of business. + </p> + <p> + Fanarin knew Nekhludoff by sight and name, and said he would be very glad + to be of service to him. + </p> + <p> + “Though I am rather tired, still, if your business will not take very + long, perhaps you might tell me what it is now. Will you step in here?” + And he led Nekhludoff into a room, probably some judge’s cabinet. They sat + down by the table. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and what is your business?” + </p> + <p> + “First of all, I must ask you to keep the business private. I do not want + it known that I take an interest in the affair.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that of course. Well?” + </p> + <p> + “I was on the jury to-day, and we have condemned a woman to Siberia, an + innocent woman. This bothers me very much.” Nekhludoff, to his own + surprise, blushed and became confused. Fanarin glanced at him rapidly, and + looked down again, listening. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “We have condemned a woman, and I should like to appeal to a higher + court.” + </p> + <p> + “To the Senate, you mean,” said Fanarin, correcting him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and I should like to ask you to take the case in hand.” Nekhludoff + wanted to get the most difficult part over, and added, “I shall take the + costs of the case on myself, whatever they may be.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we shall settle all that,” said the advocate, smiling with + condescension at Nekhludoff’s inexperience in these matters. “What is the + case?” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff stated what had happened. + </p> + <p> + “All right. I shall look the case through to-morrow or the day after—no—better + on Thursday. If you will come to me at six o’clock I will give you an + answer. Well, and now let us go; I have to make a few inquiries here.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff took leave of him and went out. This talk with the advocate, + and the fact that he had taken measures for Maslova’s defence, quieted him + still further. He went out into the street. The weather was beautiful, and + he joyfully drew in a long breath of spring air. He was at once surrounded + by isvostchiks offering their services, but he went on foot. A whole swarm + of pictures and memories of Katusha and his conduct to her began whirling + in his brain, and he felt depressed and everything appeared gloomy. “No, I + shall consider all this later on; I must now get rid of all these + disagreeable impressions,” he thought to himself. + </p> + <p> + He remembered the Korchagin’s dinner and looked at his watch. It was not + yet too late to get there in time. He heard the ring of a passing tramcar, + ran to catch it, and jumped on. He jumped off again when they got to the + market-place, took a good isvostchik, and ten minutes later was at the + entrance of the Korchagins’ big house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. THE HOUSE OF KORCHAGIN. + </h2> + <p> + “Please to walk in, your excellency,” said the friendly, fat doorkeeper of + the Korchagins’ big house, opening the door, which moved noiselessly on + its patent English hinges; “you are expected. They are at dinner. My + orders were to admit only you.” The doorkeeper went as far as the + staircase and rang. + </p> + <p> + “Are there any strangers?” asked Nekhludoff, taking off his overcoat. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Kolosoff and Michael Sergeivitch only, besides the family.” + </p> + <p> + A very handsome footman with whiskers, in a swallow-tail coat and white + gloves, looked down from the landing. + </p> + <p> + “Please to walk up, your excellency,” he said. “You are expected.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff went up and passed through the splendid large dancing-room, + which he knew so well, into the dining-room. There the whole Korchagin + family—except the mother, Sophia Vasilievna, who never left her + cabinet—were sitting round the table. At the head of the table sat + old Korchagin; on his left the doctor, and on his right, a visitor, Ivan + Ivanovitch Kolosoff, a former Marechal de Noblesse, now a bank director, + Korchagin’s friend and a Liberal. Next on the left side sat Miss Rayner, + the governess of Missy’s little sister, and the four-year-old girl + herself. Opposite them, Missy’s brother, Petia, the only son of the + Korchagins, a public-school boy of the Sixth Class. It was because of his + examinations that the whole family were still in town. Next to him sat a + University student who was coaching him, and Missy’s cousin, Michael + Sergeivitch Telegin, generally called Misha; opposite him, Katerina + Alexeevna, a 40-year-old maiden lady, a Slavophil; and at the foot of the + table sat Missy herself, with an empty place by her side. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that’s right! Sit down. We are still at the fish,” said old Korchagin + with difficulty, chewing carefully with his false teeth, and lifting his + bloodshot eyes (which had no visible lids to them) to Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Stephen!” he said, with his mouth full, addressing the stout, dignified + butler, and pointing with his eyes to the empty place. Though Nekhludoff + knew Korchagin very well, and had often seen him at dinner, to-day this + red face with the sensual smacking lips, the fat neck above the napkin + stuck into his waistcoat, and the whole over-fed military figure, struck + him very disagreeably. Then Nekhludoff remembered, without wishing to, + what he knew of the cruelty of this man, who, when in command, used to + have men flogged, and even hanged, without rhyme or reason, simply because + he was rich and had no need to curry favour. + </p> + <p> + “Immediately, your excellency,” said Stephen, getting a large soup ladle + out of the sideboard, which was decorated with a number of silver vases. + He made a sign with his head to the handsome footman, who began at once to + arrange the untouched knives and forks and the napkin, elaborately folded + with the embroidered family crest uppermost, in front of the empty place + next to Missy. Nekhludoff went round shaking hands with every one, and + all, except old Korchagin and the ladies, rose when he approached. And + this walk round the table, this shaking the hands of people, with many of + whom he never talked, seemed unpleasant and odd. He excused himself for + being late, and was about to sit down between Missy and Katerina + Alexeevna, but old Korchagin insisted that if he would not take a glass of + vodka he should at least take a bit of something to whet his appetite, at + the side table, on which stood small dishes of lobster, caviare, cheese, + and salt herrings. Nekhludoff did not know how hungry he was until he + began to eat, and then, having taken some bread and cheese, he went on + eating eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, have you succeeded in undermining the basis of society?” asked + Kolosoff, ironically quoting an expression used by a retrograde newspaper + in attacking trial by jury. “Acquitted the culprits and condemned the + innocent, have you?” + </p> + <p> + “Undermining the basis—undermining the basis,” repeated Prince + Korchagin, laughing. He had a firm faith in the wisdom and learning of his + chosen friend and companion. + </p> + <p> + At the risk of seeming rude, Nekhludoff left Kolosoff’s question + unanswered, and sitting down to his steaming soup, went on eating. + </p> + <p> + “Do let him eat,” said Missy, with a smile. The pronoun him she used as a + reminder of her intimacy with Nekhludoff. Kolosoff went on in a loud voice + and lively manner to give the contents of the article against trial by + jury which had aroused his indignation. Missy’s cousin, Michael + Sergeivitch, endorsed all his statements, and related the contents of + another article in the same paper. Missy was, as usual, very distinguee, + and well, unobtrusively well, dressed. + </p> + <p> + “You must be terribly tired,” she said, after waiting until Nekhludoff had + swallowed what was in his mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Not particularly. And you? Have you been to look at the pictures?” he + asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, we put that off. We have been playing tennis at the Salamatoffs’. It + is quite true, Mr. Crooks plays remarkably well.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff had come here in order to distract his thoughts, for he used to + like being in this house, both because its refined luxury had a pleasant + effect on him and because of the atmosphere of tender flattery that + unobtrusively surrounded him. But to-day everything in the house was + repulsive to him—everything: beginning with the doorkeeper, the + broad staircase, the flowers, the footman, the table decorations, up to + Missy herself, who to-day seemed unattractive and affected. Kolosoff’s + self-assured, trivial tone of liberalism was unpleasant, as was also the + sensual, self-satisfied, bull-like appearance of old Korchagin, and the + French phrases of Katerina Alexeevna, the Slavophil. The constrained looks + of the governess and the student were unpleasant, too, but most unpleasant + of all was the pronoun <i>him</i> that Missy had used. Nekhludoff had long + been wavering between two ways of regarding Missy; sometimes he looked at + her as if by moonlight, and could see in her nothing but what was + beautiful, fresh, pretty, clever and natural; then suddenly, as if the + bright sun shone on her, he saw her defects and could not help seeing + them. This was such a day for him. To-day he saw all the wrinkles of her + face, knew which of her teeth were false, saw the way her hair was + crimped, the sharpness of her elbows, and, above all, how large her + thumb-nail was and how like her father’s. + </p> + <p> + “Tennis is a dull game,” said Kolosoff; “we used to play lapta when we + were children. That was much more amusing.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, you never tried it; it’s awfully interesting,” said Missy, + laying, it seemed to Nekhludoff, a very affected stress on the word + “awfully.” Then a dispute arose in which Michael Sergeivitch, Katerina + Alexeevna and all the others took part, except the governess, the student + and the children, who sat silent and wearied. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, these everlasting disputes!” said old Korchagin, laughing, and he + pulled the napkin out of his waistcoat, noisily pushed back his chair, + which the footman instantly caught hold of, and left the table. + </p> + <p> + Everybody rose after him, and went up to another table on which stood + glasses of scented water. They rinsed their mouths, then resumed the + conversation, interesting to no one. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you think so?” said Missy to Nekhludoff, calling for a confirmation + of the statement that nothing shows up a man’s character like a game. She + noticed that preoccupied and, as it seemed to her, dissatisfied look which + she feared, and she wanted to find out what had caused it. + </p> + <p> + “Really, I can’t tell; I have never thought about it,” Nekhludoff + answered. + </p> + <p> + “Will you come to mamma?” asked Missy. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” he said, in a tone which plainly proved that he did not want + to go, and took out a cigarette. + </p> + <p> + She looked at him in silence, with a questioning look, and he felt + ashamed. “To come into a house and give the people the dumps,” he thought + about himself; then, trying to be amiable, said that he would go with + pleasure if the princess would admit him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! Mamma will be pleased. You may smoke there; and Ivan Ivanovitch + is also there.” + </p> + <p> + The mistress of the house, Princess Sophia Vasilievna, was a recumbent + lady. It was the eighth year that, when visitors were present, she lay in + lace and ribbons, surrounded with velvet, gilding, ivory, bronze, lacquer + and flowers, never going out, and only, as she put it, receiving intimate + friends, i.e., those who according to her idea stood out from the common + herd. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was admitted into the number of these friends because he was + considered clever, because his mother had been an intimate friend of the + family, and because it was desirable that Missy should marry him. + </p> + <p> + Sophia Vasilievna’s room lay beyond the large and the small drawing-rooms. + In the large drawing-room, Missy, who was in front of Nekhludoff, stopped + resolutely, and taking hold of the back of a small green chair, faced him. + </p> + <p> + Missy was very anxious to get married, and as he was a suitable match and + she also liked him, she had accustomed herself to the thought that he + should be hers (not she his). To lose him would be very mortifying. She + now began talking to him in order to get him to explain his intentions. + </p> + <p> + “I see something has happened,” she said. “Tell me, what is the matter + with you?” + </p> + <p> + He remembered the meeting in the law court, and frowned and blushed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, something has happened,” he said, wishing to be truthful; “a very + unusual and serious event.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, then? Can you not tell me what it is?” She was pursuing her + aim with that unconscious yet obstinate cunning often observable in the + mentally diseased. + </p> + <p> + “Not now. Please do not ask me to tell you. I have not yet had time fully + to consider it,” and he blushed still more. + </p> + <p> + “And so you will not tell me?” A muscle twitched in her face and she + pushed back the chair she was holding. “Well then, come!” She shook her + head as if to expel useless thoughts, and, faster than usual, went on in + front of him. + </p> + <p> + He fancied that her mouth was unnaturally compressed in order to keep back + the tears. He was ashamed of having hurt her, and yet he knew that the + least weakness on his part would mean disaster, i.e., would bind him to + her. And to-day he feared this more than anything, and silently followed + her to the princess’s cabinet. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. MISSY’S MOTHER. + </h2> + <p> + Princess Sophia Vasilievna, Missy’s mother, had finished her very + elaborate and nourishing dinner. (She had it always alone, that no one + should see her performing this unpoetical function.) By her couch stood a + small table with her coffee, and she was smoking a pachitos. Princess + Sophia Vasilievna was a long, thin woman, with dark hair, large black eyes + and long teeth, and still pretended to be young. + </p> + <p> + Her intimacy with the doctor was being talked about. Nekhludoff had known + that for some time; but when he saw the doctor sitting by her couch, his + oily, glistening beard parted in the middle, he not only remembered the + rumours about them, but felt greatly disgusted. By the table, on a low, + soft, easy chair, next to Sophia Vasilievna, sat Kolosoff, stirring his + coffee. A glass of liqueur stood on the table. Missy came in with + Nekhludoff, but did not remain in the room. + </p> + <p> + “When mamma gets tired of you and drives you away, then come to me,” she + said, turning to Kolosoff and Nekhludoff, speaking as if nothing had + occurred; then she went away, smiling merrily and stepping noiselessly on + the thick carpet. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, dear friend? Sit down and talk,” said Princess Sophia + Vasilievna, with her affected but very naturally-acted smile, showing her + fine, long teeth—a splendid imitation of what her own had once been. + “I hear that you have come from the Law Courts very much depressed. I + think it must be very trying to a person with a heart,” she added in + French. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is so,” said Nekhludoff. “One often feels one’s own de—one + feels one has no right to judge.” + </p> + <p> + “Comme, c’est vrai,” she cried, as if struck by the truth of this remark. + She was in the habit of artfully flattering all those with whom she + conversed. “Well, and what of your picture? It does interest me so. If I + were not such a sad invalid I should have been to see it long ago,” she + said. + </p> + <p> + “I have quite given it up,” Nekhludoff replied drily. The falseness of her + flattery seemed as evident to him to-day as her age, which she was trying + to conceal, and he could not put himself into the right state to behave + politely. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that <i>is</i> a pity! Why, he has a real talent for art; I have it + from Repin’s own lips,” she added, turning to Kolosoff. + </p> + <p> + “Why is it she is not ashamed of lying so?” Nekhludoff thought, and + frowned. + </p> + <p> + When she had convinced herself that Nekhludoff was in a bad temper and + that one could not get him into an agreeable and clever conversation, + Sophia Vasilievna turned to Kolosoff, asking his opinion of a new play. + She asked it in a tone as if Kolosoff’s opinion would decide all doubts, + and each word of this opinion be worthy of being immortalised. Kolosoff + found fault both with the play and its author, and that led him to express + his views on art. Princess Sophia Vasilievna, while trying at the same + time to defend the play, seemed impressed by the truth of his arguments, + either giving in at once, or at least modifying her opinion. Nekhludoff + looked and listened, but neither saw nor heard what was going on before + him. + </p> + <p> + Listening now to Sophia Vasilievna, now to Kolosoff, Nekhludoff noticed + that neither he nor she cared anything about the play or each other, and + that if they talked it was only to gratify the physical desire to move the + muscles of the throat and tongue after having eaten; and that Kolosoff, + having drunk vodka, wine and liqueur, was a little tipsy. Not tipsy like + the peasants who drink seldom, but like people to whom drinking wine has + become a habit. He did not reel about or talk nonsense, but he was in a + state that was not normal; excited and self-satisfied. Nekhludoff also + noticed that during the conversation Princess Sophia Vasilievna kept + glancing uneasily at the window, through which a slanting ray of sunshine, + which might vividly light up her aged face, was beginning to creep up. + </p> + <p> + “How true,” she said in reference to some remark of Kolosoff’s, touching + the button of an electric bell by the side of her couch. The doctor rose, + and, like one who is at home, left the room without saying anything. + Sophia Vasilievna followed him with her eyes and continued the + conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Please, Philip, draw these curtains,” she said, pointing to the window, + when the handsome footman came in answer to the bell. “No; whatever you + may say, there is some mysticism in him; without mysticism there can be no + poetry,” she said, with one of her black eyes angrily following the + footman’s movements as he was drawing the curtains. “Without poetry, + mysticism is superstition; without mysticism, poetry is—prose,” she + continued, with a sorrowful smile, still not losing sight of the footman + and the curtains. “Philip, not that curtain; the one on the large window,” + she exclaimed, in a suffering tone. Sophia Vasilievna was evidently + pitying herself for having to make the effort of saying these words; and, + to soothe her feelings, she raised to her lips a scented, smoking + cigarette with her jewel-bedecked fingers. + </p> + <p> + The broad-chested, muscular, handsome Philip bowed slightly, as if begging + pardon; and stepping lightly across the carpet with his broad-calved, + strong, legs, obediently and silently went to the other window, and, + looking at the princess, carefully began to arrange the curtain so that + not a single ray dared fall on her. But again he did not satisfy her, and + again she had to interrupt the conversation about mysticism, and correct + in a martyred tone the unintelligent Philip, who was tormenting her so + pitilessly. For a moment a light flashed in Philip’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + “‘The devil take you! What do you want?’ was probably what he said to + himself,” thought Nekhludoff, who had been observing all this scene. But + the strong, handsome Philip at once managed to conceal the signs of his + impatience, and went on quietly carrying out the orders of the worn, weak, + false Sophia Vasilievna. + </p> + <p> + “Of course, there is a good deal of truth in Lombroso’s teaching,” said + Kolosoff, lolling back in the low chair and looking at Sophia Vasilievna + with sleepy eyes; “but he over-stepped the mark. Oh, yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And you? Do you believe in heredity?” asked Sophia Vasilievna, turning to + Nekhludoff, whose silence annoyed her. “In heredity?” he asked. “No, I + don’t.” At this moment his whole mind was taken up by strange images that + in some unaccountable way rose up in his imagination. By the side of this + strong and handsome Philip he seemed at this minute to see the nude figure + of Kolosoff as an artist’s model; with his stomach like a melon, his bald + head, and his arms without muscle, like pestles. In the same dim way the + limbs of Sophia Vasilievna, now covered with silks and velvets, rose up in + his mind as they must be in reality; but this mental picture was too + horrid and he tried to drive it away. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know Missy is waiting for you,” she said. “Go and find her. She + wants to play a new piece by Grieg to you; it is most interesting.” + </p> + <p> + “She did not mean to play anything; the woman is simply lying, for some + reason or other,” thought Nekhludoff, rising and pressing Sophia + Vasilievna’s transparent and bony, ringed hand. + </p> + <p> + Katerina Alexeevna met him in the drawing-room, and at once began, in + French, as usual: + </p> + <p> + “I see the duties of a juryman act depressingly upon you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; pardon me, I am in low spirits to-day, and have no right to weary + others by my presence,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Why are you in low spirits?” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me not to speak about that,” he said, looking round for his hat. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you remember how you used to say that we must always tell the + truth? And what cruel truths you used to tell us all! Why do you not wish + to speak out now? Don’t you remember, Missy?” she said, turning to Missy, + who had just come in. + </p> + <p> + “We were playing a game then,” said Nekhludoff, seriously; “one may tell + the truth in a game, but in reality we are so bad—I mean I am so bad—that + I, at least, cannot tell the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, do not correct yourself, but rather tell us why <i>we</i> are so + bad,” said Katerina Alexeevna, playing with her words and pretending not + to notice how serious Nekhludoff was. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing is worse than to confess to being in low spirits,” said Missy. “I + never do it, and therefore am always in good spirits.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff felt as a horse must feel when it is being caressed to make it + submit to having the bit put in its mouth and be harnessed, and to-day he + felt less than ever inclined to draw. + </p> + <p> + “Well, are you coming into my room? We will try to cheer you up.” + </p> + <p> + He excused himself, saying he had to be at home, and began taking leave. + Missy kept his hand longer than usual. + </p> + <p> + “Remember that what is important to you is important to your friends,” she + said. “Are you coming tomorrow?” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly expect to,” said Nekhludoff; and feeling ashamed, without + knowing whether for her or for himself, he blushed and went away. + </p> + <p> + “What is it? <i>Comme cela m’intrigue</i>,” said Katerina Alexeevna. “I + must find it out. I suppose it is some <i>affaire d’amour propre; il est + tres susceptible, notre cher Mitia</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Plutot une affaire d’amour sale</i>,” Missy was going to say, but + stopped and looked down with a face from which all the light had gone—a + very different face from the one with which she had looked at him. She + would not mention to Katerina Alexeevna even, so vulgar a pun, but only + said, “We all have our good and our bad days.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible that he, too, will deceive?” she thought; “after all that + has happened it would be very bad of him.” + </p> + <p> + If Missy had had to explain what she meant by “after all that has + happened,” she could have said nothing definite, and yet she knew that he + had not only excited her hopes but had almost given her a promise. No + definite words had passed between them—only looks and smiles and + hints; and yet she considered him as her own, and to lose him would be + very hard. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. THE AWAKENING. + </h2> + <p> + “Shameful and stupid, horrid and shameful!” Nekhludoff kept saying to + himself, as he walked home along the familiar streets. The depression he + had felt whilst speaking to Missy would not leave him. He felt that, + looking at it externally, as it were, he was in the right, for he had + never said anything to her that could be considered binding, never made + her an offer; but he knew that in reality he had bound himself to her, had + promised to be hers. And yet to-day he felt with his whole being that he + could not marry her. + </p> + <p> + “Shameful and horrid, horrid and shameful!” he repeated to himself, with + reference not only to his relations with Missy but also to the rest. + “Everything is horrid and shameful,” he muttered, as he stepped into the + porch of his house. “I am not going to have any supper,” he said to his + manservant Corney, who followed him into the dining-room, where the cloth + was laid for supper and tea. “You may go.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said Corney, yet he did not go, but began clearing the supper + off the table. Nekhludoff looked at Corney with a feeling of ill-will. He + wished to be left alone, and it seemed to him that everybody was bothering + him in order to spite him. When Corney had gone away with the supper + things, Nekhludoff moved to the tea urn and was about to make himself some + tea, but hearing Agraphena Petrovna’s footsteps, he went hurriedly into + the drawing-room, to avoid being seen by her, and shut the door after him. + In this drawing-room his mother had died three months before. On entering + the room, in which two lamps with reflectors were burning, one lighting up + his father’s and the other his mother’s portrait, he remembered what his + last relations with his mother had been. And they also seemed shameful and + horrid. He remembered how, during the latter period of her illness, he had + simply wished her to die. He had said to himself that he wished it for her + sake, that she might be released from her suffering, but in reality he + wished to be released from the sight of her sufferings for his own sake. + </p> + <p> + Trying to recall a pleasant image of her, he went up to look at her + portrait, painted by a celebrated artist for 800 roubles. She was depicted + in a very low-necked black velvet dress. There was something very + revolting and blasphemous in this representation of his mother as a + half-nude beauty. It was all the more disgusting because three months ago, + in this very room, lay this same woman, dried up to a mummy. And he + remembered how a few days before her death she clasped his hand with her + bony, discoloured fingers, looked into his eyes, and said: “Do not judge + me, Mitia, if I have not done what I should,” and how the tears came into + her eyes, grown pale with suffering. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, how horrid!” he said to himself, looking up once more at the + half-naked woman, with the splendid marble shoulders and arms, and the + triumphant smile on her lips. “Oh, how horrid!” The bared shoulders of the + portrait reminded him of another, a young woman, whom he had seen exposed + in the same way a few days before. It was Missy, who had devised an excuse + for calling him into her room just as she was ready to go to a ball, so + that he should see her in her ball dress. It was with disgust that he + remembered her fine shoulders and arms. “And that father of hers, with his + doubtful past and his cruelties, and the bel-esprit her mother, with her + doubtful reputation.” All this disgusted him, and also made him feel + ashamed. “Shameful and horrid; horrid and shameful!” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” he thought; “freedom from all these false relations with the + Korchagins and Mary Vasilievna and the inheritance and from all the rest + must be got. Oh, to breathe freely, to go abroad, to Rome and work at my + picture!” He remembered the doubts he had about his talent for art. “Well, + never mind; only just to breathe freely. First Constantinople, then Rome. + Only just to get through with this jury business, and arrange with the + advocate first.” + </p> + <p> + Then suddenly there arose in his mind an extremely vivid picture of a + prisoner with black, slightly-squinting eyes, and how she began to cry + when the last words of the prisoners had been heard; and he hurriedly put + out his cigarette, pressing it into the ash-pan, lit another, and began + pacing up and down the room. One after another the scenes he had lived + through with her rose in his mind. He recalled that last interview with + her. He remembered the white dress and blue sash, the early mass. “Why, I + loved her, really loved her with a good, pure love, that night; I loved + her even before: yes, I loved her when I lived with my aunts the first + time and was writing my composition.” And he remembered himself as he had + been then. A breath of that freshness, youth and fulness of life seemed to + touch him, and he grew painfully sad. The difference between what he had + been then and what he was now, was enormous—just as great, if not + greater than the difference between Katusha in church that night, and the + prostitute who had been carousing with the merchant and whom they judged + this morning. Then he was free and fearless, and innumerable possibilities + lay ready to open before him; now he felt himself caught in the meshes of + a stupid, empty, valueless, frivolous life, out of which he saw no means + of extricating himself even if he wished to, which he hardly did. He + remembered how proud he was at one time of his straightforwardness, how he + had made a rule of always speaking the truth, and really had been + truthful; and how he was now sunk deep in lies: in the most dreadful of + lies—lies considered as the truth by all who surrounded him. And, as + far as he could see, there was no way out of these lies. He had sunk in + the mire, got used to it, indulged himself in it. + </p> + <p> + How was he to break off his relations with Mary Vasilievna and her husband + in such a way as to be able to look him and his children in the eyes? How + disentangle himself from Missy? How choose between the two opposites—the + recognition that holding land was unjust and the heritage from his mother? + How atone for his sin against Katusha? This last, at any rate, could not + be left as it was. He could not abandon a woman he had loved, and satisfy + himself by paying money to an advocate to save her from hard labour in + Siberia. She had not even deserved hard labour. Atone for a fault by + paying money? Had he not then, when he gave her the money, thought he was + atoning for his fault? + </p> + <p> + And he clearly recalled to mind that moment when, having caught her up in + the passage, he thrust the money into her bib and ran away. “Oh, that + money!” he thought with the same horror and disgust he had then felt. “Oh, + dear! oh, dear! how disgusting,” he cried aloud as he had done then. “Only + a scoundrel, a knave, could do such a thing. And I am that knave, that + scoundrel!” He went on aloud: “But is it possible?”—he stopped and + stood still—“is it possible that I am really a scoundrel? . . . + Well, who but I?” he answered himself. “And then, is this the only thing?” + he went on, convicting himself. “Was not my conduct towards Mary + Vasilievna and her husband base and disgusting? And my position with + regard to money? To use riches considered by me unlawful on the plea that + they are inherited from my mother? And the whole of my idle, detestable + life? And my conduct towards Katusha to crown all? Knave and scoundrel! + Let men judge me as they like, I can deceive them; but myself I cannot + deceive.” + </p> + <p> + And, suddenly, he understood that the aversion he had lately, and + particularly to-day, felt for everybody—the Prince and Sophia + Vasilievna and Corney and Missy—was an aversion for himself. And, + strange to say, in this acknowledgement of his baseness there was + something painful yet joyful and quieting. + </p> + <p> + More than once in Nekhludoff’s life there had been what he called a + “cleansing of the soul.” By “cleansing of the soul” he meant a state of + mind in which, after a long period of sluggish inner life, a total + cessation of its activity, he began to clear out all the rubbish that had + accumulated in his soul, and was the cause of the cessation of the true + life. His soul needed cleansing as a watch does. After such an awakening + Nekhludoff always made some rules for himself which he meant to follow + forever after, wrote his diary, and began afresh a life which he hoped + never to change again. “Turning over a new leaf,” he called it to himself + in English. But each time the temptations of the world entrapped him, and + without noticing it he fell again, often lower than before. + </p> + <p> + Thus he had several times in his life raised and cleansed himself. The + first time this happened was during the summer he spent with his aunts; + that was his most vital and rapturous awakening, and its effects had + lasted some time. Another awakening was when he gave up civil service and + joined the army at war time, ready to sacrifice his life. But here the + choking-up process was soon accomplished. Then an awakening came when he + left the army and went abroad, devoting himself to art. + </p> + <p> + From that time until this day a long period had elapsed without any + cleansing, and therefore the discord between the demands of his conscience + and the life he was leading was greater than it had ever been before. He + was horror-struck when he saw how great the divergence was. It was so + great and the defilement so complete that he despaired of the possibility + of getting cleansed. “Have you not tried before to perfect yourself and + become better, and nothing has come of it?” whispered the voice of the + tempter within. “What is the use of trying any more? Are you the only one?—All + are alike, such is life,” whispered the voice. But the free spiritual + being, which alone is true, alone powerful, alone eternal, had already + awakened in Nekhludoff, and he could not but believe it. Enormous though + the distance was between what he wished to be and what he was, nothing + appeared insurmountable to the newly-awakened spiritual being. + </p> + <p> + “At any cost I will break this lie which binds me and confess everything, + and will tell everybody the truth, and act the truth,” he said resolutely, + aloud. “I shall tell Missy the truth, tell her I am a profligate and + cannot marry her, and have only uselessly upset her. I shall tell Mary + Vasilievna. . . Oh, there is nothing to tell her. I shall tell her husband + that I, scoundrel that I am, have been deceiving him. I shall dispose of + the inheritance in such a way as to acknowledge the truth. I shall tell + her, Katusha, that I am a scoundrel and have sinned towards her, and will + do all I can to ease her lot. Yes, I will see her, and will ask her to + forgive me. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will beg her pardon, as children do.” . . . He stopped—-“will + marry her if necessary.” He stopped again, folded his hands in front of + his breast as he used to do when a little child, lifted his eyes, and + said, addressing some one: “Lord, help me, teach me, come enter within me + and purify me of all this abomination.” + </p> + <p> + He prayed, asking God to help him, to enter into him and cleanse him; and + what he was praying for had happened already: the God within him had + awakened his consciousness. He felt himself one with Him, and therefore + felt not only the freedom, fulness and joy of life, but all the power of + righteousness. All, all the best that a man could do he felt capable of + doing. + </p> + <p> + His eyes filled with tears as he was saying all this to himself, good and + bad tears: good because they were tears of joy at the awakening of the + spiritual being within him, the being which had been asleep all these + years; and bad tears because they were tears of tenderness to himself at + his own goodness. + </p> + <p> + He felt hot, and went to the window and opened it. The window opened into + a garden. It was a moonlit, quiet, fresh night; a vehicle rattled past, + and then all was still. The shadow of a tall poplar fell on the ground + just opposite the window, and all the intricate pattern of its bare + branches was clearly defined on the clean swept gravel. To the left the + roof of a coach-house shone white in the moonlight, in front the black + shadow of the garden wall was visible through the tangled branches of the + trees. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff gazed at the roof, the moonlit garden, and the shadows of the + poplar, and drank in the fresh, invigorating air. + </p> + <p> + “How delightful, how delightful; oh, God, how delightful,” he said, + meaning that which was going on in his soul. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. MASLOVA IN PRISON. + </h2> + <p> + Maslova reached her cell only at six in the evening, tired and footsore, + having, unaccustomed as she was to walking, gone 10 miles on the stony + road that day. She was crushed by the unexpectedly severe sentence and + tormented by hunger. During the first interval of her trial, when the + soldiers were eating bread and hard-boiled eggs in her presence, her mouth + watered and she realised she was hungry, but considered it beneath her + dignity to beg of them. Three hours later the desire to eat had passed, + and she felt only weak. It was then she received the unexpected sentence. + At first she thought she had made a mistake; she could not imagine herself + as a convict in Siberia, and could not believe what she heard. But seeing + the quiet, business-like faces of judges and jury, who heard this news as + if it were perfectly natural and expected, she grew indignant, and + proclaimed loudly to the whole Court that she was not guilty. Finding that + her cry was also taken as something natural and expected, and feeling + incapable of altering matters, she was horror-struck and began to weep in + despair, knowing that she must submit to the cruel and surprising + injustice that had been done her. What astonished her most was that young + men—or, at any rate, not old men—the same men who always + looked so approvingly at her (one of them, the public prosecutor, she had + seen in quite a different humour) had condemned her. While she was sitting + in the prisoners’ room before the trial and during the intervals, she saw + these men looking in at the open door pretending they had to pass there on + some business, or enter the room and gaze on her with approval. And then, + for some unknown reason, these same men had condemned her to hard labour, + though she was innocent of the charge laid against her. At first she + cried, but then quieted down and sat perfectly stunned in the prisoners’ + room, waiting to be led back. She wanted only two things now—tobacco + and strong drink. In this state Botchkova and Kartinkin found her when + they were led into the same room after being sentenced. Botchkova began at + once to scold her, and call her a “convict.” + </p> + <p> + “Well! What have you gained? justified yourself, have you? What you have + deserved, that you’ve got. Out in Siberia you’ll give up your finery, no + fear!” + </p> + <p> + Maslova sat with her hands inside her sleeves, hanging her head and + looking in front of her at the dirty floor without moving, only saying: “I + don’t bother you, so don’t you bother me. I don’t bother you, do I?” she + repeated this several times, and was silent again. She did brighten up a + little when Botchkova and Kartinkin were led away and an attendant brought + her three roubles. + </p> + <p> + “Are you Maslova?” he asked. “Here you are; a lady sent it you,” he said, + giving her the money. + </p> + <p> + “A lady—what lady?” + </p> + <p> + “You just take it. I’m not going to talk to you.” + </p> + <p> + This money was sent by Kitaeva, the keeper of the house in which she used + to live. As she was leaving the court she turned to the usher with the + question whether she might give Maslova a little money. The usher said she + might. Having got permission, she removed the three-buttoned Swedish kid + glove from her plump, white hand, and from an elegant purse brought from + the back folds of her silk skirt took a pile of coupons, [in Russia + coupons cut off interest-bearing papers are often used as money] just cut + off from the interest-bearing papers which she had earned in her + establishment, chose one worth 2 roubles and 50 copecks, added two 20 and + one 10-copeck coins, and gave all this to the usher. The usher called an + attendant, and in his presence gave the money. + </p> + <p> + “Belease to giff it accurately,” said Carolina Albertovna Kitaeva. + </p> + <p> + The attendant was hurt by her want of confidence, and that was why he + treated Maslova so brusquely. Maslova was glad of the money, because it + could give her the only thing she now desired. “If I could but get + cigarettes and take a whiff!” she said to herself, and all her thoughts + centred on the one desire to smoke and drink. She longed for spirits so + that she tasted them and felt the strength they would give her; and she + greedily breathed in the air when the fumes of tobacco reached her from + the door of a room that opened into the corridor. But she had to wait + long, for the secretary, who should have given the order for her to go, + forgot about the prisoners while talking and even disputing with one of + the advocates about the article forbidden by the censor. + </p> + <p> + At last, about five o’clock, she was allowed to go, and was led away + through the back door by her escort, the Nijni man and the Tchoovash. + Then, still within the entrance to the Law Courts, she gave them 50 + copecks, asking them to get her two rolls and some cigarettes. The + Tchoovash laughed, took the money, and said, “All right; I’ll get ‘em,” + and really got her the rolls and the cigarettes and honestly returned the + change. She was not allowed to smoke on the way, and, with her craving + unsatisfied, she continued her way to the prison. When she was brought to + the gate of the prison, a hundred convicts who had arrived by rail were + being led in. The convicts, bearded, clean-shaven, old, young, Russians, + foreigners, some with their heads shaved and rattling with the chains on + their feet, filled the anteroom with dust, noise and an acid smell of + perspiration. Passing Maslova, all the convicts looked at her, and some + came up to her and brushed her as they passed. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, here’s a wench—a fine one,” said one. + </p> + <p> + “My respects to you, miss,” said another, winking at her. One dark man + with a moustache, the rest of his face and the back of his head clean + shaved, rattling with his chains and catching her feet in them, sprang + near and embraced her. + </p> + <p> + “What! don’t you know your chum? Come, come; don’t give yourself airs,” + showing his teeth and his eyes glittering when she pushed him away. + </p> + <p> + “You rascal! what are you up to?” shouted the inspector’s assistant, + coming in from behind. The convict shrank back and jumped away. The + assistant assailed Maslova. + </p> + <p> + “What are you here for?” + </p> + <p> + Maslova was going to say she had been brought back from the Law Courts, + but she was so tired that she did not care to speak. + </p> + <p> + “She has returned from the Law Courts, sir,” said one of the soldiers, + coming forward with his fingers lifted to his cap. + </p> + <p> + “Well, hand her over to the chief warder. I won’t have this sort of + thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Sokoloff, take her in!” shouted the assistant inspector. + </p> + <p> + The chief warder came up, gave Maslova a slap on the shoulder, and making + a sign with his head for her to follow led her into the corridor of the + women’s ward. There she was searched, and as nothing prohibited was found + on her (she had hidden her box of cigarettes inside a roll) she was led to + the cell she had left in the morning. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. THE CELL. + </h2> + <p> + The cell in which Maslova was imprisoned was a large room 21 feet long and + 10 feet broad; it had two windows and a large stove. Two-thirds of the + space were taken up by shelves used as beds. The planks they were made of + had warped and shrunk. Opposite the door hung a dark-coloured icon with a + wax candle sticking to it and a bunch of everlastings hanging down from + it. By the door to the right there was a dark spot on the floor on which + stood a stinking tub. The inspection had taken place and the women were + locked up for the night. + </p> + <p> + The occupants of this room were 15 persons, including three children. It + was still quite light. Only two of the women were lying down: a + consumptive woman imprisoned for theft, and an idiot who spent most of her + time in sleep and who was arrested because she had no passport. The + consumptive woman was not asleep, but lay with wide open eyes, her cloak + folded under her head, trying to keep back the phlegm that irritated her + throat, and not to cough. + </p> + <p> + Some of the other women, most of whom had nothing on but coarse brown + holland chemises, stood looking out of the window at the convicts down in + the yard, and some sat sewing. Among the latter was the old woman, + Korableva, who had seen Maslova off in the morning. She was a tall, + strong, gloomy-looking woman; her fair hair, which had begun to turn grey + on the temples, hung down in a short plait. She was sentenced to hard + labour in Siberia because she had killed her husband with an axe for + making up to their daughter. She was at the head of the women in the cell, + and found means of carrying on a trade in spirits with them. Beside her + sat another woman sewing a coarse canvas sack. This was the wife of a + railway watchman, [There are small watchmen’s cottages at distances of + about one mile from each other along the Russian railways, and the + watchmen or their wives have to meet every train.] imprisoned for three + months because she did not come out with the flags to meet a train that + was passing, and an accident had occurred. She was a short, snub-nosed + woman, with small, black eyes; kind and talkative. The third of the women + who were sewing was Theodosia, a quiet young girl, white and rosy, very + pretty, with bright child’s eyes, and long fair plaits which she wore + twisted round her head. She was in prison for attempting to poison her + husband. She had done this immediately after her wedding (she had been + given in marriage without her consent at the age of 16) because her + husband would give her no peace. But in the eight months during which she + had been let out on bail, she had not only made it up with her husband, + but come to love him, so that when her trial came they were heart and soul + to one another. Although her husband, her father-in-law, but especially + her mother-in-law, who had grown very fond of her, did all they could to + get her acquitted, she was sentenced to hard labour in Siberia. The kind, + merry, ever-smiling Theodosia had a place next Maslova’s on the shelf bed, + and had grown so fond of her that she took it upon herself as a duty to + attend and wait on her. Two other women were sitting without any work at + the other end of the shelf bedstead. One was a woman of about 40, with a + pale, thin face, who once probably had been very handsome. She sat with + her baby at her thin, white breast. The crime she had committed was that + when a recruit was, according to the peasants’ view, unlawfully taken from + their village, and the people stopped the police officer and took the + recruit away from him, she (an aunt of the lad unlawfully taken) was the + first to catch hold of the bridle of the horse on which he was being + carried off. The other, who sat doing nothing, was a kindly, grey-haired + old woman, hunchbacked and with a flat bosom. She sat behind the stove on + the bedshelf, and pretended to catch a fat four-year-old boy, who ran + backwards and forwards in front of her, laughing gaily. This boy had only + a little shirt on and his hair was cut short. As he ran past the old woman + he kept repeating, “There, haven’t caught me!” This old woman and her son + were accused of incendiarism. She bore her imprisonment with perfect + cheerfulness, but was concerned about her son, and chiefly about her “old + man,” who she feared would get into a terrible state with no one to wash + for him. Besides these seven women, there were four standing at one of the + open windows, holding on to the iron bars. They were making signs and + shouting to the convicts whom Maslova had met when returning to prison, + and who were now passing through the yard. One of these women was big and + heavy, with a flabby body, red hair, and freckled on her pale yellow face, + her hands, and her fat neck. She shouted something in a loud, raucous + voice, and laughed hoarsely. This woman was serving her term for theft. + Beside her stood an awkward, dark little woman, no bigger than a child of + ten, with a long waist and very short legs, a red, blotchy face, thick + lips which did not hide her long teeth, and eyes too far apart. She broke + by fits and starts into screeching laughter at what was going on in the + yard. She was to be tried for stealing and incendiarism. They called her + Khoroshavka. Behind her, in a very dirty grey chemise, stood a thin, + miserable-looking pregnant woman, who was to be tried for concealment of + theft. This woman stood silent, but kept smiling with pleasure and + approval at what was going on below. With these stood a peasant woman of + medium height, the mother of the boy who was playing with the old woman + and of a seven-year-old girl. These were in prison with her because she + had no one to leave them with. She was serving her term of imprisonment + for illicit sale of spirits. She stood a little further from the window + knitting a stocking, and though she listened to the other prisoners’ words + she shook her head disapprovingly, frowned, and closed her eyes. But her + seven-year-old daughter stood in her little chemise, her flaxen hair done + up in a little pigtail, her blue eyes fixed, and, holding the red-haired + woman by the skirt, attentively listened to the words of abuse that the + women and the convicts flung at each other, and repeated them softly, as + if learning them by heart. The twelfth prisoner, who paid no attention to + what was going on, was a very tall, stately girl, the daughter of a + deacon, who had drowned her baby in a well. She went about with bare feet, + wearing only a dirty chemise. The thick, short plait of her fair hair had + come undone and hung down dishevelled, and she paced up and down the free + space of the cell, not looking at any one, turning abruptly every time she + came up to the wall. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. THE PRISONERS. + </h2> + <p> + When the padlock rattled and the door opened to let Maslova into the cell, + all turned towards her. Even the deacon’s daughter stopped for a moment + and looked at her with lifted brows before resuming her steady striding up + and down. + </p> + <p> + Korableva stuck her needle into the brown sacking and looked questioningly + at Maslova through her spectacles. “Eh, eh, deary me, so you have come + back. And I felt sure they’d acquit you. So you’ve got it?” She took off + her spectacles and put her work down beside her on the shelf bed. + </p> + <p> + “And here have I and the old lady been saying, ‘Why, it may well be + they’ll let her go free at once.’ Why, it happens, ducky, they’ll even + give you a heap of money sometimes, that’s sure,” the watchman’s wife + began, in her singing voice: “Yes, we were wondering, ‘Why’s she so long?’ + And now just see what it is. Well, our guessing was no use. The Lord + willed otherwise,” she went on in musical tones. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible? Have they sentenced you?” asked Theodosia, with concern, + looking at Maslova with her bright blue, child-like eyes; and her merry + young face changed as if she were going to cry. + </p> + <p> + Maslova did not answer, but went on to her place, the second from the end, + and sat down beside Korableva. + </p> + <p> + “Have you eaten anything?” said Theodosia, rising and coming up to + Maslova. + </p> + <p> + Maslova gave no reply, but putting the rolls on the bedstead, took off her + dusty cloak, the kerchief off her curly black head, and began pulling off + her shoes. The old woman who had been playing with the boy came up and + stood in front of Maslova. “Tz, tz, tz,” she clicked with her tongue, + shaking her head pityingly. The boy also came up with her, and, putting + out his upper lip, stared with wide open eyes at the roll Maslova had + brought. When Maslova saw the sympathetic faces of her fellow-prisoners, + her lips trembled and she felt inclined to cry, but she succeeded in + restraining herself until the old woman and the boy came up. When she + heard the kind, pitying clicking of the old woman’s tongue, and met the + boy’s serious eyes turned from the roll to her face, she could bear it no + longer; her face quivered and she burst into sobs. + </p> + <p> + “Didn’t I tell you to insist on having a proper advocate?” said Norableva. + “Well, what is it? Exile?” + </p> + <p> + Maslova could not answer, but took from inside the roll a box of + cigarettes, on which was a picture of a lady with hair done up very high + and dress cut low in front, and passed the box to Korableva. Korableva + looked at it and shook her head, chiefly because see did not approve of + Maslova’s putting her money to such bad use; but still she took out a + cigarette, lit it at the lamp, took a puff, and almost forced it into + Maslova’s hand. Maslova, still crying, began greedily to inhale the + tobacco smoke. “Penal servitude,” she muttered, blowing out the smoke and + sobbing. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t they fear the Lord, the cursed soul-slayers?” muttered Korableva, + “sentencing the lass for nothing.” At this moment the sound of loud, + coarse laughter came from the women who were still at the window. The + little girl also laughed, and her childish treble mixed with the hoarse + and screeching laughter of the others. One of the convicts outside had + done something that produced this effect on the onlookers. + </p> + <p> + “Lawks! see the shaved hound, what he’s doing,” said the red-haired woman, + her whole fat body shaking with laughter; and leaning against the grating + she shouted meaning less obscene words. + </p> + <p> + “Ugh, the fat fright’s cackling,” said Korableva, who disliked the + red-haired woman. Then, turning to Maslova again, she asked: “How many + years?” + </p> + <p> + “Four,” said Maslova, and the tears ran down her cheeks in such profusion + that one fell on the cigarette. Maslova crumpled it up angrily and took + another. + </p> + <p> + Though the watchman’s wife did not smoke she picked up the cigarette + Maslova had thrown away and began straightening it out, talking + unceasingly. + </p> + <p> + “There, now, ducky, so it’s true,” she said. “Truth’s gone to the dogs and + they do what they please, and here we were guessing that you’d go free. + Norableva says, ‘She’ll go free.’ I say, ‘No,’ say I. ‘No, dear, my heart + tells me they’ll give it her.’ And so it’s turned out,” she went on, + evidently listening with pleasure to her own voice. + </p> + <p> + The women who had been standing by the window now also came up to Maslova, + the convicts who had amused them having gone away. The first to come up + were the woman imprisoned for illicit trade in spirits, and her little + girl. “Why such a hard sentence?” asked the woman, sitting down by Maslova + and knitting fast. + </p> + <p> + “Why so hard? Because there’s no money. That’s why! Had there been money, + and had a good lawyer that’s up to their tricks been hired, they’d have + acquitted her, no fear,” said Korableva. “There’s what’s-his-name—that + hairy one with the long nose. He’d bring you out clean from pitch, mum, he + would. Ah, if we’d only had him!” + </p> + <p> + “Him, indeed,” said Khoroshavka. “Why, he won’t spit at you for less than + a thousand roubles.” + </p> + <p> + “Seems you’ve been born under an unlucky star,” interrupted the old woman + who was imprisoned for incendiarism. “Only think, to entice the lad’s wife + and lock him himself up to feed vermin, and me, too, in my old days—” + she began to retell her story for the hundredth time. “If it isn’t the + beggar’s staff it’s the prison. Yes, the beggar’s staff and the prison + don’t wait for an invitation.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, it seems that’s the way with all of them,” said the spirit trader; + and after looking at her little girl she put down her knitting, and, + drawing the child between her knees, began to search her head with deft + fingers. “Why do you sell spirits?” she went on. “Why? but what’s one to + feed the children on?” + </p> + <p> + These words brought back to Maslova’s mind her craving for drink. + </p> + <p> + “A little vodka,” she said to Korableva, wiping the tears with her sleeve + and sobbing less frequently. + </p> + <p> + “All right, fork out,” said Korableva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. A PRISON QUARREL. + </h2> + <p> + Maslova got the money, which she had also hidden in a roll, and passed the + coupon to Korableva. Korableva accepted it, though she could not read, + trusting to Khoroshavka, who knew everything, and who said that the slip + of paper was worth 2 roubles 50 copecks, then climbed up to the + ventilator, where she had hidden a small flask of vodka. Seeing this, the + women whose places were further off went away. Meanwhile Maslova shook the + dust out of her cloak and kerchief, got up on the bedstead, and began + eating a roll. + </p> + <p> + “I kept your tea for you,” said Theodosia, getting down from the shelf a + mug and a tin teapot wrapped in a rag, “but I’m afraid it is quite cold.” + The liquid was quite cold and tasted more of tin than of tea, yet Maslova + filled the mug and began drinking it with her roll. “Finashka, here you + are,” she said, breaking off a bit of the roll and giving it to the boy, + who stood looking at her mouth. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Korableva handed the flask of vodka and a mug to Maslova, who + offered some to her and to Khoroshavka. These prisoners were considered + the aristocracy of the cell because they had some money, and shared what + they possessed with the others. + </p> + <p> + In a few moments Maslova brightened up and related merrily what had + happened at the court, and what had struck her most, i.e., how all the men + had followed her wherever she went. In the court they all looked at her, + she said, and kept coming into the prisoners’ room while she was there. + </p> + <p> + “One of the soldiers even says, ‘It’s all to look at you that they come.’ + One would come in, ‘Where is such a paper?’ or something, but I see it is + not the paper he wants; he just devours me with his eyes,” she said, + shaking her head. “Regular artists.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that’s so,” said the watchman’s wife, and ran on in her musical + strain, “they’re like flies after sugar.” + </p> + <p> + “And here, too,” Maslova interrupted her, “the same thing. They can do + without anything else. But the likes of them will go without bread sooner + than miss that! Hardly had they brought me back when in comes a gang from + the railway. They pestered me so, I did not know how to rid myself of + them. Thanks to the assistant, he turned them off. One bothered so, I + hardly got away.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s he like?” asked Khoroshevka. + </p> + <p> + “Dark, with moustaches.” + </p> + <p> + “It must be him.” + </p> + <p> + “Him—who?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Schegloff; him as has just gone by.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s he, this Schegloff?” + </p> + <p> + “What, she don’t know Schegloff? Why, he ran twice from Siberia. Now + they’ve got him, but he’ll run away. The warders themselves are afraid of + him,” said Khoroshavka, who managed to exchange notes with the male + prisoners and knew all that went on in the prison. “He’ll run away, that’s + flat.” + </p> + <p> + “If he does go away you and I’ll have to stay,” said Korableva, turning to + Maslova, “but you’d better tell us now what the advocate says about + petitioning. Now’s the time to hand it in.” + </p> + <p> + Maslova answered that she knew nothing about it. + </p> + <p> + At that moment the red-haired woman came up to the “aristocracy” with both + freckled hands in her thick hair, scratching her head with her nails. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll tell you all about it, Katerina,” she began. “First and foremost, + you’ll have to write down you’re dissatisfied with the sentence, then give + notice to the Procureur.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you want here?” said Korableva angrily; “smell the vodka, do you? + Your chatter’s not wanted. We know what to do without your advice.” + </p> + <p> + “No one’s speaking to you; what do you stick your nose in for?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s vodka you want; that’s why you come wriggling yourself in here.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, offer her some,” said Maslova, always ready to share anything she + possessed with anybody. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll offer her something.” + </p> + <p> + “Come on then,” said the red-haired one, advancing towards Korableva. “Ah! + think I’m afraid of such as you?” + </p> + <p> + “Convict fright!” + </p> + <p> + “That’s her as says it.” + </p> + <p> + “Slut!” + </p> + <p> + “I? A slut? Convict! Murderess!” screamed the red-haired one. + </p> + <p> + “Go away, I tell you,” said Korableva gloomily, but the red-haired one + came nearer and Korableva struck her in the chest. The red-haired woman + seemed only to have waited for this, and with a sudden movement caught + hold of Korableva’s hair with one hand and with the other struck her in + the face. Korableva seized this hand, and Maslova and Khoroshavka caught + the red-haired woman by her arms, trying to pull her away, but she let go + the old woman’s hair with her hand only to twist it round her fist. + Korableva, with her head bent to one side, was dealing out blows with one + arm and trying to catch the red-haired woman’s hand with her teeth, while + the rest of the women crowded round, screaming and trying to separate the + fighters; even the consumptive one came up and stood coughing and watching + the fight. The children cried and huddled together. The noise brought the + woman warder and a jailer. The fighting women were separated; and + Korableva, taking out the bits of torn hair from her head, and the + red-haired one, holding her torn chemise together over her yellow breast, + began loudly to complain. + </p> + <p> + “I know, it’s all the vodka. Wait a bit; I’ll tell the inspector tomorrow. + He’ll give it you. Can’t I smell it? Mind, get it all out of the way, or + it will be the worse for you,” said the warder. “We’ve no time to settle + your disputes. Get to your places and be quiet.” + </p> + <p> + But quiet was not soon re-established. For a long time the women went on + disputing and explaining to one another whose fault it all was. At last + the warder and the jailer left the cell, the women grew quieter and began + going to bed, and the old woman went to the icon and commenced praying. + </p> + <p> + “The two jailbirds have met,” the red-haired woman suddenly called out in + a hoarse voice from the other end of the shelf beds, accompanying every + word with frightfully vile abuse. + </p> + <p> + “Mind you don’t get it again,” Korableva replied, also adding words of + abuse, and both were quiet again. + </p> + <p> + “Had I not been stopped I’d have pulled your damned eyes out,” again began + the red-haired one, and an answer of the same kind followed from + Korableva. Then again a short interval and more abuse. But the intervals + became longer and longer, as when a thunder-cloud is passing, and at last + all was quiet. + </p> + <p> + All were in bed, some began to snore; and only the old woman, who always + prayed a long time, went on bowing before the icon and the deacon’s + daughter, who had got up after the warder left, was pacing up and down the + room again. Maslova kept thinking that she was now a convict condemned to + hard labour, and had twice been reminded of this—once by Botchkova + and once by the red-haired woman—and she could not reconcile herself + to the thought. Korableva, who lay next to her, turned over in her bed. + </p> + <p> + “There now,” said Maslova in a low voice; “who would have thought it? See + what others do and get nothing for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, girl. People manage to live in Siberia. As for you, you’ll + not be lost there either,” Korableva said, trying to comfort her. + </p> + <p> + “I know I’ll not be lost; still it is hard. It’s not such a fate I want—I, + who am used to a comfortable life.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, one can’t go against God,” said Korableva, with a sigh. “One can’t, + my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, granny. Still, it’s hard.” + </p> + <p> + They were silent for a while. + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear that baggage?” whispered Korableva, drawing Maslova’s + attention to a strange sound proceeding from the other end of the room. + </p> + <p> + This sound was the smothered sobbing of the red-haired woman. The + red-haired woman was crying because she had been abused and had not got + any of the vodka she wanted so badly; also because she remembered how all + her life she had been abused, mocked at, offended, beaten. Remembering + this, she pitied herself, and, thinking no one heard her, began crying as + children cry, sniffing with her nose and swallowing the salt tears. + </p> + <p> + “I’m sorry for her,” said Maslova. + </p> + <p> + “Of course one is sorry,” said Korableva, “but she shouldn’t come + bothering.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. THE LEAVEN AT WORK—NEKHLUDOFF’S DOMESTIC CHANGES. + </h2> + <p> + The next morning Nekhludoff awoke, conscious that something had happened + to him, and even before he had remembered what it was he knew it to be + something important and good. + </p> + <p> + “Katusha—the trial!” Yes, he must stop lying and tell the whole + truth. + </p> + <p> + By a strange coincidence on that very morning he received the + long-expected letter from Mary Vasilievna, the wife of the Marechal de + Noblesse, the very letter he particularly needed. She gave him full + freedom, and wished him happiness in his intended marriage. + </p> + <p> + “Marriage!” he repeated with irony. “How far I am from all that at + present.” + </p> + <p> + And he remembered the plans he had formed the day before, to tell the + husband everything, to make a clean breast of it, and express his + readiness to give him any kind of satisfaction. But this morning this did + not seem so easy as the day before. And, then, also, why make a man + unhappy by telling him what he does not know? Yes, if he came and asked, + he would tell him all, but to go purposely and tell—no! that was + unnecessary. + </p> + <p> + And telling the whole truth to Missy seemed just as difficult this + morning. Again, he could not begin to speak without offence. As in many + worldly affairs, something had to remain unexpressed. Only one thing he + decided on, i.e., not to visit there, and to tell the truth if asked. + </p> + <p> + But in connection with Katusha, nothing was to remain unspoken. “I shall + go to the prison and shall tell her every thing, and ask her to forgive + me. And if need be—yes, if need be, I shall marry her,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + This idea, that he was ready to sacrifice all on moral grounds, and marry + her, again made him feel very tender towards himself. Concerning money + matters he resolved this morning to arrange them in accord with his + conviction, that the holding of landed property was unlawful. Even if he + should not be strong enough to give up everything, he would still do what + he could, not deceiving himself or others. + </p> + <p> + It was long since he had met the coming day with so much energy. When + Agraphena Petrovna came in, he told her, with more firmness than he + thought himself capable of, that he no longer needed this lodging nor her + services. There had been a tacit understanding that he was keeping up so + large and expensive an establishment because he was thinking of getting + married. The giving up of the house had, therefore, a special meaning. + Agraphena Petrovna looked at him in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “I thank you very much, Agraphena Petrovna, for all your care for me, but + I no longer require so large a house nor so many servants. If you wish to + help me, be so good as to settle about the things, put them away as it + used to be done during mamma’s life, and when Natasha comes she will see + to everything.” Natasha was Nekhludoff’s sister. + </p> + <p> + Agraphena Petrovna shook her head. “See about the things? Why, they’ll be + required again,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “No, they won’t, Agraphena Petrovna; I assure you they won’t be required,” + said Nekhludoff, in answer to what the shaking of her head had expressed. + “Please tell Corney also that I shall pay him two months’ wages, but shall + have no further need of him.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity, Dmitri Ivanovitch, that you should think of doing this,” + she said. “Well, supposing you go abroad, still you’ll require a place of + residence again.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken in your thoughts, Agraphena Petrovna; I am not going + abroad. If I go on a journey, it will be to quite a different place.” He + suddenly blushed very red. “Yes, I must tell her,” he thought; “no hiding; + everybody must be told.” + </p> + <p> + “A very strange and important thing happened to me yesterday. Do you + remember my Aunt Mary Ivanovna’s Katusha?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes. Why, I taught her how to sew.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, this Katusha was tried in the Court and I was on the jury.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Lord! What a pity!” cried Agraphena Petrovna. “What was she being + tried for?” + </p> + <p> + “Murder; and it is I have done it all.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, now this is very strange; how could you do it all?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am the cause of it all; and it is this that has altered all my + plans.” + </p> + <p> + “What difference can it make to you?” + </p> + <p> + “This difference: that I, being the cause of her getting on to that path, + must do all I can to help her.” + </p> + <p> + “That is just according to your own good pleasure; you are not + particularly in fault there. It happens to every one, and if one’s + reasonable, it all gets smoothed over and forgotten,” she said, seriously + and severely. “Why should you place it to your account? There’s no need. I + had already heard before that she had strayed from the right path. Well, + whose fault is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Mine! that’s why I want to put it right.” + </p> + <p> + “It is hard to put right.” + </p> + <p> + “That is my business. But if you are thinking about yourself, then I will + tell you that, as mamma expressed the wish—” + </p> + <p> + “I am not thinking about myself. I have been so bountifully treated by the + dear defunct, that I desire nothing. Lisenka” (her married niece) “has + been inviting me, and I shall go to her when I am not wanted any longer. + Only it is a pity you should take this so to heart; it happens to + everybody.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I do not think so. And I still beg that you will help me let this + lodging and put away the things. And please do not be angry with me. I am + very, very grateful to you for all you have done.” + </p> + <p> + And, strangely, from the moment Nekhludoff realised that it was he who was + so bad and disgusting to himself, others were no longer disgusting to him; + on the contrary, he felt a kindly respect for Agraphena Petrovna, and for + Corney. + </p> + <p> + He would have liked to go and confess to Corney also, but Corney’s manner + was so insinuatingly deferential that he had not the resolution to do it. + </p> + <p> + On the way to the Law Courts, passing along the same streets with the same + isvostchik as the day before, he was surprised what a different being he + felt himself to be. The marriage with Missy, which only yesterday seemed + so probable, appeared quite impossible now. The day before he felt it was + for him to choose, and had no doubts that she would be happy to marry him; + to-day he felt himself unworthy not only of marrying, but even of being + intimate with her. “If she only knew what I am, nothing would induce her + to receive me. And only yesterday I was finding fault with her because she + flirted with N—-. Anyhow, even if she consented to marry me, could I + be, I won’t say happy, but at peace, knowing that the other was here in + prison, and would to-day or to-morrow he taken to Siberia with a gang of + other prisoners, while I accepted congratulations and made calls with my + young wife; or while I count the votes at the meetings, for and against + the motion brought forward by the rural inspection, etc., together with + the Marechal de Noblesse, whom I abominably deceive, and afterwards make + appointments with his wife (how abominable!) or while I continue to work + at my picture, which will certainly never get finished? Besides, I have no + business to waste time on such things. I can do nothing of the kind now,” + he continued to himself, rejoicing at the change he felt within himself. + “The first thing now is to see the advocate and find out his decision, and + then . . . then go and see her and tell her everything.” + </p> + <p> + And when he pictured to himself how he would see her, and tell her all, + confess his sin to her, and tell her that he would do all in his power to + atone for his sin, he was touched at his own goodness, and the tears came + to his eyes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. THE ABSURDITY OF LAW—REFLECTIONS OF A JURYMAN. + </h2> + <p> + On coming into the Law Courts Nekhludoff met the usher of yesterday, who + to-day seemed to him much to be pitied, in the corridor, and asked him + where those prisoners who had been sentenced were kept, and to whom one + had to apply for permission to visit them. The usher told him that the + condemned prisoners were kept in different places, and that, until they + received their sentence in its final form, the permission to visit them + depended on the president. “I’ll come and call you myself, and take you to + the president after the session. The president is not even here at + present. After the session! And now please come in; we are going to + commence.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff thanked the usher for his kindness, and went into the jurymen’s + room. As he was approaching the room, the other jurymen were just leaving + it to go into the court. The merchant had again partaken of a little + refreshment, and was as merry as the day before, and greeted Nekhludoff + like an old friend. And to-day Peter Gerasimovitch did not arouse any + unpleasant feelings in Nekhludoff by his familiarity and his loud + laughter. Nekhludoff would have liked to tell all the jurymen about his + relations to yesterday’s prisoner. “By rights,” he thought, “I ought to + have got up yesterday during the trial and disclosed my guilt.” + </p> + <p> + He entered the court with the other jurymen, and witnessed the same + procedure as the day before. + </p> + <p> + “The judges are coming,” was again proclaimed, and again three men, with + embroidered collars, ascended the platform, and there was the same + settling of the jury on the high-backed chairs, the same gendarmes, the + same portraits, the same priest, and Nekhludoff felt that, though he knew + what he ought to do, he could not interrupt all this solemnity. The + preparations for the trials were just the same as the day before, + excepting that the swearing in of the jury and the president’s address to + them were omitted. + </p> + <p> + The case before the Court this day was one of burglary. The prisoner, + guarded by two gendarmes with naked swords, was a thin, narrow-chested lad + of 20, with a bloodless, sallow face, dressed in a grey cloak. He sat + alone in the prisoner’s dock. This boy was accused of having, together + with a companion, broken the lock of a shed and stolen several old mats + valued at 3 roubles [the rouble is worth a little over two shillings, and + contains 100 copecks] and 67 copecks. According to the indictment, a + policeman had stopped this boy as he was passing with his companion, who + was carrying the mats on his shoulder. The boy and his companion confessed + at once, and were both imprisoned. The boy’s companion, a locksmith, died + in prison, and so the boy was being tried alone. The old mats were lying + on the table as the objects of material evidence. The business was + conducted just in the same manner as the day before, with the whole + armoury of evidence, proofs, witnesses, swearing in, questions, experts, + and cross-examinations. In answer to every question put to him by the + president, the prosecutor, or the advocate, the policeman (one of the + witnesses) in variably ejected the words: “just so,” or “Can’t tell.” Yet, + in spite of his being stupefied, and rendered a mere machine by military + discipline, his reluctance to speak about the arrest of this prisoner was + evident. Another witness, an old house proprietor, and owner of the mats, + evidently a rich old man, when asked whether the mats were his, + reluctantly identified them as such. When the public prosecutor asked him + what he meant to do with these mats, what use they were to him, he got + angry, and answered: “The devil take those mats; I don’t want them at all. + Had I known there would be all this bother about them I should not have + gone looking for them, but would rather have added a ten-rouble note or + two to them, only not to be dragged here and pestered with questions. I + have spent a lot on isvostchiks. Besides, I am not well. I have been + suffering from rheumatism for the last seven years.” It was thus the + witness spoke. + </p> + <p> + The accused himself confessed everything, and looking round stupidly, like + an animal that is caught, related how it had all happened. Still the + public prosecutor, drawing up his shoulders as he had done the day before, + asked subtle questions calculated to catch a cunning criminal. + </p> + <p> + In his speech he proved that the theft had been committed from a + dwelling-place, and a lock had been broken; and that the boy, therefore, + deserved a heavy punishment. The advocate appointed by the Court proved + that the theft was not committed from a dwelling-place, and that, though + the crime was a serious one, the prisoner was not so very dangerous to + society as the prosecutor stated. The president assumed the role of + absolute neutrality in the same way as he had done on the previous day, + and impressed on the jury facts which they all knew and could not help + knowing. Then came an interval, just as the day before, and they smoked; + and again the usher called out “The judges are coming,” and in the same + way the two gendarmes sat trying to keep awake and threatening the + prisoner with their naked weapons. + </p> + <p> + The proceedings showed that this boy was apprenticed by his father at a + tobacco factory, where he remained five years. This year he had been + discharged by the owner after a strike, and, having lost his place, he + wandered about the town without any work, drinking all he possessed. In a + traktir [cheap restaurant] he met another like himself, who had lost his + place before the prisoner had, a locksmith by trade and a drunkard. One + night, those two, both drunk, broke the lock of a shed and took the first + thing they happened to lay hands on. They confessed all and were put in + prison, where the locksmith died while awaiting the trial. The boy was now + being tried as a dangerous creature, from whom society must be protected. + </p> + <p> + “Just as dangerous a creature as yesterday’s culprit,” thought Nekhludoff, + listening to all that was going on before him. “They are dangerous, and we + who judge them? I, a rake, an adulterer, a deceiver. We are not dangerous. + But, even supposing that this boy is the most dangerous of all that are + here in the court, what should be done from a common-sense point of view + when he has been caught? It is clear that he is not an exceptional + evil-doer, but a most ordinary boy; every one sees it—and that he + has become what he is simply because he got into circumstances that create + such characters, and, therefore, to prevent such a boy from going wrong + the circumstances that create these unfortunate beings must be done away + with. + </p> + <p> + “But what do we do? We seize one such lad who happens to get caught, + knowing well that there are thousands like him whom we have not caught, + and send him to prison, where idleness, or most unwholesome, useless + labour is forced on him, in company of others weakened and ensnared by the + lives they have led. And then we send him, at the public expense, from the + Moscow to the Irkoutsk Government, in company with the most depraved of + men. + </p> + <p> + “But we do nothing to destroy the conditions in which people like these + are produced; on the contrary, we support the establishments where they + are formed. These establishments are well known: factories, mills, + workshops, public-houses, gin-shops, brothels. And we do not destroy these + places, but, looking at them as necessary, we support and regulate them. + We educate in this way not one, but millions of people, and then catch one + of them and imagine that we have done something, that we have guarded + ourselves, and nothing more can be expected of us. Have we not sent him + from the Moscow to the Irkoutsk Government?” Thus thought Nekhludoff with + unusual clearness and vividness, sitting in his high-backed chair next to + the colonel, and listening to the different intonations of the advocates’, + prosecutor’s, and president’s voices, and looking at their self-confident + gestures. “And how much and what hard effort this pretence requires,” + continued Nekhludoff in his mind, glancing round the enormous room, the + portraits, lamps, armchairs, uniforms, the thick walls and large windows; + and picturing to himself the tremendous size of the building, and the + still more ponderous dimensions of the whole of this organisation, with + its army of officials, scribes, watchmen, messengers, not only in this + place, but all over Russia, who receive wages for carrying on this comedy + which no one needs. “Supposing we spent one-hundredth of these efforts + helping these castaways, whom we now only regard as hands and bodies, + required by us for our own peace and comfort. Had some one chanced to take + pity on him and given some help at the time when poverty made them send + him to town, it might have been sufficient,” Nekhludoff thought, looking + at the boy’s piteous face. “Or even later, when, after 12 hours’ work at + the factory, he was going to the public-house, led away by his companions, + had some one then come and said, ‘Don’t go, Vania; it is not right,’ he + would not have gone, nor got into bad ways, and would not have done any + wrong. + </p> + <p> + “But no; no one who would have taken pity on him came across this + apprentice in the years he lived like a poor little animal in the town, + and with his hair cut close so as not to breed vermin, and ran errands for + the workmen. No, all he heard and saw, from the older workmen and his + companions, since he came to live in town, was that he who cheats, drinks, + swears, who gives another a thrashing, who goes on the loose, is a fine + fellow. Ill, his constitution undermined by unhealthy labour, drink, and + debauchery—bewildered as in a dream, knocking aimlessly about town, + he gets into some sort of a shed, and takes from there some old mats, + which nobody needs—and here we, all of us educated people, rich or + comfortably off, meet together, dressed in good clothes and fine uniforms, + in a splendid apartment, to mock this unfortunate brother of ours whom we + ourselves have ruined. + </p> + <p> + “Terrible! It is difficult to say whether the cruelty or the absurdity is + greater, but the one and the other seem to reach their climax.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff thought all this, no longer listening to what was going on, and + he was horror-struck by that which was being revealed to him. He could not + understand why he had not been able to see all this before, and why others + were unable to see it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. THE PROCUREUR—NEKHLUDOFF REFUSES TO SERVE. + </h2> + <p> + During an interval Nekhludoff got up and went out into the corridor, with + the intention of not returning to the court. Let them do what they liked + with him, he could take no more part in this awful and horrid tomfoolery. + </p> + <p> + Having inquired where the Procureur’s cabinet was he went straight to him. + The attendant did not wish to let him in, saying that the Procureur was + busy, but Nekhludoff paid no heed and went to the door, where he was met + by an official. He asked to be announced to the Procureur, saying he was + on the jury and had a very important communication to make. + </p> + <p> + His title and good clothes were of assistance to him. The official + announced him to the Procureur, and Nekhludoff was let in. The Procureur + met him standing, evidently annoyed at the persistence with which + Nekhludoff demanded admittance. + </p> + <p> + “What is it you want?” the Procureur asked, severely. + </p> + <p> + “I am on the jury; my name is Nekhludoff, and it is absolutely necessary + for me to see the prisoner Maslova,” Nekhludoff said, quickly and + resolutely, blushing, and feeling that he was taking a step which would + have a decisive influence on his life. + </p> + <p> + The Procureur was a short, dark man, with short, grizzly hair, quick, + sparkling eyes, and a thick beard cut close on his projecting lower jaw. + </p> + <p> + “Maslova? Yes, of course, I know. She was accused of poisoning,” the + Procureur said, quietly. “But why do you want to see her?” And then, as if + wishing to tone down his question, he added, “I cannot give you the + permission without knowing why you require it.” + </p> + <p> + “I require it for a particularly important reason.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes?” said the Procureur, and, lifting his eyes, looked attentively at + Nekhludoff. “Has her case been heard or not?” + </p> + <p> + “She was tried yesterday, and unjustly sentenced; she is innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes? If she was sentenced only yesterday,” went on the Procureur, paying + no attention to Nekhludoff’s statement concerning Maslova’s innocence, + “she must still be in the preliminary detention prison until the sentence + is delivered in its final form. Visiting is allowed there only on certain + days; I should advise you to inquire there.” + </p> + <p> + “But I must see her as soon as possible,” Nekhludoff said, his jaw + trembling as he felt the decisive moment approaching. + </p> + <p> + “Why must you?” said the Procureur, lifting his brows with some agitation. + </p> + <p> + “Because I betrayed her and brought her to the condition which exposed her + to this accusation.” + </p> + <p> + “All the same, I cannot see what it has to do with visiting her.” + </p> + <p> + “This: that whether I succeed or not in getting the sentence changed I + want to follow her, and—marry her,” said Nekhludoff, touched to + tears by his own conduct, and at the same time pleased to see the effect + he produced on the Procureur. + </p> + <p> + “Really! Dear me!” said the Procureur. “This is certainly a very + exceptional case. I believe you are a member of the Krasnoporsk rural + administration?” he asked, as if he remembered having heard before of this + Nekhludoff, who was now making so strange a declaration. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, but I do not think that has anything to do with my + request,” answered Nekhludoff, flushing angrily. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” said the Procureur, with a scarcely perceptible smile and + not in the least abashed; “only your wish is so extraordinary and so out + of the common.” + </p> + <p> + “Well; but can I get the permission?” + </p> + <p> + “The permission? Yes, I will give you an order of admittance directly. + Take a seat.” + </p> + <p> + He went up to the table, sat down, and began to write. “Please sit down.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff continued to stand. + </p> + <p> + Having written an order of admittance, and handed it to Nekhludoff, the + Procureur looked curiously at him. + </p> + <p> + “I must also state that I can no longer take part in the sessions.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will have to lay valid reasons before the Court, as you, of + course, know.” + </p> + <p> + “My reasons are that I consider all judging not only useless, but + immoral.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the Procureur, with the same scarcely perceptible smile, as if + to show that this kind of declaration was well known to him and belonged + to the amusing sort. “Yes, but you will certainly understand that I as + Procureur, can not agree with you on this point. Therefore, I should + advise you to apply to the Court, which will consider your declaration, + and find it valid or not valid, and in the latter case will impose a fine. + Apply, then, to the Court.” + </p> + <p> + “I have made my declaration, and shall apply nowhere else,” Nekhludoff + said, angrily. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, good-afternoon,” said the Procureur, bowing his head, + evidently anxious to be rid of this strange visitor. + </p> + <p> + “Who was that you had here?” asked one of the members of the Court, as he + entered, just after Nekhludoff left the room. + </p> + <p> + “Nekhludoff, you know; the same that used to make all sorts of strange + statements at the Krasnoporsk rural meetings. Just fancy! He is on the + jury, and among the prisoners there is a woman or girl sentenced to penal + servitude, whom he says he betrayed, and now he wants to marry her.” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t mean to say so.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s what he told me. And in such a strange state of excitement!” + </p> + <p> + “There is something abnormal in the young men of to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but he is not so very young.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. But how tiresome your famous Ivoshenka was. He carries the day by + wearying one out. He talked and talked without end.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that kind of people should be simply stopped, or they will become + real obstructionists.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. NEKHLUDOFF ENDEAVOURS TO VISIT MASLOVA. + </h2> + <p> + From the Procureur Nekhludoff went straight to the preliminary detention + prison. However, no Maslova was to be found there, and the inspector + explained to Nekhludoff that she would probably be in the old temporary + prison. Nekhludoff went there. + </p> + <p> + Yes, Katerina Maslova was there. + </p> + <p> + The distance between the two prisons was enormous, and Nekhludoff only + reached the old prison towards evening. He was going up to the door of the + large, gloomy building, but the sentinel stopped him and rang. A warder + came in answer to the bell. Nekhludoff showed him his order of admittance, + but the warder said he could not let him in without the inspector’s + permission. Nekhludoff went to see the inspector. As he was going up the + stairs he heard distant sounds of some complicated bravura, played on the + piano. When a cross servant girl, with a bandaged eye, opened the door to + him, those sounds seemed to escape from the room and to strike his car. It + was a rhapsody of Liszt’s, that everybody was tired of, splendidly played + but only to one point. When that point was reached the same thing was + repeated. Nekhludoff asked the bandaged maid whether the inspector was in. + She answered that he was not in. + </p> + <p> + “Will he return soon?” + </p> + <p> + The rhapsody again stopped and recommenced loudly and brilliantly again up + to the same charmed point. + </p> + <p> + “I will go and ask,” and the servant went away. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him he is not in and won’t be to-day; he is out visiting. What do + they come bothering for?” came the sound of a woman’s voice from behind + the door, and again the rhapsody rattled on and stopped, and the sound of + a chair pushed back was heard. It was plain the irritated pianist meant to + rebuke the tiresome visitor, who had come at an untimely hour. “Papa is + not in,” a pale girl with crimped hair said, crossly, coming out into the + ante-room, but, seeing a young man in a good coat, she softened. + </p> + <p> + “Come in, please. . . . What is it you want?” + </p> + <p> + “I want to see a prisoner in this prison.” + </p> + <p> + “A political one, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not a political one. I have a permission from the Procureur.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don’t know, and papa is out; but come in, please,” she said, + again, “or else speak to the assistant. He is in the office at present; + apply there. What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you,” said Nekhludoff, without answering her question, and went + out. + </p> + <p> + The door was not yet closed after him when the same lively tones + recommenced. In the courtyard Nekhludoff met an officer with bristly + moustaches, and asked for the assistant-inspector. It was the assistant + himself. He looked at the order of admittance, but said that he could not + decide to let him in with a pass for the preliminary prison. Besides, it + was too late. “Please to come again to-morrow. To morrow, at 10, everybody + is allowed to go in. Come then, and the inspector himself will be at home. + Then you can have the interview either in the common room or, if the + inspector allows it, in the office.” + </p> + <p> + And so Nekhludoff did not succeed in getting an interview that day, and + returned home. As he went along the streets, excited at the idea of + meeting her, he no longer thought about the Law Courts, but recalled his + conversations with the Procureur and the inspector’s assistant. The fact + that he had been seeking an interview with her, and had told the + Procureur, and had been in two prisons, so excited him that it was long + before he could calm down. When he got home he at once fetched out his + diary, that had long remained untouched, read a few sentences out of it, + and then wrote as follows: + </p> + <p> + “For two years I have not written anything in my diary, and thought I + never should return to this childishness. Yet it is not childishness, but + converse with my own self, with this real divine self which lives in every + man. All this time that I slept there was no one for me to converse with. + I was awakened by an extraordinary event on the 28th of April, in the Law + Court, when I was on the jury. I saw her in the prisoners’ dock, the + Katusha betrayed by me, in a prisoner’s cloak, condemned to penal + servitude through a strange mistake, and my own fault. I have just been to + the Procureur’s and to the prison, but I was not admitted. I have resolved + to do all I can to see her, to confess to her, and to atone for my sin, + even by a marriage. God help me. My soul is at peace and I am full of + joy.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. MASLOVA RECALLS THE PAST. + </h2> + <p> + That night Maslova lay awake a long time with her eyes open looking at the + door, in front of which the deacon’s daughter kept passing. She was + thinking that nothing would induce her to go to the island of Sakhalin and + marry a convict, but would arrange matters somehow with one of the prison + officials, the secretary, a warder, or even a warder’s assistant. “Aren’t + they all given that way? Only I must not get thin, or else I am lost.” + </p> + <p> + She thought of how the advocate had looked at her, and also the president, + and of the men she met, and those who came in on purpose at the court. She + recollected how her companion, Bertha, who came to see her in prison, had + told her about the student whom she had “loved” while she was with + Kitaeva, and who had inquired about her, and pitied her very much. She + recalled many to mind, only not Nekhludoff. She never brought back to mind + the days of her childhood and youth, and her love to Nekhludoff. That + would have been too painful. These memories lay untouched somewhere deep + in her soul; she had forgotten him, and never recalled and never even + dreamt of him. To-day, in the court, she did not recognise him, not only + because when she last saw him he was in uniform, without a beard, and had + only a small moustache and thick, curly, though short hair, and now was + bald and bearded, but because she never thought about him. She had buried + his memory on that terrible dark night when he, returning from the army, + had passed by on the railway without stopping to call on his aunts. + Katusha then knew her condition. Up to that night she did not consider the + child that lay beneath her heart a burden. But on that night everything + changed, and the child became nothing but a weight. + </p> + <p> + His aunts had expected Nekhludoff, had asked him to come and see them in + passing, but he had telegraphed that he could not come, as he had to be in + Petersburg at an appointed time. When Katusha heard this she made up her + mind to go to the station and see him. The train was to pass by at two + o’clock in the night. Katusha having helped the old ladies to bed, and + persuaded a little girl, the cook’s daughter, Mashka, to come with her, + put on a pair of old boots, threw a shawl over her head, gathered up her + dress, and ran to the station. + </p> + <p> + It was a warm, rainy, and windy autumn night. The rain now pelted down in + warm, heavy drops, now stopped again. It was too dark to see the path + across the field, and in the wood it was pitch black, so that although + Katusha knew the way well, she got off the path, and got to the little + station where the train stopped for three minutes, not before, as she had + hoped, but after the second bell had been rung. Hurrying up the platform, + Katusha saw him at once at the windows of a first-class carriage. Two + officers sat opposite each other on the velvet-covered seats, playing + cards. This carriage was very brightly lit up; on the little table between + the seats stood two thick, dripping candles. He sat in his closefitting + breeches on the arm of the seat, leaning against the back, and laughed. As + soon as she recognised him she knocked at the carriage window with her + benumbed hand, but at that moment the last bell rang, and the train first + gave a backward jerk, and then gradually the carriages began to move + forward. One of the players rose with the cards in his hand, and looked + out. She knocked again, and pressed her face to the window, but the + carriage moved on, and she went alongside looking in. The officer tried to + lower the window, but could not. Nekhludoff pushed him aside and began + lowering it himself. The train went faster, so that she had to walk + quickly. The train went on still faster and the window opened. The guard + pushed her aside, and jumped in. Katusha ran on, along the wet boards of + the platform, and when she came to the end she could hardly stop herself + from falling as she ran down the steps of the platform. She was running by + the side of the railway, though the first-class carriage had long passed + her, and the second-class carriages were gliding by faster, and at last + the third-class carriages still faster. But she ran on, and when the last + carriage with the lamps at the back had gone by, she had already reached + the tank which fed the engines, and was unsheltered from the wind, which + was blowing her shawl about and making her skirt cling round her legs. The + shawl flew off her head, but still she ran on. + </p> + <p> + “Katerina Michaelovna, you’ve lost your shawl!” screamed the little girl, + who was trying to keep up with her. + </p> + <p> + Katusha stopped, threw back her head, and catching hold of it with both + hands sobbed aloud. “Gone!” she screamed. + </p> + <p> + “He is sitting in a velvet arm-chair and joking and drinking, in a + brightly lit carriage, and I, out here in the mud, in the darkness, in the + wind and the rain, am standing and weeping,” she thought to herself; and + sat down on the ground, sobbing so loud that the little girl got + frightened, and put her arms round her, wet as she was. + </p> + <p> + “Come home, dear,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “When a train passes—then under a carriage, and there will be an + end,” Katusha was thinking, without heeding the girl. + </p> + <p> + And she made up her mind to do it, when, as it always happens, when a + moment of quiet follows great excitement, he, the child—his child—made + himself known within her. Suddenly all that a moment before had been + tormenting her, so that it had seemed impossible to live, all her + bitterness towards him, and the wish to revenge herself, even by dying, + passed away; she grew quieter, got up, put the shawl on her head, and went + home. + </p> + <p> + Wet, muddy, and quite exhausted, she returned, and from that day the + change which brought her where she now was began to operate in her soul. + Beginning from that dreadful night, she ceased believing in God and in + goodness. She had herself believed in God, and believed that other people + also believed in Him; but after that night she became convinced that no + one believed, and that all that was said about God and His laws was + deception and untruth. He whom she loved, and who had loved her—yes, + she knew that—had thrown her away; had abused her love. Yet he was + the best of all the people she knew. All the rest were still worse. All + that afterwards happened to her strengthened her in this belief at every + step. His aunts, the pious old ladies, turned her out when she could no + longer serve them as she used to. And of all those she met, the women used + her as a means of getting money, the men, from the old police officer down + to the warders of the prison, looked at her as on an object for pleasure. + And no one in the world cared for aught but pleasure. In this belief the + old author with whom she had come together in the second year of her life + of independence had strengthened her. He had told her outright that it was + this that constituted the happiness of life, and he called it poetical and + aesthetic. + </p> + <p> + Everybody lived for himself only, for his pleasure, and all the talk + concerning God and righteousness was deception. And if sometimes doubts + arose in her mind and she wondered why everything was so ill-arranged in + the world that all hurt each other, and made each other suffer, she + thought it best not to dwell on it, and if she felt melancholy she could + smoke, or, better still, drink, and it would pass. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. SUNDAY IN PRISON—PREPARING FOR MASS. + </h2> + <p> + On Sunday morning at five o’clock, when a whistle sounded in the corridor + of the women’s ward of the prison, Korableva, who was already awake, + called Maslova. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear! life again,” thought Maslova, with horror, involuntarily + breathing in the air that had become terribly noisome towards the morning. + She wished to fall asleep again, to enter into the region of oblivion, but + the habit of fear overcame sleepiness, and she sat up and looked round, + drawing her feet under her. The women had all got up; only the elder + children were still asleep. The spirit-trader was carefully drawing a + cloak from under the children, so as not to wake them. The watchman’s wife + was hanging up the rags to dry that served the baby as swaddling clothes, + while the baby was screaming desperately in Theodosia’s arms, who was + trying to quiet it. The consumptive woman was coughing with her hands + pressed to her chest, while the blood rushed to her face, and she sighed + loudly, almost screaming, in the intervals of coughing. The fat, + red-haired woman was lying on her back, with knees drawn up, and loudly + relating a dream. The old woman accused of incendiarism was standing in + front of the image, crossing herself and bowing, and repeating the same + words over and over again. The deacon’s daughter sat on the bedstead, + looking before her, with a dull, sleepy face. Khoroshavka was twisting her + black, oily, coarse hair round her fingers. The sound of slipshod feet was + heard in the passage, and the door opened to let in two convicts, dressed + in jackets and grey trousers that did not reach to their ankles. With + serious, cross faces they lifted the stinking tub and carried it out of + the cell. The women went out to the taps in the corridor to wash. There + the red-haired woman again began a quarrel with a woman from another cell. + </p> + <p> + “Is it the solitary cell you want?” shouted an old jailer, slapping the + red-haired woman on her bare, fat back, so that it sounded through the + corridor. “You be quiet.” + </p> + <p> + “Lawks! the old one’s playful,” said the woman, taking his action for a + caress. + </p> + <p> + “Now, then, be quick; get ready for the mass.” Maslova had hardly time to + do her hair and dress when the inspector came with his assistants. + </p> + <p> + “Come out for inspection,” cried a jailer. + </p> + <p> + Some more prisoners came out of other cells and stood in two rows along + the corridor; each woman had to place her hand on the shoulder of the + woman in front of her. They were all counted. + </p> + <p> + After the inspection the woman warder led the prisoners to church. Maslova + and Theodosia were in the middle of a column of over a hundred women, who + had come out of different cells. All were dressed in white skirts, white + jackets, and wore white kerchiefs on their heads, except a few who had + their own coloured clothes on. These were wives who, with their children, + were following their convict husbands to Siberia. The whole flight of + stairs was filled by the procession. The patter of softly-shod feet + mingled with the voices and now and then a laugh. When turning, on the + landing, Maslova saw her enemy, Botchkova, in front, and pointed out her + angry face to Theodosia. At the bottom of the stairs the women stopped + talking. Bowing and crossing themselves, they entered the empty church, + which glistened with gilding. Crowding and pushing one another, they took + their places on the right. + </p> + <p> + After the women came the men condemned to banishment, those serving their + term in the prison, and those exiled by their Communes; and, coughing + loudly, they took their stand, crowding the left side and the middle of + the church. + </p> + <p> + On one side of the gallery above stood the men sentenced to penal + servitude in Siberia, who had been let into the church before the others. + Each of them had half his head shaved, and their presence was indicated by + the clanking of the chains on their feet. On the other side of the gallery + stood those in preliminary confinement, without chains, their heads not + shaved. + </p> + <p> + The prison church had been rebuilt and ornamented by a rich merchant, who + spent several tens of thousands of roubles on it, and it glittered with + gay colours and gold. For a time there was silence in the church, and only + coughing, blowing of noses, the crying of babies, and now and then the + rattling of chains, was heard. But at last the convicts that stood in the + middle moved, pressed against each other, leaving a passage in the centre + of the church, down which the prison inspector passed to take his place in + front of every one in the nave. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. THE PRISON CHURCH—BLIND LEADERS OF THE BLIND. + </h2> + <h3> + The service began. + </h3> + <p> + It consisted of the following. The priest, having dressed in a strange and + very inconvenient garb, made of gold cloth, cut and arranged little bits + of bread on a saucer, and then put them into a cup with wine, repeating at + the same time different names and prayers. Meanwhile the deacon first read + Slavonic prayers, difficult to understand in themselves, and rendered + still more incomprehensible by being read very fast, and then sang them + turn and turn about with the convicts. The contents of the prayers were + chiefly the desire for the welfare of the Emperor and his family. These + petitions were repeated many times, separately and together with other + prayers, the people kneeling. Besides this, several verses from the Acts + of the Apostles were read by the deacon in a peculiarly strained voice, + which made it impossible to understand what he read, and then the priest + read very distinctly a part of the Gospel according to St. Mark, in which + it said that Christ, having risen from the dead before flying up to heaven + to sit down at His Father’s right hand, first showed Himself to Mary + Magdalene, out of whom He had driven seven devils, and then to eleven of + His disciples, and ordered them to preach the Gospel to the whole + creation, and the priest added that if any one did not believe this he + would perish, but he that believed it and was baptised should be saved, + and should besides drive out devils and cure people by laying his hands on + them, should talk in strange tongues, should take up serpents, and if he + drank poison should not die, but remain well. + </p> + <p> + The essence of the service consisted in the supposition that the bits cut + up by the priest and put by him into the wine, when manipulated and prayed + over in a certain way, turned into the flesh and blood of God. + </p> + <p> + These manipulations consisted in the priest’s regularly lifting and + holding up his arms, though hampered by the gold cloth sack he had on, + then, sinking on to his knees and kissing the table and all that was on + it, but chiefly in his taking a cloth by two of its corners and waving it + regularly and softly over the silver saucer and golden cup. It was + supposed that, at this point, the bread and the wine turned into flesh and + blood; therefore, this part of the service was performed with the greatest + solemnity. + </p> + <p> + “Now, to the blessed, most pure, and most holy Mother of God,” the priest + cried from the golden partition which divided part of the church from the + rest, and the choir began solemnly to sing that it was very right to + glorify the Virgin Mary, who had borne Christ without losing her + virginity, and was therefore worthy of greater honour than some kind of + cherubim, and greater glory than some kind of seraphim. After this the + transformation was considered accomplished, and the priest having taken + the napkin off the saucer, cut the middle bit of bread in four, and put it + into the wine, and then into his mouth. He was supposed to have eaten a + bit of God’s flesh and swallowed a little of His blood. Then the priest + drew a curtain, opened the middle door in the partition, and, taking the + gold cup in his hands, came out of the door, inviting those who wished to + do so also to come and eat some of God’s flesh and blood that was + contained in the cup. A few children appeared to wish to do so. + </p> + <p> + After having asked the children their names, the priest carefully took out + of the cup, with a spoon, and shoved a bit of bread soaked in wine deep + into the mouth of each child in turn, and the deacon, while wiping the + children’s mouths, sang, in a merry voice, that the children were eating + the flesh and drinking the blood of God. After this the priest carried the + cup back behind the partition, and there drank all the remaining blood and + ate up all the bits of flesh, and after having carefully sucked his + moustaches and wiped his mouth, he stepped briskly from behind the + partition, the soles of his calfskin boots creaking. The principal part of + this Christian service was now finished, but the priest, wishing to + comfort the unfortunate prisoners, added to the ordinary service another. + This consisted of his going up to the gilt hammered-out image (with black + face and hands) supposed to represent the very God he had been eating, + illuminated by a dozen wax candles, and proceeding, in a strange, + discordant voice, to hum or sing the following words: + </p> + <p> + “Jesu sweetest, glorified of the Apostles, Jesu lauded by the martyrs, + almighty Monarch, save me, Jesu my Saviour. Jesu, most beautiful, have + mercy on him who cries to Thee, Saviour Jesu. Born of prayer Jesu, all thy + saints, all thy prophets, save and find them worthy of the joys of heaven. + Jesu, lover of men.” + </p> + <p> + Then he stopped, drew breath, crossed himself, bowed to the ground, and + every one did the same—the inspector, the warders, the prisoners; + and from above the clinking of the chains sounded more unintermittently. + Then he continued: “Of angels the Creator and Lord of powers, Jesu most + wonderful, the angels’ amazement, Jesu most powerful, of our forefathers + the Redeemer. Jesu sweetest, of patriarchs the praise. Jesu most glorious, + of kings the strength. Jesu most good, of prophets the fulfilment. Jesu + most amazing, of martyrs the strength. Jesu most humble, of monks the joy. + Jesu most merciful, of priests the sweetness. Jesu most charitable, of the + fasting the continence. Jesu most sweet, of the just the joy. Jesu most + pure, of the celibates the chastity. Jesu before all ages of sinners the + salvation. Jesu, son of God, have mercy on me.” + </p> + <p> + Every time he repeated the word “Jesu” his voice became more and more + wheezy. At last he came to a stop, and holding up his silk-lined cassock, + and kneeling down on one knee, he stooped down to the ground and the choir + began to sing, repeating the words, “Jesu, Son of God, have mercy on me,” + and the convicts fell down and rose again, shaking back the hair that was + left on their heads, and rattling with the chains that were bruising their + thin ankles. + </p> + <p> + This continued for a long time. First came the glorification, which ended + with the words, “Have mercy on me.” Then more glorifications, ending with + “Alleluia!” And the convicts made the sign of the cross, and bowed, first + at each sentence, then after every two and then after three, and all were + very glad when the glorification ended, and the priest shut the book with + a sigh of relief and retired behind the partition. One last act remained. + The priest took a large, gilt cross, with enamel medallions at the ends, + from a table, and came out into the centre of the church with it. First + the inspector came up and kissed the cross, then the jailers, then the + convicts, pushing and abusing each other in whispers. The priest, talking + to the inspector, pushed the cross and his hand now against the mouths and + now against the noses of the convicts, who were trying to kiss both the + cross and the hand of the priest. And thus ended the Christian service, + intended for the comfort and the teaching of these strayed brothers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. THE HUSKS OF RELIGION. + </h2> + <p> + And none of those present, from the inspector down to Maslova, seemed + conscious of the fact that this Jesus, whose name the priest repeated such + a great number of times, and whom he praised with all these curious + expressions, had forbidden the very things that were being done there; + that He had prohibited not only this meaningless much-speaking and the + blasphemous incantation over the bread and wine, but had also, in the + clearest words, forbidden men to call other men their master, and to pray + in temples; and had ordered that every one should pray in solitude, had + forbidden to erect temples, saying that He had come to destroy them, and + that one should worship, not in a temple, but in spirit and in truth; and, + above all, that He had forbidden not only to judge, to imprison, to + torment, to execute men, as was being done here, but had prohibited any + kind of violence, saying that He had come to give freedom to the captives. + </p> + <p> + No one present seemed conscious that all that was going on here was the + greatest blasphemy and a supreme mockery of that same Christ in whose name + it was being done. No one seemed to realise that the gilt cross with the + enamel medallions at the ends, which the priest held out to the people to + be kissed, was nothing but the emblem of that gallows on which Christ had + been executed for denouncing just what was going on here. That these + priests, who imagined they were eating and drinking the body and blood of + Christ in the form of bread and wine, did in reality eat and drink His + flesh and His blood, but not as wine and bits of bread, but by ensnaring + “these little ones” with whom He identified Himself, by depriving them of + the greatest blessings and submitting them to most cruel torments, and by + hiding from men the tidings of great joy which He had brought. That + thought did not enter into the mind of any one present. + </p> + <p> + The priest did his part with a quiet conscience, because he was brought up + from childhood to consider that the only true faith was the faith which + had been held by all the holy men of olden times and was still held by the + Church, and demanded by the State authorities. He did not believe that the + bread turned into flesh, that it was useful for the soul to repeat so many + words, or that he had actually swallowed a bit of God. No one could + believe this, but he believed that one ought to hold this faith. What + strengthened him most in this faith was the fact that, for fulfilling the + demands of this faith, he had for the last 15 years been able to draw an + income, which enabled him to keep his family, send his son to a gymnasium + and his daughter to a school for the daughters of the clergy. The deacon + believed in the same manner, and even more firmly than the priest, for he + had forgotten the substance of the dogmas of this faith, and knew only + that the prayers for the dead, the masses, with and without the + acathistus, all had a definite price, which real Christians readily paid, + and, therefore, he called out his “have mercy, have mercy,” very + willingly, and read and said what was appointed, with the same quiet + certainty of its being necessary to do so with which other men sell + faggots, flour, or potatoes. The prison inspector and the warders, though + they had never understood or gone into the meaning of these dogmas and of + all that went on in church, believed that they must believe, because the + higher authorities and the Tsar himself believed in it. Besides, though + faintly (and themselves unable to explain why), they felt that this faith + defended their cruel occupations. If this faith did not exist it would + have been more difficult, perhaps impossible, for them to use all their + powers to torment people, as they were now doing, with a quiet conscience. + The inspector was such a kind-hearted man that he could not have lived as + he was now living unsupported by his faith. Therefore, he stood + motionless, bowed and crossed himself zealously, tried to feel touched + when the song about the cherubims was being sung, and when the children + received communion he lifted one of them, and held him up to the priest + with his own hands. + </p> + <p> + The great majority of the prisoners believed that there lay a mystic power + in these gilt images, these vestments, candles, cups, crosses, and this + repetition of incomprehensible words, “Jesu sweetest” and “have mercy”—a + power through which might be obtained much convenience in this and in the + future life. Only a few clearly saw the deception that was practised on + the people who adhered to this faith, and laughed at it in their hearts; + but the majority, having made several attempts to get the conveniences + they desired, by means of prayers, masses, and candles, and not having got + them (their prayers remaining unanswered), were each of them convinced + that their want of success was accidental, and that this organisation, + approved by the educated and by archbishops, is very important and + necessary, if not for this, at any rate for the next life. + </p> + <p> + Maslova also believed in this way. She felt, like the rest, a mixed + sensation of piety and dulness. She stood at first in a crowd behind a + railing, so that she could see no one but her companions; but when those + to receive communion moved on, she and Theodosia stepped to the front, and + they saw the inspector, and, behind him, standing among the warders, a + little peasant, with a very light beard and fair hair. This was + Theodosia’s husband, and he was gazing with fixed eyes at his wife. During + the acathistus Maslova occupied herself in scrutinising him and talking to + Theodosia in whispers, and bowed and made the sign of the cross only when + every one else did. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. VISITING DAY—THE MEN’S WARD. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff left home early. A peasant from the country was still driving + along the side street and calling out in a voice peculiar to his trade, + “Milk! milk! milk!” + </p> + <p> + The first warm spring rain had fallen the day before, and now wherever the + ground was not paved the grass shone green. The birch trees in the gardens + looked as if they were strewn with green fluff, the wild cherry and the + poplars unrolled their long, balmy buds, and in shops and dwelling-houses + the double window-frames were being removed and the windows cleaned. + </p> + <p> + In the Tolkoochi [literally, jostling market, where second-hand clothes + and all sorts of cheap goods are sold] market, which Nekhludoff had to + pass on his way, a dense crowd was surging along the row of booths, and + tattered men walked about selling top-boots, which they carried under + their arms, and renovated trousers and waistcoats, which hung over their + shoulders. + </p> + <p> + Men in clean coats and shining boots, liberated from the factories, it + being Sunday, and women with bright silk kerchiefs on their heads and + cloth jackets trimmed with jet, were already thronging at the door of the + traktir. Policemen, with yellow cords to their uniforms and carrying + pistols, were on duty, looking out for some disorder which might distract + the ennui that oppressed them. On the paths of the boulevards and on the + newly-revived grass, children and dogs ran about, playing, and the nurses + sat merrily chattering on the benches. Along the streets, still fresh and + damp on the shady side, but dry in the middle, heavy carts rumbled + unceasingly, cabs rattled and tramcars passed ringing by. The air vibrated + with the pealing and clanging of church bells, that were calling the + people to attend to a service like that which was now being conducted in + the prison. And the people, dressed in their Sunday best, were passing on + their way to their different parish churches. + </p> + <p> + The isvostchik did not drive Nekhludoff up to the prison itself, but to + the last turning that led to the prison. + </p> + <p> + Several persons—men and women—most of them carrying small + bundles, stood at this turning, about 100 steps from the prison. To the + right there were several low wooden buildings; to the left, a two-storeyed + house with a signboard. The huge brick building, the prison proper, was + just in front, and the visitors were not allowed to come up to it. A + sentinel was pacing up and down in front of it, and shouted at any one who + tried to pass him. + </p> + <p> + At the gate of the wooden buildings, to the right, opposite the sentinel, + sat a warder on a bench, dressed in uniform, with gold cords, a notebook + in his hands. The visitors came up to him, and named the persons they + wanted to see, and he put the names down. Nekhludoff also went up, and + named Katerina Maslova. The warder wrote down the name. + </p> + <p> + “Why—don’t they admit us yet?” asked Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “The service is going on. When the mass is over, you’ll be admitted.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff stepped aside from the waiting crowd. A man in tattered + clothes, crumpled hat, with bare feet and red stripes all over his face, + detached himself from the crowd, and turned towards the prison. + </p> + <p> + “Now, then, where are you going?” shouted the sentinel with the gun. + </p> + <p> + “And you hold your row,” answered the tramp, not in the least abashed by + the sentinel’s words, and turned back. “Well, if you’ll not let me in, + I’ll wait. But, no! Must needs shout, as if he were a general.” + </p> + <p> + The crowd laughed approvingly. The visitors were, for the greater part, + badly-dressed people; some were ragged, but there were also some + respectable-looking men and women. Next to Nekhludoff stood a + clean-shaven, stout, and red-cheeked man, holding a bundle, apparently + containing under-garments. This was the doorkeeper of a bank; he had come + to see his brother, who was arrested for forgery. The good-natured fellow + told Nekhludoff the whole story of his life, and was going to question him + in turn, when their attention was aroused by a student and a veiled lady, + who drove up in a trap, with rubber tyres, drawn by a large thoroughbred + horse. The student was holding a large bundle. He came up to Nekhludoff, + and asked if and how he could give the rolls he had brought in alms to the + prisoners. His fiancee wished it (this lady was his fiancee), and her + parents had advised them to take some rolls to the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + “I myself am here for the first time,” said Nekhludoff, “and don’t know; + but I think you had better ask this man,” and he pointed to the warder + with the gold cords and the book, sitting on the right. + </p> + <p> + As they were speaking, the large iron door with a window in it opened, and + an officer in uniform, followed by another warder, stepped out. The warder + with the notebook proclaimed that the admittance of visitors would now + commence. The sentinel stepped aside, and all the visitors rushed to the + door as if afraid of being too late; some even ran. At the door there + stood a warder who counted the visitors as they came in, saying aloud, 16, + 17, and so on. Another warder stood inside the building and also counted + the visitors as they entered a second door, touching each one with his + hand, so that when they went away again not one visitor should be able to + remain inside the prison and not one prisoner might get out. The warder, + without looking at whom he was touching, slapped Nekhludoff on the back, + and Nekhludoff felt hurt by the touch of the warder’s hand; but, + remembering what he had come about, he felt ashamed of feeling + dissatisfied and taking offence. + </p> + <p> + The first apartment behind the entrance doors was a large vaulted room + with iron bars to the small windows. In this room, which was called the + meeting-room, Nekhludoff was startled by the sight of a large picture of + the Crucifixion. + </p> + <p> + “What’s that for?” he thought, his mind involuntarily connecting the + subject of the picture with liberation and not with imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + He went on, slowly letting the hurrying visitors pass before, and + experiencing a mingled feeling of horror at the evil-doers locked up in + this building, compassion for those who, like Katusha and the boy they + tried the day before, must be here though guiltless, and shyness and + tender emotion at the thought of the interview before him. The warder at + the other end of the meeting-room said something as they passed, but + Nekhludoff, absorbed by his own thoughts, paid no attention to him, and + continued to follow the majority of the visitors, and so got into the + men’s part of the prison instead of the women’s. + </p> + <p> + Letting the hurrying visitors pass before him, he was the last to get into + the interviewing-room. As soon as Nekhludoff opened the door of this room, + he was struck by the deafening roar of a hundred voices shouting at once, + the reason of which he did not at once understand. But when he came nearer + to the people, he saw that they were all pressing against a net that + divided the room in two, like flies settling on sugar, and he understood + what it meant. The two halves of the room, the windows of which were + opposite the door he had come in by, were separated, not by one, but by + two nets reaching from the floor to the ceiling. The wire nets were + stretched 7 feet apart, and soldiers were walking up and down the space + between them. On the further side of the nets were the prisoners, on the + nearer, the visitors. Between them was a double row of nets and a space of + 7 feet wide, so that they could not hand anything to one another, and any + one whose sight was not very good could not even distinguish the face on + the other side. It was also difficult to talk; one had to scream in order + to be heard. + </p> + <p> + On both sides were faces pressed close to the nets, faces of wives, + husbands, fathers, mothers, children, trying to see each other’s features + and to say what was necessary in such a way as to be understood. + </p> + <p> + But as each one tried to be heard by the one he was talking to, and his + neighbour tried to do the same, they did their best to drown each other’s + voices’ and that was the cause of the din and shouting which struck + Nekhludoff when he first came in. It was impossible to understand what was + being said and what were the relations between the different people. Next + Nekhludoff an old woman with a kerchief on her head stood trembling, her + chin pressed close to the net, and shouting something to a young fellow, + half of whose head was shaved, who listened attentively with raised brows. + By the side of the old woman was a young man in a peasant’s coat, who + listened, shaking his head, to a boy very like himself. Next stood a man + in rags, who shouted, waving his arm and laughing. Next to him a woman, + with a good woollen shawl on her shoulders, sat on the floor holding a + baby in her lap and crying bitterly. This was apparently the first time + she saw the greyheaded man on the other side in prison clothes, and with + his head shaved. Beyond her was the doorkeeper, who had spoken to + Nekhludoff outside; he was shouting with all his might to a greyhaired + convict on the other side. + </p> + <p> + When Nekhludoff found that he would have to speak in similar conditions, a + feeling of indignation against those who were able to make and enforce + these conditions arose in him; he was surprised that, placed in such a + dreadful position, no one seemed offended at this outrage on human + feelings. The soldiers, the inspector, the prisoners themselves, acted as + if acknowledging all this to be necessary. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff remained in this room for about five minutes, feeling strangely + depressed, conscious of how powerless he was, and at variance with all the + world. He was seized with a curious moral sensation like seasickness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII. VISITING DAY—THE WOMEN’S WARD. + </h2> + <p> + “Well, but I must do what I came here for,” he said, trying to pick up + courage. “What is to be done now?” He looked round for an official, and + seeing a thin little man in the uniform of an officer going up and down + behind the people, he approached him. + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell me, sir,” he said, with exceedingly strained politeness of + manner, “where the women are kept, and where one is allowed to interview + them?” + </p> + <p> + “Is it the women’s ward you want to go to?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I should like to see one of the women prisoners,” Nekhludoff said, + with the same strained politeness. + </p> + <p> + “You should have said so when you were in the hall. Who is it, then, that + you want to see?” + </p> + <p> + “I want to see a prisoner called Katerina Maslova.” + </p> + <p> + “Is she a political one?” + </p> + <p> + “No, she is simply . . .” + </p> + <p> + “What! Is she sentenced?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; the day before yesterday she was sentenced,” meekly answered + Nekhludoff, fearing to spoil the inspector’s good humour, which seemed to + incline in his favour. + </p> + <p> + “If you want to go to the women’s ward please to step this way,” said the + officer, having decided from Nekhludoff’s appearance that he was worthy of + attention. “Sideroff, conduct the gentleman to the women’s ward,” he said, + turning to a moustached corporal with medals on his breast. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment heart-rending sobs were heard coming from some one near the + net. + </p> + <p> + Everything here seemed strange to Nekhludoff; but strangest of all was + that he should have to thank and feel obligation towards the inspector and + the chief warders, the very men who were performing the cruel deeds that + were done in this house. + </p> + <p> + The corporal showed Nekhludoff through the corridor, out of the men’s into + the women’s interviewing-room. + </p> + <p> + This room, like that of the men, was divided by two wire nets; but it was + much smaller, and there were fewer visitors and fewer prisoners, so that + there was less shouting than in the men’s room. Yet the same thing was + going on here, only, between the nets instead of soldiers there was a + woman warder, dressed in a blue-edged uniform jacket, with gold cords on + the sleeves, and a blue belt. Here also, as in the men’s room, the people + were pressing close to the wire netting on both sides; on the nearer side, + the townspeople in varied attire; on the further side, the prisoners, some + in white prison clothes, others in their own coloured dresses. The whole + length of the net was taken up by the people standing close to it. Some + rose on tiptoe to be heard across the heads of others; some sat talking on + the floor. + </p> + <p> + The most remarkable of the prisoners, both by her piercing screams and her + appearance, was a thin, dishevelled gipsy. Her kerchief had slipped off + her curly hair, and she stood near a post in the middle of the prisoner’s + division, shouting something, accompanied by quick gestures, to a gipsy + man in a blue coat, girdled tightly below the waist. Next the gipsy man, a + soldier sat on the ground talking to prisoner; next the soldier, leaning + close to the net, stood a young peasant, with a fair beard and a flushed + face, keeping back his tears with difficulty. A pretty, fair-haired + prisoner, with bright blue eyes, was speaking to him. These two were + Theodosia and her husband. Next to them was a tramp, talking to a + broad-faced woman; then two women, then a man, then again a woman, and in + front of each a prisoner. Maslova was not among them. But some one stood + by the window behind the prisoners, and Nekhludoff knew it was she. His + heart began to beat faster, and his breath stopped. The decisive moment + was approaching. He went up to the part of the net where he could see the + prisoner, and recognised her at once. She stood behind the blue-eyed + Theodosia, and smiled, listening to what Theodosia was saying. She did not + wear the prison cloak now, but a white dress, tightly drawn in at the + waist by a belt, and very full in the bosom. From under her kerchief + appeared the black ringlets of her fringe, just the same as in the court. + </p> + <p> + “Now, in a moment it will be decided,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + “How shall I call her? Or will she come herself?” + </p> + <p> + She was expecting Bertha; that this man had come to see her never entered + her head. + </p> + <p> + “Whom do you want?” said the warder who was walking between the nets, + coming up to Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Katerina Maslova,” Nekhludoff uttered, with difficulty. + </p> + <p> + “Katerina Maslova, some one to see you,” cried the warder. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIII. NEKHLUDOFF VISITS MASLOVA. + </h2> + <p> + Maslova looked round, and with head thrown back and expanded chest, came + up to the net with that expression of readiness which he well knew, pushed + in between two prisoners, and gazed at Nekhludoff with a surprised and + questioning look. But, concluding from his clothing he was a rich man, she + smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Is it me you want?” she asked, bringing her smiling face, with the + slightly squinting eyes, nearer the net. + </p> + <p> + “I, I—I wished to see—” Nekhludoff did not know how to address + her. “I wished to see you—I—” He was not speaking louder than + usual. + </p> + <p> + “No; nonsense, I tell you!” shouted the tramp who stood next to him. “Have + you taken it or not?” + </p> + <p> + “Dying, I tell you; what more do you want?” some one else was screaming at + his other side. Maslova could not hear what Nekhludoff was saying, but the + expression of his face as he was speaking reminded her of him. She did not + believe her own eyes; still the smile vanished from her face and a deep + line of suffering appeared on her brow. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot hear what you are saying,” she called out, wrinkling her brow + and frowning more and more. + </p> + <p> + “I have come,” said Nekhludoff. “Yes, I am doing my duty—I am + confessing,” thought Nekhludoff; and at this thought the tears came in his + eyes, and he felt a choking sensation in his throat, and holding on with + both hands to the net, he made efforts to keep from bursting into tears. + </p> + <p> + “I say, why do you shove yourself in where you’re not wanted?” some one + shouted at one side of him. + </p> + <p> + “God is my witness; I know nothing,” screamed a prisoner from the other + side. + </p> + <p> + Noticing his excitement, Maslova recognised him. + </p> + <p> + “You’re like . . . but no; I don’t know you,” she shouted, without looking + at him, and blushing, while her face grew still more stern. + </p> + <p> + “I have come to ask you to forgive me,” he said, in a loud but monotonous + voice, like a lesson learnt by heart. Having said these words he became + confused; but immediately came the thought that, if he felt ashamed, it + was all the better; he had to bear this shame, and he continued in a loud + voice: + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me; I have wronged you terribly.” + </p> + <p> + She stood motionless and without taking her squinting eyes off him. + </p> + <p> + He could not continue to speak, and stepping away from the net he tried to + suppress the sobs that were choking him. + </p> + <p> + 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 appear calm, said: + </p> + <p> + “It’s so inconvenient through these nets; nothing can be heard.” + </p> + <p> + Again the inspector considered for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, well, she can be brought out here for awhile. Mary Karlovna,” turning + to the warder, “lead Maslova out.” + </p> + <p> + A minute later Maslova came out of the side door. Stepping softly, she + came up close to Nekhludoff, stopped, and looked up at him from under her + brows. Her black hair was arranged in ringlets over her forehead in the + same way as it had been two days ago; her face, though unhealthy and + puffy, was attractive, and looked perfectly calm, only the glittering + black eyes glanced strangely from under the swollen lids. + </p> + <p> + “You may talk here,” said the inspector, and shrugging his shoulders he + stepped aside with a look of surprise. Nekhludoff moved towards a seat by + the wall. + </p> + <p> + Maslova cast a questioning look at the inspector, and then, shrugging her + shoulders in surprise, followed Nekhludoff to the bench, and having + arranged her skirt, sat down beside him. + </p> + <p> + “I know it is hard for you to forgive me,” he began, but stopped. His + tears were choking him. “But though I can’t undo the past, I shall now do + what is in my power. Tell me—” + </p> + <p> + “How have you managed to find me?” she said, without answering his + question, neither looking away from him nor quite at him, with her + squinting eyes. + </p> + <p> + “O God, help me! Teach me what to do,” Nekhludoff thought, looking at her + changed face. “I was on the jury the day before yesterday,” he said. “You + did not recognise me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I did not; there was not time for recognitions. I did not even look,” + she said. + </p> + <p> + “There was a child, was there not?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Thank God! he died at once,” she answered, abruptly and viciously. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean? Why?” + </p> + <p> + “I was so ill myself, I nearly died,” she said, in the same quiet voice, + which Nekhludoff had not expected and could not understand. + </p> + <p> + “How could my aunts have let you go?” + </p> + <p> + “Who keeps a servant that has a baby? They sent me off as soon as they + noticed. But why speak of this? I remember nothing. That’s all finished.” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is not finished; I wish to redeem my sin.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s nothing to redeem. What’s been has been and is passed,” she said; + and, what he never expected, she looked at him and smiled in an + unpleasantly luring, yet piteous, manner. + </p> + <p> + Maslova never expected to see him again, and certainly not here and not + now; therefore, when she first recognised him, she could not keep back the + memories which she never wished to revive. In the first moment she + remembered dimly that new, wonderful world of feeling and of thought which + had been opened to her by the charming young man who loved her and whom + she loved, and then his incomprehensible cruelty and the whole string of + humiliations and suffering which flowed from and followed that magic joy. + This gave her pain, and, unable to understand it, she did what she was + always in the habit of doing, she got rid of these memories by enveloping + them in the mist of a depraved life. In the first moment, she associated + the man now sitting beside her with the lad she had loved; but feeling + that this gave her pain, she dissociated them again. Now, this + well-dressed, carefully-got-up gentleman with perfumed beard was no longer + the Nekhludoff whom she had loved but only one of the people who made use + of creatures like herself when they needed them, and whom creatures like + herself had to make use of in their turn as profitably as they could; and + that is why she looked at him with a luring smile and considered silently + how she could best make use of him. + </p> + <p> + “That’s all at an end,” she said. “Now I’m condemned to Siberia,” and her + lip trembled as she was saying this dreadful word. + </p> + <p> + “I knew; I was certain you were not guilty,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Guilty! of course not; as if I could be a thief or a robber.” She + stopped, considering in what way she could best get something out of him. + </p> + <p> + “They say here that all depends on the advocate,” she began. “A petition + should be handed in, only they say it’s expensive.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, most certainly,” said Nekhludoff. “I have already spoken to an + advocate.” + </p> + <p> + “No money ought to be spared; it should be a good one,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “I shall do all that is possible.” + </p> + <p> + They were silent, and then she smiled again in the same way. + </p> + <p> + “And I should like to ask you . . . a little money if you can . . . not + much; ten roubles, I do not want more,” she said, suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” Nekhludoff said, with a sense of confusion, and felt for his + purse. + </p> + <p> + She looked rapidly at the inspector, who was walking up and down the room. + “Don’t give it in front of him; he’d take it away.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff took out his purse as soon as the inspector had turned his + back; but had no time to hand her the note before the inspector faced them + again, so he crushed it up in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “This woman is dead,” Nekhludoff thought, looking at this once sweet, and + now defiled, puffy face, lit up by an evil glitter in the black, squinting + eyes which were now glancing at the hand in which he held the note, then + following the inspector’s movements, and for a moment he hesitated. The + tempter that had been speaking to him in the night again raised its voice, + trying to lead him out of the realm of his inner into the realm of his + outer life, away from the question of what he should do to the question of + what the consequences would be, and what would be practical. + </p> + <p> + “You can do nothing with this woman,” said the voice; “you will only tie a + stone round your neck, which will help to drown you and hinder you from + being useful to others. + </p> + <p> + “Is it not better to give her all the money that is here, say good-bye, + and finish with her forever?” whispered the voice. + </p> + <p> + But here he felt that now, at this very moment, something most important + was taking place in his soul—that his inner life was, as it were, + wavering in the balance, so that the slightest effort would make it sink + to this side or the other. And he made this effort by calling to his + assistance that God whom he had felt in his soul the day before, and that + God instantly responded. He resolved to tell her everything now—at + once. + </p> + <p> + “Katusha, I have come to ask you to forgive me, and you have given me no + answer. Have you forgiven me? Will you ever forgive me?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + She did not listen to him, but looked at his hand and at the inspector, + and when the latter turned she hastily stretched out her hand, grasped the + note, and hid it under her belt. + </p> + <p> + “That’s odd, what you are saying there,” she said, with a smile of + contempt, as it seemed to him. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff felt that there was in her soul one who was his enemy and who + was protecting her, such as she was now, and preventing him from getting + at her heart. But, strange to say, this did not repel him, but drew him + nearer to her by some fresh, peculiar power. He knew that he must waken + her soul, that this was terribly difficult, but the very difficulty + attracted him. He now felt towards her as he had never felt towards her or + any one else before. There was nothing personal in this feeling: he wanted + nothing from her for himself, but only wished that she might not remain as + she now was, that she might awaken and become again what she had been. + </p> + <p> + “Katusha, why do you speak like that? I know you; I remember you—and + the old days in Papovo.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s the use of recalling what’s past?” she remarked, drily. + </p> + <p> + “I am recalling it in order to put it right, to atone for my sin, + Katusha,” and he was going to say that he would marry her, but, meeting + her eyes, he read in them something so dreadful, so coarse, so repellent, + that he could not go on. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the visitors began to go. The inspector came up to + Nekhludoff and said that the time was up. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye; I have still much to say to you, but you see it is impossible + to do so now,” said Nekhludoff, and held out his hand. “I shall come + again.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you have said all.” + </p> + <p> + She took his hand but did not press it. + </p> + <p> + “No; I shall try to see you again, somewhere where we can talk, and then I + shall tell you what I have to say-something very important.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, come; why not?” she answered, and smiled with that habitual, + inviting, and promising smile which she gave to the men whom she wished to + please. + </p> + <p> + “You are more than a sister to me,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “That’s odd,” she said again, and went behind the grating. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIV. MASLOVA’S VIEW OF LIFE. + </h2> + <p> + Before the first interview, Nekhludoff thought that when she saw him and + knew of his intention to serve her, Katusha would be pleased and touched, + and would be Katusha again; but, to his horror, he found that Katusha + existed no more, and there was Maslova in her place. This astonished and + horrified him. + </p> + <p> + What astonished him most was that Katusha was not ashamed of her position—not + the position of a prisoner (she was ashamed of that), but her position as + a prostitute. She seemed satisfied, even proud of it. And, yet, how could + it be otherwise? Everybody, in order to be able to act, has to consider + his occupation important and good. Therefore, in whatever position a + person is, he is certain to form such a view of the life of men in general + which will make his occupation seem important and good. + </p> + <p> + It is usually imagined that a thief, a murderer, a spy, a prostitute, + acknowledging his or her profession as evil, is ashamed of it. But the + contrary is true. People whom fate and their sin-mistakes have placed in a + certain position, however false that position may be, form a view of life + in general which makes their position seem good and admissible. In order + to keep up their view of life, these people instinctively keep to the + circle of those people who share their views of life and their own place + in it. This surprises us, where the persons concerned are thieves, + bragging about their dexterity, prostitutes vaunting their depravity, or + murderers boasting of their cruelty. This surprises us only because the + circle, the atmosphere in which these people live, is limited, and we are + outside it. But can we not observe the same phenomenon when the rich boast + of their wealth, i.e., robbery; the commanders in the army pride + themselves on victories, i.e., murder; and those in high places vaunt + their power, i.e., violence? We do not see the perversion in the views of + life held by these people, only because the circle formed by them is more + extensive, and we ourselves are moving inside of it. + </p> + <p> + And in this manner Maslova had formed her views of life and of her own + position. She was a prostitute condemned to Siberia, and yet she had a + conception of life which made it possible for her to be satisfied with + herself, and even to pride herself on her position before others. + </p> + <p> + According to this conception, the highest good for all men without + exception—old, young, schoolboys, generals, educated and uneducated, + was connected with the relation of the sexes; therefore, all men, even + when they pretended to be occupied with other things, in reality took this + view. She was an attractive woman, and therefore she was an important and + necessary person. The whole of her former and present life was a + confirmation of the correctness of this conception. + </p> + <p> + With such a view of life, she was by no means the lowest, but a very + important person. And Maslova prized this view of life more than anything; + she could not but prize it, for, if she lost the importance that such a + view of life gave her among men, she would lose the meaning of her life. + And, in order not to lose the meaning of her life, she instinctively clung + to the set that looked at life in the same way as she did. Feeling that + Nekhludoff wanted to lead her out into another world, she resisted him, + foreseeing that she would have to lose her place in life, with the + self-possession and self-respect it gave her. For this reason she drove + from her the recollections of her early youth and her first relations with + Nekhludoff. These recollections did not correspond with her present + conception of the world, and were therefore quite rubbed out of her mind, + or, rather, lay somewhere buried and untouched, closed up and plastered + over so that they should not escape, as when bees, in order to protect the + result of their labour, will sometimes plaster a nest of worms. Therefore, + the present Nekhludoff was not the man she had once loved with a pure + love, but only a rich gentleman whom she could, and must, make use of, and + with whom she could only have the same relations as with men in general. + </p> + <p> + “No, I could not tell her the chief thing,” thought Nekhludoff, moving + towards the front doors with the rest of the people. “I did not tell her + that I would marry her; I did not tell her so, but I will,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + The two warders at the door let out the visitors, counting them again, and + touching each one with their hands, so that no extra person should go out, + and none remain within. The slap on his shoulder did not offend Nekhludoff + this time; he did not even notice it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLV. FANARIN, THE ADVOCATE—THE PETITION. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff meant to rearrange the whole of his external life, to let his + large house and move to an hotel, but Agraphena Petrovna pointed out that + it was useless to change anything before the winter. No one would rent a + town house for the summer; anyhow, he would have to live and keep his + things somewhere. And so all his efforts to change his manner of life (he + meant to live more simply: as the students live) led to nothing. Not only + did everything remain as it was, but the house was suddenly filled with + new activity. All that was made of wool or fur was taken out to be aired + and beaten. The gate-keeper, the boy, the cook, and Corney himself took + part in this activity. All sorts of strange furs, which no one ever used, + and various uniforms were taken out and hung on a line, then the carpets + and furniture were brought out, and the gate-keeper and the boy rolled + their sleeves up their muscular arms and stood beating these things, + keeping strict time, while the rooms were filled with the smell of + naphthaline. + </p> + <p> + When Nekhludoff crossed the yard or looked out of the window and saw all + this going on, he was surprised at the great number of things there were, + all quite useless. Their only use, Nekhludoff thought, was the providing + of exercise for Agraphena Petrovna, Corney, the gate-keeper, the boy, and + the cook. + </p> + <p> + “But it’s not worth while altering my manner of life now,” he thought, + “while Maslova’s case is not decided. Besides, it is too difficult. It + will alter of itself when she will be set free or exiled, and I follow + her.” + </p> + <p> + On the appointed day Nekhludoff drove up to the advocate Fanarin’s own + splendid house, which was decorated with huge palms and other plants, and + wonderful curtains, in fact, with all the expensive luxury witnessing to + the possession of much idle money, i.e., money acquired without labour, + which only those possess who grow rich suddenly. In the waiting-room, just + as in a doctor’s waiting-room, he found many dejected-looking people + sitting round several tables, on which lay illustrated papers meant to + amuse them, awaiting their turns to be admitted to the advocate. The + advocate’s assistant sat in the room at a high desk, and having recognised + Nekhludoff, he came up to him and said he would go and announce him at + once. But the assistant had not reached the door before it opened and the + sounds of loud, animated voices were heard; the voice of a middle-aged, + sturdy merchant, with a red face and thick moustaches, and the voice of + Fanarin himself. Fanarin was also a middle-aged man of medium height, with + a worn look on his face. Both faces bore the expression which you see on + the faces of those who have just concluded a profitable but not quite + honest transaction. + </p> + <p> + “Your own fault, you know, my dear sir,” Fanarin said, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “We’d all be in ‘eaven were it not for hour sins.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, yes; we all know that,” and both laughed un-naturally. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Prince Nekhludoff! Please to step in,” said Fanarin, seeing him, and, + nodding once more to the merchant, he led Nekhludoff into his business + cabinet, furnished in a severely correct style. + </p> + <p> + “Won’t you smoke?” said the advocate, sitting down opposite Nekhludoff and + trying to conceal a smile, apparently still excited by the success of the + accomplished transaction. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks; I have come about Maslova’s case.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes; directly! But oh, what rogues these fat money bags are!” he + said. “You saw this here fellow. Why, he has about twelve million roubles, + and he cannot speak correctly; and if he can get a twenty-five rouble note + out of you he’ll have it, if he’s to wrench it out with his teeth.” + </p> + <p> + “He says ‘’eaven’ and ‘hour,’ and you say ‘this here fellow,’” Nekhludoff + thought, with an insurmountable feeling of aversion towards this man who + wished to show by his free and easy manner that he and Nekhludoff belonged + to one and the same camp, while his other clients belonged to another. + </p> + <p> + “He has worried me to death—a fearful scoundrel. I felt I must + relieve my feelings,” said the advocate, as if to excuse his speaking + about things that had no reference to business. “Well, how about your + case? I have read it attentively, but do not approve of it. I mean that + greenhorn of an advocate has left no valid reason for an appeal.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, what have you decided?” + </p> + <p> + “One moment. Tell him,” he said to his assistant, who had just come in, + “that I keep to what I have said. If he can, it’s all right; if not, no + matter.” + </p> + <p> + “But he won’t agree.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, no matter,” and the advocate frowned. + </p> + <p> + “There now, and it is said that we advocates get our money for nothing,” + he remarked, after a pause. “I have freed one insolvent debtor from a + totally false charge, and now they all flock to me. Yet every such case + costs enormous labour. Why, don’t we, too, ‘lose bits of flesh in the + inkstand?’ as some writer or other has said. Well, as to your case, or, + rather, the case you are taking an interest in. It has been conducted + abominably. There is no good reason for appealing. Still,” he continued, + “we can but try to get the sentence revoked. This is what I have noted + down.” He took up several sheets of paper covered with writing, and began + to read rapidly, slurring over the uninteresting legal terms and laying + particular stress on some sentences. “To the Court of Appeal, criminal + department, etc., etc. According to the decisions, etc., the verdict, + etc., So-and-so Maslova pronounced guilty of having caused the death + through poison of the merchant Smelkoff, and has, according to Statute + 1454 of the penal code, been sentenced to Siberia,” etc., etc. He stopped. + Evidently, in spite of his being so used to it, he still felt pleasure in + listening to his own productions. “This sentence is the direct result of + the most glaring judicial perversion and error,” he continued, + impressively, “and there are grounds for its revocation. Firstly, the + reading of the medical report of the examination of Smelkoff’s intestines + was interrupted by the president at the very beginning. This is point + one.” + </p> + <p> + “But it was the prosecuting side that demanded this reading,” Nekhludoff + said, with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “That does not matter. There might have been reasons for the defence to + demand this reading, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but there could have been no reason whatever for that.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a ground for appeal, though. To continue: ‘Secondly,’ he went on + reading, ‘when Maslova’s advocate, in his speech for the defence, wishing + to characterise Maslova’s personality, referred to the causes of her fall, + he was interrupted by the president calling him to order for the alleged + deviation from the direct subject. Yet, as has been repeatedly pointed out + by the Senate, the elucidation of the criminal’s characteristics and his + or her moral standpoint in general has a significance of the first + importance in criminal cases, even if only as a guide in the settling of + the question of imputation.’ That’s point two,” he said, with a look at + Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “But he spoke so badly that no one could make anything of it,” Nekhludoff + said, still more astonished. + </p> + <p> + “The fellow’s quite a fool, and of course could not be expected to say + anything sensible,” Fanarin said, laughing; “but, all the same, it will do + as a reason for appeal. Thirdly: ‘The president, in his summing up, + contrary to the direct decree of section 1, statute 801, of the criminal + code, omitted to inform the jury what the judicial points are that + constitute guilt; and did not mention that having admitted the fact of + Maslova having administered the poison to Smelkoff, the jury had a right + not to impute the guilt of murder to her, since the proofs of wilful + intent to deprive Smelkoff of life were absent, and only to pronounce her + guilty of carelessness resulting in the death of the merchant, which she + did not desire.’ This is the chief point.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but we ought to have known that ourselves. It was our mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “And now the fourth point,” the advocate continued. “The form of the + answer given by the jury contained an evident contradiction. Maslova is + accused of wilfully poisoning Smelkoff, her one object being that of + cupidity, the only motive to commit murder she could have had. The jury in + their verdict acquit her of the intent to rob, or participation in the + stealing of valuables, from which it follows that they intended also to + acquit her of the intent to murder, and only through a misunderstanding, + which arose from the incompleteness of the president’s summing up, omitted + to express it in due form in their answer. Therefore an answer of this + kind by the jury absolutely demanded the application of statutes 816 and + 808 of the criminal code of procedure, i.e., an explanation by the + president to the jury of the mistake made by them, and another debate on + the question of the prisoner’s guilt.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why did the president not do it?” + </p> + <p> + “I, too, should like to know why,” Fanarin said, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Then the Senate will, of course, correct this error?” + </p> + <p> + “That will all depend on who will preside there at the time. Well, now, + there it is. I have further said,” he continued, rapidly, “a verdict of + this kind gave the Court no right to condemn Maslova to be punished as a + criminal, and to apply section 3, statute 771 of the penal code to her + case. This is a decided and gross violation of the basic principles of our + criminal law. In view of the reasons stated, I have the honour of + appealing to you, etc., etc., the refutation, according to 909, 910, and + section 2, 912 and 928 statute of the criminal code, etc., etc. . . . to + carry this case before another department of the same Court for a further + examination. There; all that can be done is done, but, to be frank, I have + little hope of success, though, of course, it all depends on what members + will be present at the Senate. If you have any influence there you can but + try.” + </p> + <p> + “I do know some.” + </p> + <p> + “All right; only be quick about it. Else they’ll all go off for a change + of air; then you may have to wait three months before they return. Then, + in case of failure, we have still the possibility of appealing to His + Majesty. This, too, depends on the private influence you can bring to + work. In this case, too, I am at your service; I mean as to the working of + the petition, not the influence.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you. Now as to your fees?” + </p> + <p> + “My assistant will hand you the petition and tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “One thing more. The Procureur gave me a pass for visiting this person in + prison, but they tell me I must also get a permission from the governor in + order to get an interview at another time and in another place than those + appointed. Is this necessary?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I think so. But the governor is away at present; a vice-governor is + in his place. And he is such an impenetrable fool that you’ll scarcely be + able to do anything with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it Meslennikoff?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “I know him,” said Nekhludoff, and got up to go. At this moment a horribly + ugly, little, bony, snub-nosed, yellow-faced woman flew into the room. It + was the advocate’s wife, who did not seem to be in the least bit troubled + by her ugliness. She was attired in the most original manner; she seemed + enveloped in something made of velvet and silk, something yellow and + green, and her thin hair was crimped. + </p> + <p> + She stepped out triumphantly into the ante-room, followed by a tall, + smiling man, with a greenish complexion, dressed in a coat with silk + facings, and a white tie. This was an author. Nekhludoff knew him by + sight. + </p> + <p> + She opened the cabinet door and said, “Anatole, you must come to me. Here + is Simeon Ivanovitch, who will read his poems, and you must absolutely + come and read about Garshin.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff noticed that she whispered something to her husband, and, + thinking it was something concerning him, wished to go away, but she + caught him up and said: “I beg your pardon, Prince, I know you, and, + thinking an introduction superfluous, I beg you to stay and take part in + our literary matinee. It will be most interesting. M. Fanarin will read.” + </p> + <p> + “You see what a lot I have to do,” said Fanarin, spreading out his hands + and smilingly pointing to his wife, as if to show how impossible it was to + resist so charming a creature. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff thanked the advocate’s wife with extreme politeness for the + honour she did him in inviting him, but refused the invitation with a sad + and solemn look, and left the room. + </p> + <p> + “What an affected fellow!” said the advocate’s wife, when he had gone out. + </p> + <p> + In the ante-room the assistant handed him a ready-written petition, and + said that the fees, including the business with the Senate and the + commission, would come to 1,000 roubles, and explained that M. Fanarin did + not usually undertake this kind of business, but did it only to oblige + Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “And about this petition. Who is to sign it?” + </p> + <p> + “The prisoner may do it herself, or if this is inconvenient, M. Fanarin + can, if he gets a power of attorney from her.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no. I shall take the petition to her and get her to sign it,” said + Nekhludoff, glad of the opportunity of seeing her before the appointed + day. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVI. A PRISON FLOGGING. + </h2> + <p> + At the usual time the jailer’s whistle sounded in the corridors of the + prison, the iron doors of the cells rattled, bare feet pattered, heels + clattered, and the prisoners who acted as scavengers passed along the + corridors, filling the air with disgusting smells. The prisoners washed, + dressed, and came out for revision, then went to get boiling water for + their tea. + </p> + <p> + The conversation at breakfast in all the cells was very lively. It was all + about two prisoners who were to be flogged that day. One, Vasiliev, was a + young man of some education, a clerk, who had killed his mistress in a fit + of jealousy. His fellow-prisoners liked him because he was merry and + generous and firm in his behaviour with the prison authorities. He knew + the laws and insisted on their being carried out. Therefore he was + disliked by the authorities. Three weeks before a jailer struck one of the + scavengers who had spilt some soup over his new uniform. Vasiliev took the + part of the scavenger, saying that it was not lawful to strike a prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll teach you the law,” said the jailer, and gave Vasiliev a scolding. + Vasiliev replied in like manner, and the jailer was going to hit him, but + Vasiliev seized the jailer’s hands, held them fast for about three + minutes, and, after giving the hands a twist, pushed the jailer out of the + door. The jailer complained to the inspector, who ordered Vasiliev to be + put into a solitary cell. + </p> + <p> + The solitary cells were a row of dark closets, locked from outside, and + there were neither beds, nor chairs, nor tables in them, so that the + inmates had to sit or lie on the dirty floor, while the rats, of which + there were a great many in those cells, ran across them. The rats were so + bold that they stole the bread from the prisoners, and even attacked them + if they stopped moving. Vasiliev said he would not go into the solitary + cell, because he had not done anything wrong; but they used force. Then he + began struggling, and two other prisoners helped him to free himself from + the jailers. All the jailers assembled, and among them was Petrov, who was + distinguished for his strength. The prisoners got thrown down and pushed + into the solitary cells. + </p> + <p> + The governor was immediately informed that something very like a rebellion + had taken place. And he sent back an order to flog the two chief + offenders, Vasiliev and the tramp, Nepomnishy, giving each thirty strokes + with a birch rod. The flogging was appointed to take place in the women’s + interviewing-room. + </p> + <p> + All this was known in the prison since the evening, and it was being + talked about with animation in all the cells. + </p> + <p> + Korableva, Khoroshevka, Theodosia, and Maslova sat together in their + corner, drinking tea, all of them flushed and animated by the vodka they + had drunk, for Maslova, who now had a constant supply of vodka, freely + treated her companions to it. + </p> + <p> + “He’s not been a-rioting, or anything,” Korableva said, referring to + Vasiliev, as she bit tiny pieces off a lump of sugar with her strong + teeth. “He only stuck up for a chum, because it’s not lawful to strike + prisoners nowadays.” + </p> + <p> + “And he’s a fine fellow, I’ve heard say,” said Theodosia, who sat + bareheaded, with her long plaits round her head, on a log of wood opposite + the shelf bedstead on which the teapot stood. + </p> + <p> + “There, now, if you were to ask <i>him</i>,” the watchman’s wife said to + Maslova (by him she meant Nekhludoff). + </p> + <p> + “I shall tell him. He’ll do anything for me,” Maslova said, tossing her + head, and smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but when is he coming? and they’ve already gone to fetch them,” said + Theodosia. “It is terrible,” she added, with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + “I once did see how they flogged a peasant in the village. Father-in-law, + he sent me once to the village elder. Well, I went, and there . . . “ The + watchman’s wife began her long story, which was interrupted by the sound + of voices and steps in the corridor above them. + </p> + <p> + The women were silent, and sat listening. + </p> + <p> + “There they are, hauling him along, the devils!” Khoroshavka said. + “They’ll do him to death, they will. The jailers are so enraged with him + because he never would give in to them.” + </p> + <p> + All was quiet again upstairs, and the watchman’s wife finished her story + of how she was that frightened when she went into the barn and saw them + flogging a peasant, her inside turned at the sight, and so on. Khoroshevka + related how Schegloff had been flogged, and never uttered a sound. Then + Theodosia put away the tea things, and Korableva and the watchman’s wife + took up their sewing. Maslova sat down on the bedstead, with her arms + round her knees, dull and depressed. She was about to lie down and try to + sleep, when the woman warder called her into the office to see a visitor. + </p> + <p> + “Now, mind, and don’t forget to tell him about us,” the old woman + (Menshova) said, while Maslova was arranging the kerchief on her head + before the dim looking-glass. “We did not set fire to the house, but he + himself, the fiend, did it; his workman saw him do it, and will not damn + his soul by denying it. You just tell to ask to see my Mitri. Mitri will + tell him all about it, as plain as can be. Just think of our being locked + up in prison when we never dreamt of any ill, while he, the fiend, is + enjoying himself at the pub, with another man’s wife.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s not the law,” remarked Korableva. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll tell him—I’ll tell him,” answered Maslova. “Suppose I have + another drop, just to keep up courage,” she added, with a wink; and + Korableva poured out half a cup of vodka, which Maslova drank. Then, + having wiped her mouth and repeating the words “just to keep up courage,” + tossing her head and smiling gaily, she followed the warder along the + corridor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVII. NEKHLUDOFF AGAIN VISITS MASLOVA. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff had to wait in the hall for a long time. When he had arrived at + the prison and rung at the entrance door, he handed the permission of the + Procureur to the jailer on duty who met him. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” the jailer on duty said hurriedly, “the inspector is engaged.” + </p> + <p> + “In the office?” asked Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “No, here in the interviewing-room.”. + </p> + <p> + “Why, is it a visiting day to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “No; it’s special business.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see him. What am I to do?” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “When the inspector comes out you’ll tell him—wait a bit,” said the + jailer. + </p> + <p> + At this moment a sergeant-major, with a smooth, shiny face and moustaches + impregnated with tobacco smoke, came out of a side door, with the gold + cords of his uniform glistening, and addressed the jailer in a severe + tone. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by letting any one in here? The office. . . .” + </p> + <p> + “I was told the inspector was here,” said Nekhludoff, surprised at the + agitation he noticed in the sergeant-major’s manner. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the inner door opened, and Petrov came out, heated and + perspiring. + </p> + <p> + “He’ll remember it,” he muttered, turning to the sergeant major. The + latter pointed at Nekhludoff by a look, and Petrov knitted his brows and + went out through a door at the back. + </p> + <p> + “Who will remember it? Why do they all seem so confused? Why did the + sergeant-major make a sign to him?” Nekhludoff thought. + </p> + <p> + The sergeant-major, again addressing Nekhludoff, said: “You cannot meet + here; please step across to the office.” And Nekhludoff was about to + comply when the inspector came out of the door at the back, looking even + more confused than his subordinates, and sighing continually. When he saw + Nekhludoff he turned to the jailer. + </p> + <p> + “Fedotoff, have Maslova, cell 5, women’s ward, taken to the office.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you come this way, please,” he said, turning to Nekhludoff. They + ascended a steep staircase and entered a little room with one window, a + writing-table, and a few chairs in it. The inspector sat down. + </p> + <p> + “Mine are heavy, heavy duties,” he remarked, again addressing Nekhludoff, + and took out a cigarette. + </p> + <p> + “You are tired, evidently,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Tired of the whole of the service—the duties are very trying. One + tries to lighten their lot and only makes it worse; my only thought is how + to get away. Heavy, heavy duties!” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff did not know what the inspector’s particular difficulties were, + but he saw that to-day he was in a peculiarly dejected and hopeless + condition, calling for pity. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I should think the duties were heavy for a kind-hearted man,” he + said. “Why do you serve in this capacity?” + </p> + <p> + “I have a family.” + </p> + <p> + “But, if it is so hard—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, still you know it is possible to be of use in some measure; I + soften down all I can. Another in my place would conduct the affairs quite + differently. Why, we have more than 2,000 persons here. And what persons! + One must know how to manage them. It is easier said than done, you know. + After all, they are also men; one cannot help pitying them.” The inspector + began telling Nekhludoff of a fight that had lately taken place among the + convicts, which had ended by one man being killed. + </p> + <p> + The story was interrupted by the entrance of Maslova, who was accompanied + by a jailer. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff saw her through the doorway before she had noticed the + inspector. She was following the warder briskly, smiling and tossing her + head. When she saw the inspector she suddenly changed, and gazed at him + with a frightened look; but, quickly recovering, she addressed Nekhludoff + boldly and gaily. + </p> + <p> + “How d’you do?” she said, drawling out her words, and smilingly took his + hand and shook it vigorously, not like the first time. + </p> + <p> + “Here, I’ve brought you a petition to sign,” said Nekhludoff, rather + surprised by the boldness with which she greeted him to-day. + </p> + <p> + “The advocate has written out a petition which you will have to sign, and + then we shall send it to Petersburg.” + </p> + <p> + “All right! That can be done. Anything you like,” she said, with a wink + and a smile. + </p> + <p> + And Nekhludoff drew a folded paper from his pocket and went up to the + table. + </p> + <p> + “May she sign it here?” asked Nekhludoff, turning to the inspector. + </p> + <p> + “It’s all right, it’s all right! Sit down. Here’s a pen; you can write?” + said the inspector. + </p> + <p> + “I could at one time,” she said; and, after arranging her skirt and the + sleeves of her jacket, she sat down at the table, smiled awkwardly, took + the pen with her small, energetic hand, and glanced at Nekhludoff with a + laugh. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff told her what to write and pointed out the place where to sign. + </p> + <p> + Sighing deeply as she dipped her pen into the ink, and carefully shaking + some drops off the pen, she wrote her name. + </p> + <p> + “Is it all?” she asked, looking from Nekhludoff to the inspector, and + putting the pen now on the inkstand, now on the papers. + </p> + <p> + “I have a few words to tell you,” Nekhludoff said, taking the pen from + her. + </p> + <p> + “All right; tell me,” she said. And suddenly, as if remembering something, + or feeling sleepy, she grew serious. + </p> + <p> + The inspector rose and left the room, and Nekhludoff remained with her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLVIII. MASLOVA REFUSES TO MARRY. + </h2> + <p> + The jailer who had brought Maslova in sat on a windowsill at some distance + from them. + </p> + <p> + The decisive moment had come for Nekhludoff. He had been incessantly + blaming himself for not having told her the principal thing at the first + interview, and was now determined to tell her that he would marry her. She + was sitting at the further side of the table. Nekhludoff sat down opposite + her. It was light in the room, and Nekhludoff for the first time saw her + face quite near. He distinctly saw the crowsfeet round her eyes, the + wrinkles round her mouth, and the swollen eyelids. He felt more sorry than + before. Leaning over the table so as not to be heard by the jailer—a + man of Jewish type with grizzly whiskers, who sat by the window—Nekhludoff + said: + </p> + <p> + “Should this petition come to nothing we shall appeal to the Emperor. All + that is possible shall be done.” + </p> + <p> + “There, now, if we had had a proper advocate from the first,” she + interrupted. “My defendant was quite a silly. He did nothing but pay me + compliments,” she said, and laughed. “If it had then been known that I was + acquainted with you, it would have been another matter. They think every + one’s a thief.” + </p> + <p> + “How strange she is to-day,” Nekhludoff thought, and was just going to say + what he had on his mind when she began again: + </p> + <p> + “There’s something I want to say. We have here an old woman; such a fine + one, d’you know, she just surprises every one; she is imprisoned for + nothing, and her son, too, and everybody knows they are innocent, though + they are accused of having set fire to a house. D’you know, hearing I was + acquainted with you, she says: ‘Tell him to ask to see my son; he’ll tell + him all about it.”’ Thus spoke Maslova, turning her head from side to + side, and glancing at Nekhludoff. “Their name’s Menshoff. Well, will you + do it? Such a fine old thing, you know; you can see at once she’s + innocent. You’ll do it, there’s a dear,” and she smiled, glanced up at + him, and then cast down her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “All right. I’ll find out about them,” Nekhludoff said, more and more + astonished by her free-and-easy manner. “But I was going to speak to you + about myself. Do you remember what I told you last time?” + </p> + <p> + “You said a lot last time. What was it you told me?” she said, continuing + to smile and to turn her head from side to side. + </p> + <p> + “I said I had come to ask you to forgive me,” he began. + </p> + <p> + “What’s the use of that? Forgive, forgive, where’s the good of—” + </p> + <p> + “To atone for my sin, not by mere words, but in deed. I have made up my + mind to marry you.” + </p> + <p> + An expression of fear suddenly came over her face. Her squinting eyes + remained fixed on him, and yet seemed not to be looking at him. + </p> + <p> + “What’s that for?” she said, with an angry frown. + </p> + <p> + “I feel that it is my duty before God to do it.” + </p> + <p> + “What God have you found now? You are not saying what you ought to. God, + indeed! What God? You ought to have remembered God then,” she said, and + stopped with her mouth open. It was only now that Nekhludoff noticed that + her breath smelled of spirits, and that he understood the cause of her + excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Try and be calm,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I be calm?” she began, quickly, flushing scarlet. “I am a + convict, and you are a gentleman and a prince. There’s no need for you to + soil yourself by touching me. You go to your princesses; my price is a + ten-rouble note.” + </p> + <p> + “However cruelly you may speak, you cannot express what I myself am + feeling,” he said, trembling all over; “you cannot imagine to what extent + I feel myself guilty towards you.” + </p> + <p> + “Feel yourself guilty?” she said, angrily mimicking him. “You did not feel + so then, but threw me 100 roubles. That’s your price.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know; but what is to be done now?” said Nekhludoff. “I have + decided not to leave you, and what I have said I shall do.” + </p> + <p> + “And I say you sha’n’t,” she said, and laughed aloud. + </p> + <p> + “Katusha,” he said, touching her hand. + </p> + <p> + “You go away. I am a convict and you a prince, and you’ve no business + here,” she cried, pulling away her hand, her whole appearance transformed + by her wrath. “You’ve got pleasure out of me in this life, and want to + save yourself through me in the life to come. You are disgusting to me—your + spectacles and the whole of your dirty fat mug. Go, go!” she screamed, + starting to her feet. + </p> + <p> + The jailer came up to them. + </p> + <p> + “What are you kicking up this row for?’ That won’t—” + </p> + <p> + “Let her alone, please,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “She must not forget herself,” said the jailer. “Please wait a little,” + said Nekhludoff, and the jailer returned to the window. + </p> + <p> + Maslova sat down again, dropping her eyes and firmly clasping her small + hands. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff stooped over her, not knowing what to do. + </p> + <p> + “You do not believe me?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “That you mean to marry me? It will never be. I’ll rather hang myself. So + there!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, still I shall go on serving you.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s your affair, only I don’t want anything from you. I am telling you + the plain truth,” she said. “Oh, why did I not die then?” she added, and + began to cry piteously. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff could not speak; her tears infected him. + </p> + <p> + She lifted her eyes, looked at him in surprise, and began to wipe her + tears with her kerchief. + </p> + <p> + The jailer came up again and reminded them that it was time to part. + </p> + <p> + Maslova rose. + </p> + <p> + “You are excited. If it is possible, I shall come again tomorrow; you + think it over,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + She gave him no answer and, without looking up, followed the jailer out of + the room. + </p> + <p> + “Well, lass, you’ll have rare times now,” Korableva said, when Maslova + returned to the cell. “Seems he’s mighty sweet on you; make the most of it + while he’s after you. He’ll help you out. Rich people can do anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that’s so,” remarked the watchman’s wife, with her musical voice. + “When a poor man thinks of getting married, there’s many a slip ‘twixt the + cup and the lip; but a rich man need only make up his mind and it’s done. + We knew a toff like that duckie. What d’you think he did?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, have you spoken about my affairs?” the old woman asked. + </p> + <p> + But Maslova gave her fellow-prisoners no answer; she lay down on the shelf + bedstead, her squinting eyes fixed on a corner of the room, and lay there + until the evening. + </p> + <p> + A painful struggle went on in her soul. What Nekhludoff had told her + called up the memory of that world in which she had suffered and which she + had left without having understood, hating it. She now feared to wake from + the trance in which she was living. Not having arrived at any conclusion + when evening came, she again bought some vodka and drank with her + companions. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLIX. VERA DOUKHOVA. + </h2> + <p> + “So this is what it means, this,” thought Nekhludoff as he left the + prison, only now fully understanding his crime. If he had not tried to + expiate his guilt he would never have found out how great his crime was. + Nor was this all; she, too, would never have felt the whole horror of what + had been done to her. He only now saw what he had done to the soul of this + woman; only now she saw and understood what had been done to her. + </p> + <p> + Up to this time Nekhludoff had played with a sensation of self-admiration, + had admired his own remorse; now he was simply filled with horror. He knew + he could not throw her up now, and yet he could not imagine what would + come of their relations to one another. + </p> + <p> + Just as he was going out, a jailer, with a disagreeable, insinuating + countenance, and a cross and medals on his breast, came up and handed him + a note with an air of mystery. + </p> + <p> + “Here is a note from a certain person, your honour,” he said to Nekhludoff + as he gave him the envelope. + </p> + <p> + “What person?” + </p> + <p> + “You will know when you read it. A political prisoner. I am in that ward, + so she asked me; and though it is against the rules, still feelings of + humanity—” The jailer spoke in an unnatural manner. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was surprised that a jailer of the ward where political + prisoners were kept should pass notes inside the very prison walls, and + almost within sight of every one; he did not then know that this was both + a jailer and a spy. However, he took the note and read it on coming out of + the prison. + </p> + <p> + The note was written in a bold hand, and ran as follows: “Having heard + that you visit the prison, and are interested in the case of a criminal + prisoner, the desire of seeing you arose in me. Ask for a permission to + see me. I can give you a good deal of information concerning your + protegee, and also our group.—Yours gratefully, VERA DOUKHOVA.” + </p> + <p> + Vera Doukhova had been a school-teacher in an out-of-the-way village of + the Novgorod Government, where Nekhludoff and some friends of his had once + put up while bear hunting. Nekhludoff gladly and vividly recalled those + old days, and his acquaintance with Doukhova. It was just before Lent, in + an isolated spot, 40 miles from the railway. The hunt had been successful; + two bears had been killed; and the company were having dinner before + starting on their return journey, when the master of the hut where they + were putting up came in to say that the deacon’s daughter wanted to speak + to Prince Nekhludoff. “Is she pretty?” some one asked. “None of that, + please,” Nekhludoff said, and rose with a serious look on his face. Wiping + his mouth, and wondering what the deacon’s daughter might want of him, he + went into the host’s private hut. + </p> + <p> + There he found a girl with a felt hat and a warm cloak on—a sinewy, + ugly girl; only her eyes with their arched brows were beautiful. + </p> + <p> + “Here, miss, speak to him,” said the old housewife; “this is the prince + himself. I shall go out meanwhile.” + </p> + <p> + “In what way can I be of service to you?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “I—I—I see you are throwing away your money on such nonsense—on + hunting,” began the girl, in great confusion. “I know—I only want + one thing—to be of use to the people, and I can do nothing because I + know nothing—” Her eyes were so truthful, so kind, and her + expression of resoluteness and yet bashfulness was so touching, that + Nekhludoff, as it often happened to him, suddenly felt as if he were in + her position, understood, and sympathised. + </p> + <p> + “What can I do, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I am a teacher, but should like to follow a course of study; and I am not + allowed to do so. That is, not that I am not allowed to; they’d allow me + to, but I have not got the means. Give them to me, and when I have + finished the course I shall repay you. I am thinking the rich kill bears + and give the peasants drink; all this is bad. Why should they not do good? + I only want 80 roubles. But if you don’t wish to, never mind,” she added, + gravely. + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I am very grateful to you for this opportunity. . . . I + will bring it at once,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + He went out into the passage, and there met one of his comrades, who had + been overhearing his conversation. Paying no heed to his chaffing, + Nekhludoff got the money out of his bag and took it to her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, please, do not thank me; it is I who should thank you,” he said. + </p> + <p> + It was pleasant to remember all this now; pleasant to remember that he had + nearly had a quarrel with an officer who tried to make an objectionable + joke of it, and how another of his comrades had taken his part, which led + to a closer friendship between them. How successful the whole of that + hunting expedition had been, and how happy he had felt when returning to + the railway station that night. The line of sledges, the horses in tandem, + glide quickly along the narrow road that lies through the forest, now + between high trees, now between low firs weighed down by the snow, caked + in heavy lumps on their branches. A red light flashes in the dark, some + one lights an aromatic cigarette. Joseph, a bear driver, keeps running + from sledge to sledge, up to his knees in snow, and while putting things + to rights he speaks about the elk which are now going about on the deep + snow and gnawing the bark off the aspen trees, of the bears that are lying + asleep in their deep hidden dens, and his breath comes warm through the + opening in the sledge cover. All this came back to Nekhludoff’s mind; but, + above all, the joyous sense of health, strength, and freedom from care: + the lungs breathing in the frosty air so deeply that the fur cloak is + drawn tightly on his chest, the fine snow drops off the low branches on to + his face, his body is warm, his face feels fresh, and his soul is free + from care, self-reproach, fear, or desire. How beautiful it was. And now, + O God! what torment, what trouble! + </p> + <p> + Evidently Vera Doukhova was a revolutionist and imprisoned as such. He + must see her, especially as she promised to advise him how to lighten + Maslova’s lot. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER L. THE VICE-GOVERNOR OF THE PRISON. + </h2> + <p> + Awaking early the next morning, Nekhludoff remembered what he had done the + day before, and was seized with fear. + </p> + <p> + But in spite of this fear, he was more determined than ever to continue + what he had begun. + </p> + <p> + Conscious of a sense of duty, he left the house and went to see + Maslennikoff in order to obtain from him a permission to visit Maslova in + prison, and also the Menshoffs—mother and son—about whom + Maslova had spoken to him. Nekhludoff had known this Maslennikoff a long + time; they had been in the regiment together. At that time Maslennikoff + was treasurer to the regiment. + </p> + <p> + He was a kind-hearted and zealous officer, knowing and wishing to know + nothing beyond the regiment and the Imperial family. Now Nekhludoff saw + him as an administrator, who had exchanged the regiment for an + administrative office in the government where he lived. He was married to + a rich and energetic woman, who had forced him to exchange military for + civil service. She laughed at him, and caressed him, as if he were her own + pet animal. Nekhludoff had been to see them once during the winter, but + the couple were so uninteresting to him that he had not gone again. + </p> + <p> + At the sight of Nekhludoff Maslennikoff’s face beamed all over. He had the + same fat red face, and was as corpulent and as well dressed as in his + military days. Then, he used to be always dressed in a well-brushed + uniform, made according to the latest fashion, tightly fitting his chest + and shoulders; now, it was a civil service uniform he wore, and that, too, + tightly fitted his well-fed body and showed off his broad chest, and was + cut according to the latest fashion. In spite of the difference in age + (Maslennikoff was 40), the two men were very familiar with one another. + </p> + <p> + “Halloo, old fellow! How good of you to come! Let us go and see my wife. I + have just ten minutes to spare before the meeting. My chief is away, you + know. I am at the head of the Government administration,” he said, unable + to disguise his satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “I have come on business.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” said Maslennikoff, in an anxious and severe tone, putting + himself at once on his guard. + </p> + <p> + “There is a person, whom I am very much interested in, in prison” (at the + word “prison” Maslennikoff’s face grew stern); “and I should like to have + an interview in the office, and not in the common visiting-room. I have + been told it depended on you.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, mon cher,” said Maslennikoff, putting both hands on + Nekhludoff’s knees, as if to tone down his grandeur; “but remember, I am + monarch only for an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Then will you give me an order that will enable me to see her?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a woman?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “What is she there for?” + </p> + <p> + “Poisoning, but she has been unjustly condemned.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there you have it, your justice administered by jury, ils n’en font + point d’autres,” he said, for some unknown reason, in French. “I know you + do not agree with me, but it can’t be helped, c’est mon opinion bien + arretee,” he added, giving utterance to an opinion he had for the last + twelve months been reading in the retrograde Conservative paper. “I know + you are a Liberal.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know whether I am a Liberal or something else,” Nekhludoff said, + smiling; it always surprised him to find himself ranked with a political + party and called a Liberal, when he maintained that a man should be heard + before he was judged, that before being tried all men were equal, that + nobody at all ought to be ill-treated and beaten, but especially those who + had not yet been condemned by law. “I don’t know whether I am a Liberal or + not; but I do know that however had the present way of conducting a trial + is, it is better than the old.” + </p> + <p> + “And whom have you for an advocate?” + </p> + <p> + “I have spoken to Fanarin.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, Fanarin!” said Meslennikoff, with a grimace, recollecting how + this Fanarin had examined him as a witness at a trial the year before and + had, in the politest manner, held him up to ridicule for half an hour. + </p> + <p> + “I should not advise you to have anything to do with him. <i>Fanarin est + un homme tare</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “I have one more request to make,” said Nekhludoff, without answering him. + “There’s a girl whom I knew long ago, a teacher; she is a very pitiable + little thing, and is now also imprisoned, and would like to see me. Could + you give me a permission to visit her?” + </p> + <p> + Meslennikoff bent his head on one side and considered. + </p> + <p> + “She’s a political one?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have been told so.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you see, only relatives get permission to visit political + prisoners. Still, I’ll give you an open order. <i>Je sais que vous + n’abuserez pas</i>. What’s the name of your protegee? Doukhova? <i>Elle + est jolie?</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Hideuse.” + </p> + <p> + Maslennikoff shook his head disapprovingly, went up to the table, and + wrote on a sheet of paper, with a printed heading: “The bearer, Prince + Dmitri Ivanovitch Nekhludoff, is to be allowed to interview in the prison + office the meschanka Maslova, and also the medical assistant, Doukhova,” + and he finished with an elaborate flourish. + </p> + <p> + “Now you’ll be able to see what order we have got there. And it is very + difficult to keep order, it is so crowded, especially with people + condemned to exile; but I watch strictly, and love the work. You will see + they are very comfortable and contented. But one must know how to deal + with them. Only a few days ago we had a little trouble—insubordination; + another would have called it mutiny, and would have made many miserable, + but with us it all passed quietly. We must have solicitude on one hand, + firmness and power on the other,” and he clenched the fat, white, + turquoise-ringed fist, which issued out of the starched cuff of his shirt + sleeve, fastened with a gold stud. “Solicitude and firm power.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don’t know about that,” said Nekhludoff. “I went there twice, and + felt very much depressed.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, you ought to get acquainted with the Countess Passek,” + continued Maslennikoff, growing talkative. “She has given herself up + entirely to this sort of work. Elle fait beaucoup de bien. Thanks to her—and, + perhaps I may add without false modesty, to me—everything has been + changed, changed in such a way that the former horrors no longer exist, + and they are really quite comfortable there. Well, you’ll see. There’s + Fanarin. I do not know him personally; besides, my social position keeps + our ways apart; but he is positively a bad man, and besides, he takes the + liberty of saying such things in the court—such things!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, thank you,” Nekhludoff said, taking the paper, and without + listening further he bade good-day to his former comrade. + </p> + <p> + “And won’t you go in to see my wife?” + </p> + <p> + “No, pray excuse me; I have no time now.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, why she will never forgive me,” said Maslennikoff, accompanying + his old acquaintance down to the first landing, as he was in the habit of + doing to persons of not the greatest, but the second greatest importance, + with whom he classed Nekhludoff; “now do go in, if only for a moment.” + </p> + <p> + But Nekhludoff remained firm; and while the footman and the door-keeper + rushed to give him his stick and overcoat, and opened the door, outside of + which there stood a policeman, Nekhludoff repeated that he really could + not come in. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then; on Thursday, please. It is her ‘at-home.’ I will tell her you + will come,” shouted Maslennikoff from the stairs. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LI. THE CELLS. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff drove that day straight from Maslennikoff’s to the prison, and + went to the inspector’s lodging, which he now knew. He was again struck by + the sounds of the same piano of inferior quality; but this time it was not + a rhapsody that was being played, but exercises by Clementi, again with + the same vigour, distinctness, and quickness. The servant with the + bandaged eye said the inspector was in, and showed Nekhludoff to a small + drawing-room, in which there stood a sofa and, in front of it, a table, + with a large lamp, which stood on a piece of crochet work, and the paper + shade of which was burnt on one side. The chief inspector entered, with + his usual sad and weary look. + </p> + <p> + “Take a seat, please. What is it you want?” he said, buttoning up the + middle button of his uniform. + </p> + <p> + “I have just been to the vice-governor’s, and got this order from him. I + should like to see the prisoner Maslova.” + </p> + <p> + “Markova?” asked the inspector, unable to bear distinctly because of the + music. + </p> + <p> + “Maslova!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes.” The inspector got up and went to the door whence proceeded + Clementi’s roulades. + </p> + <p> + “Mary, can’t you stop just a minute?” he said, in a voice that showed that + this music was the bane of his life. “One can’t hear a word.” + </p> + <p> + The piano was silent, but one could hear the sound of reluctant steps, and + some one looked in at the door. + </p> + <p> + The inspector seemed to feel eased by the interval of silence, lit a thick + cigarette of weak tobacco, and offered one to Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff refused. + </p> + <p> + “What I want is to see Maslova.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, that can be managed. Now, then, what do you want?” he said, + addressing a little girl of five or six, who came into the room and walked + up to her father with her head turned towards Nekhludoff, and her eyes + fixed on him. + </p> + <p> + “There, now, you’ll fall down,” said the inspector, smiling, as the little + girl ran up to him, and, not looking where she was going, caught her foot + in a little rug. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, if I may, I shall go.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s not very convenient to see Maslova to-day,” said the inspector. + </p> + <p> + “How’s that?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know, it’s all your own fault,” said the inspector, with a + slight smile. “Prince, give her no money into her hands. If you like, give + it me. I will keep it for her. You see, you gave her some money yesterday; + she got some spirits (it’s an evil we cannot manage to root out), and + to-day she is quite tipsy, even violent.” + </p> + <p> + “Can this be true?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, it is. I have even been obliged to have recourse to severe + measures, and to put her into a separate cell. She is a quiet woman in an + ordinary way. But please do not give her any money. These people are so—” + What had happened the day before came vividly back to Nekhludoff’s mind, + and again he was seized with fear. + </p> + <p> + “And Doukhova, a political prisoner; might I see her?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if you like,” said the inspector. He embraced the little girl, who + was still looking at Nekhludoff, got up, and, tenderly motioning her + aside, went into the ante-room. Hardly had he got into the overcoat which + the maid helped him to put on, and before he had reached the door, the + distinct sounds of Clementi’s roulades again began. + </p> + <p> + “She entered the Conservatoire, but there is such disorder there. She has + a great gift,” said the inspector, as they went down the stairs. “She + means to play at concerts.” + </p> + <p> + The inspector and Nekhludoff arrived at the prison. The gates were + instantly opened as they appeared. The jailers, with their fingers lifted + to their caps, followed the inspector with their eyes. Four men, with + their heads half shaved, who were carrying tubs filled with something, + cringed when they saw the inspector. One of them frowned angrily, his + black eyes glaring. + </p> + <p> + “Of course a talent like that must be developed; it would not do to bury + it, but in a small lodging, you know, it is rather hard.” The inspector + went on with the conversation, taking no notice of the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + “Who is it you want to see?” + </p> + <p> + “Doukhova.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, she’s in the tower. You’ll have to wait a little,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Might I not meanwhile see the prisoners Menshoff, mother and son, who are + accused of incendiarism?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes. Cell No. 21. Yes, they can be sent for.” + </p> + <p> + “But might I not see Menshoff in his cell?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you’ll find the waiting-room more pleasant.” + </p> + <p> + “No. I should prefer the cell. It is more interesting.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you have found something to be interested in!” + </p> + <p> + Here the assistant, a smartly-dressed officer, entered the side door. + </p> + <p> + “Here, see the Prince into Menshoff’s cell, No. 21,” said the inspector to + his assistant, “and then take him to the office. And I’ll go and call—What’s + her name? Vera Doukhova.” + </p> + <p> + The inspector’s assistant was young, with dyed moustaches, and diffusing + the smell of eau-de-cologne. “This way, please,” he said to Nekhludoff, + with a pleasant smile. “Our establishment interests you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it does interest me; and, besides, I look upon it as a duty to help + a man who I heard was confined here, though innocent.” + </p> + <p> + The assistant shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that may happen,” he said quietly, politely stepping aside to let + the visitor enter, the stinking corridor first. “But it also happens that + they lie. Here we are.” + </p> + <p> + The doors of the cells were open, and some of the prisoners were in the + corridor. The assistant nodded slightly to the jailers, and cast a side + glance at the prisoners, who, keeping close to the wall, crept back to + their cells, or stood like soldiers, with their arms at their sides, + following the official with their eyes. After passing through one + corridor, the assistant showed Nekhludoff into another to the left, + separated from the first by an iron door. This corridor was darker, and + smelt even worse than the first. The corridor had doors on both sides, + with little holes in them about an inch in diameter. There was only an old + jailer, with an unpleasant face, in this corridor. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Menshoff?” asked the inspector’s assistant. + </p> + <p> + “The eighth cell to the left.” + </p> + <p> + “And these? Are they occupied?” asked Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, all but one.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LII. NO. 21. + </h2> + <h3> + “May I look in?” asked Nekhludoff. + </h3> + <p> + “Oh, certainly,” answered the assistant, smiling, and turned to the jailer + with some question. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff looked into one of the little holes, and saw a tall young man + pacing up and down the cell. When the man heard some one at the door he + looked up with a frown, but continued walking up and down. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff looked into another hole. His eye met another large eye looking + out of the hole at him, and he quickly stepped aside. In the third cell he + saw a very small man asleep on the bed, covered, head and all, with his + prison cloak. In the fourth a broad-faced man was sitting with his elbows + on his knees and his head low down. At the sound of footsteps this man + raised his head and looked up. His face, especially his large eyes, bore + the expression of hopeless dejection. One could see that it did not even + interest him to know who was looking into his cell. Whoever it might be, + he evidently hoped for nothing good from him. Nekhludoff was seized with + dread, and went to Menshoff’s cell, No. 21, without stopping to look + through any more holes. The jailer unlocked the door and opened it. A + young man, with long neck, well-developed muscles, a small head, and kind, + round eyes, stood by the bed, hastily putting on his cloak, and looking at + the newcomers with a frightened face. Nekhludoff was specially struck by + the kind, round eyes that were throwing frightened and inquiring glances + in turns at him, at the jailer, and at the assistant, and back again. + </p> + <p> + “Here’s a gentleman wants to inquire into your affair.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you kindly.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I was told about you,” Nekhludoff said, going through the cell up to + the dirty grated window, “and I should like to hear all about it from + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Menshoff also came up to the window, and at once started telling his + story, at first looking shyly at the inspector’s assistant, but growing + gradually bolder. When the assistant left the cell and went into the + corridor to give some order the man grew quite bold. The story was told + with the accent and in the manner common to a most ordinary good peasant + lad. To hear it told by a prisoner dressed in this degrading clothing, and + inside a prison, seemed very strange to Nekhludoff. Nekhludoff listened, + and at the same time kept looking around him—at the low bedstead + with its straw mattress, the window and the dirty, damp wall, and the + piteous face and form of this unfortunate, disfigured peasant in his + prison cloak and shoes, and he felt sadder and sadder, and would have + liked not to believe what this good-natured fellow was saying. It seemed + too dreadful to think that men could do such a thing as to take a man, + dress him in convict clothes, and put him in this horrible place without + any reason only because he himself had been injured. And yet the thought + that this seemingly true story, told with such a good-natured expression + on the face, might be an invention and a lie was still more dreadful. This + was the story: The village public-house keeper had enticed the young + fellow’s wife. He tried to get justice by all sorts of means. But + everywhere the public-house keeper managed to bribe the officials, and was + acquitted. Once, he took his wife back by force, but she ran away next + day. Then he came to demand her back, but, though he saw her when he came + in, the public-house keeper told him she was not there, and ordered him to + go away. He would not go, so the public-house keeper and his servant beat + him so that they drew blood. The next day a fire broke out in the + public-house, and the young man and his mother were accused of having set + the house on fire. He had not set it on fire, but was visiting a friend at + the time. + </p> + <p> + “And it is true that you did not set it on fire?” + </p> + <p> + “It never entered my head to do it, sir. It must be my enemy that did it + himself. They say he had only just insured it. Then they said it was + mother and I that did it, and that we had threatened him. It is true I + once did go for him, my heart couldn’t stand it any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Can this be true?” + </p> + <p> + “God is my witness it is true. Oh, sir, be so good—” and Nekhludoff + had some difficulty to prevent him from bowing down to the ground. “You + see I am perishing without any reason.” His face quivered and he turned up + the sleeve of his cloak and began to cry, wiping the tears with the sleeve + of his dirty shirt. + </p> + <p> + “Are you ready?” asked the assistant. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Well, cheer up. We will consult a good lawyer, and will do what we + can,” said Nekhludoff, and went out. Menshoff stood close to the door, so + that the jailer knocked him in shutting it, and while the jailer was + locking it he remained looking out through the little hole. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIII. VICTIMS OF GOVERNMENT. + </h2> + <p> + Passing back along the broad corridor (it was dinner time, and the cell + doors were open), among the men dressed in their light yellow cloaks, + short, wide trousers, and prison shoes, who were looking eagerly at him, + Nekhludoff felt a strange mixture of sympathy for them, and horror and + perplexity at the conduct of those who put and kept them here, and, + besides, he felt, he knew not why, ashamed of himself calmly examining it + all. + </p> + <p> + In one of the corridors, some one ran, clattering with his shoes, in at + the door of a cell. Several men came out from here, and stood in + Nekhludoff’s way, bowing to him. + </p> + <p> + “Please, your honour (we don’t know what to call you), get our affair + settled somehow.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not an official. I know nothing about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, anyhow, you come from outside; tell somebody—one of the + authorities, if need be,” said an indignant voice. “Show some pity on us, + as a human being. Here we are suffering the second month for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean? Why?” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Why? We ourselves don’t know why, but are sitting here the second month.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it’s quite true, and it is owing to an accident,” said the + inspector. “These people were taken up because they had no passports, and + ought to have been sent back to their native government; but the prison + there is burnt, and the local authorities have written, asking us not to + send them on. So we have sent all the other passportless people to their + different governments, but are keeping these.” + </p> + <p> + “What! For no other reason than that?” Nekhludoff exclaimed, stopping at + the door. + </p> + <p> + A crowd of about forty men, all dressed in prison clothes, surrounded him + and the assistant, and several began talking at once. The assistant + stopped them. + </p> + <p> + “Let some one of you speak.” + </p> + <p> + A tall, good-looking peasant, a stone-mason, of about fifty, stepped out + from the rest. He told Nekhludoff that all of them had been ordered back + to their homes and were now being kept in prison because they had no + passports, yet they had passports which were only a fortnight overdue. The + same thing had happened every year; they had many times omitted to renew + their passports till they were overdue, and nobody had ever said anything; + but this year they had been taken up and were being kept in prison the + second month, as if they were criminals. + </p> + <p> + “We are all masons, and belong to the same artel. We are told that the + prison in our government is burnt, but this is not our fault. Do help us.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff listened, but hardly understood what the good-looking old man + was saying, because his attention was riveted to a large, dark-grey, + many-legged louse that was creeping along the good-looking man’s cheek. + </p> + <p> + “How’s that? Is it possible for such a reason?” Nekhludoff said, turning + to the assistant. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they should have been sent off and taken back to their homes,” + calmly said the assistant, “but they seem to have been forgotten or + something.” + </p> + <p> + Before the assistant had finished, a small, nervous man, also in prison + dress, came out of the crowd, and, strangely contorting his mouth, began + to say that they were being ill-used for nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Worse than dogs,” he began. + </p> + <p> + “Now, now; not too much of this. Hold your tongue, or you know—” + </p> + <p> + “What do I know?” screamed the little man, desperately. “What is our + crime?” + </p> + <p> + “Silence!” shouted the assistant, and the little man was silent. + </p> + <p> + “But what is the meaning of all this?” Nekhludoff thought to himself as he + came out of the cell, while a hundred eyes were fixed upon him through the + openings of the cell doors and from the prisoners that met him, making him + feel as if he were running the gauntlet. + </p> + <p> + “Is it really possible that perfectly innocent people are kept here?” + Nekhludoff uttered when they left the corridor. + </p> + <p> + “What would you have us do? They lie so. To hear them talk they are all of + them innocent,” said the inspector’s assistant. “But it does happen that + some are really imprisoned for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, these have done nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we must admit it. Still, the people are fearfully spoilt. There are + such types—desperate fellows, with whom one has to look sharp. + To-day two of that sort had to be punished.” + </p> + <p> + “Punished? How?” + </p> + <p> + “Flogged with a birch-rod, by order.” + </p> + <p> + “But corporal punishment is abolished.” + </p> + <p> + “Not for such as are deprived of their rights. They are still liable to + it.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff thought of what he had seen the day before while waiting in the + hall, and now understood that the punishment was then being inflicted, and + the mixed feeling of curiosity, depression, perplexity, and moral nausea, + that grew into physical sickness, took hold of him more strongly than ever + before. + </p> + <p> + Without listening to the inspector’s assistant, or looking round, he + hurriedly left the corridor, and went to the office. The inspector was in + the office, occupied with other business, and had forgotten to send for + Doukhova. He only remembered his promise to have her called when + Nekhludoff entered the office. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down, please. I’ll send for her at once,” said the inspector. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIV. PRISONERS AND FRIENDS. + </h2> + <p> + The office consisted of two rooms. The first room, with a large, + dilapidated stove and two dirty windows, had a black measure for measuring + the prisoners in one corner, and in another corner hung a large image of + Christ, as is usual in places where they torture people. In this room + stood several jailers. In the next room sat about twenty persons, men and + women in groups and in pairs, talking in low voices. There was a writing + table by the window. + </p> + <p> + The inspector sat down by the table, and offered Nekhludoff a chair beside + him. Nekhludoff sat down, and looked at the people in the room. + </p> + <p> + The first who drew his attention was a young man with a pleasant face, + dressed in a short jacket, standing in front of a middle-aged woman with + dark eyebrows, and he was eagerly telling her something and gesticulating + with his hands. Beside them sat an old man, with blue spectacles, holding + the hand of a young woman in prisoner’s clothes, who was telling him + something. A schoolboy, with a fixed, frightened look on his face, was + gazing at the old man. In one corner sat a pair of lovers. She was quite + young and pretty, and had short, fair hair, looked energetic, and was + elegantly dressed; he had fine features, wavy hair, and wore a rubber + jacket. They sat in their corner and seemed stupefied with love. Nearest + to the table sat a grey-haired woman dressed in black, evidently the + mother of a young, consumptive-looking fellow, in the same kind of jacket. + Her head lay on his shoulder. She was trying to say something, but the + tears prevented her from speaking; she began several times, but had to + stop. The young man held a paper in his hand, and, apparently not knowing + what to do, kept folding and pressing it with an angry look on his face. + </p> + <p> + Beside them was a short-haired, stout, rosy girl, with very prominent + eyes, dressed in a grey dress and a cape; she sat beside the weeping + mother, tenderly stroking her. Everything about this girl was beautiful; + her large, white hands, her short, wavy hair, her firm nose and lips, but + the chief charm of her face lay in her kind, truthful hazel eyes. The + beautiful eyes turned away from the mother for a moment when Nekhludoff + came in, and met his look. But she turned back at once and said something + to the mother. + </p> + <p> + Not far from the lovers a dark, dishevelled man, with a gloomy face, sat + angrily talking to a beardless visitor, who looked as if he belonged to + the Scoptsy sect. + </p> + <p> + At the very door stood a young man in a rubber jacket, who seemed more + concerned about the impression he produced on the onlooker than about what + he was saying. Nekhludoff, sitting by the inspector’s side, looked round + with strained curiosity. A little boy with closely-cropped hair came up to + him and addressed him in a thin little voice. + </p> + <p> + “And whom are you waiting for?” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was surprised at the question, but looking at the boy, and + seeing the serious little face with its bright, attentive eyes fixed on + him, answered him seriously that he was waiting for a woman of his + acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “Is she, then, your sister?” the boy asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, not my sister,” Nekhludoff answered in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “And with whom are you here?” he inquired of the boy. + </p> + <p> + “I? With mamma; she is a political one,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “Mary Pavlovna, take Kolia!” said the inspector, evidently considering + Nekhludoff’s conversation with the boy illegal. + </p> + <p> + Mary Pavlovna, the beautiful girl who had attracted Nekhludoff’s + attention, rose tall and erect, and with firm, almost manly steps, + approached Nekhludoff and the boy. + </p> + <p> + “What is he asking you? Who you are?” she inquired with a slight smile, + and looking straight into his face with a trustful look in her kind, + prominent eyes, and as simply as if there could be no doubt whatever that + she was and must be on sisterly terms with everybody. + </p> + <p> + “He likes to know everything,” she said, looking at the boy with so sweet + and kind a smile that both the boy and Nekhludoff were obliged to smile + back. + </p> + <p> + “He was asking me whom I have come to see.” + </p> + <p> + “Mary Pavlovna, it is against the rules to speak to strangers. You know it + is,” said the inspector. + </p> + <p> + “All right, all right,” she said, and went back to the consumptive lad’s + mother, holding Kolia’s little hand in her large, white one, while he + continued gazing up into her face. + </p> + <p> + “Whose is this little boy?” Nekhludoff asked of the inspector. + </p> + <p> + “His mother is a political prisoner, and he was born in prison,” said the + inspector, in a pleased tone, as if glad to point out how exceptional his + establishment was. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and now he is going to Siberia with her.” + </p> + <p> + “And that young girl?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot answer your question,” said the inspector, shrugging his + shoulders. “Besides, here is Doukhova.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LV. VERA DOUKHOVA EXPLAINS. + </h2> + <p> + Through a door, at the back of the room, entered, with a wriggling gait, + the thin, yellow Vera Doukhova, with her large, kind eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks for having come,” she said, pressing Nekhludoff’s hand. “Do you + remember me? Let us sit down.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not expect to see you like this.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I am very happy. It is so delightful, so delightful, that I desire + nothing better,” said Vera Doukhova, with the usual expression of fright + in the large, kind, round eyes fixed on Nekhludoff, and twisting the + terribly thin, sinewy neck, surrounded by the shabby, crumpled, dirty + collar of her bodice. Nekhludoff asked her how she came to be in prison. + </p> + <p> + In answer she began relating all about her affairs with great animation. + Her speech was intermingled with a great many long words, such as + propaganda, disorganisation, social groups, sections and sub-sections, + about which she seemed to think everybody knew, but which Nekhludoff had + never heard of. + </p> + <p> + She told him all the secrets of the Nardovolstvo, [literally, “People’s + Freedom,” a revolutionary movement] evidently convinced that he was + pleased to hear them. Nekhludoff looked at her miserable little neck, her + thin, unkempt hair, and wondered why she had been doing all these strange + things, and why she was now telling all this to him. He pitied her, but + not as he had pitied Menshoff, the peasant, kept for no fault of his own + in the stinking prison. She was pitiable because of the confusion that + filled her mind. It was clear that she considered herself a heroine, and + was ready to give her life for a cause, though she could hardly have + explained what that cause was and in what its success would lie. + </p> + <p> + The business that Vera Doukhova wanted to see Nekhludoff about was the + following: A friend of hers, who had not even belonged to their + “sub-group,” as she expressed it, had been arrested with her about five + months before, and imprisoned in the Petropavlovsky fortress because some + prohibited books and papers (which she had been asked to keep) had been + found in her possession. Vera Doukhova felt herself in some measure to + blame for her friend’s arrest, and implored Nekhludoff, who had + connections among influential people, to do all he could in order to set + this friend free. + </p> + <p> + Besides this, Doukhova asked him to try and get permission for another + friend of hers, Gourkevitch (who was also imprisoned in the Petropavlovsky + fortress), to see his parents, and to procure some scientific books which + he required for his studies. Nekhludoff promised to do what he could when + he went to Petersburg. + </p> + <p> + As to her own story, this is what she said: Having finished a course of + midwifery, she became connected with a group of adherents to the + Nardovolstvo, and made up her mind to agitate in the revolutionary + movement. At first all went on smoothly. She wrote proclamations and + occupied herself with propaganda work in the factories; then, an important + member having been arrested, their papers were seized and all concerned + were arrested. “I was also arrested, and shall be exiled. But what does it + matter? I feel perfectly happy.” She concluded her story with a piteous + smile. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff made some inquiries concerning the girl with the prominent + eyes. Vera Doukhova told him that this girl was the daughter of a general, + and had been long attached to the revolutionary party, and was arrested + because she had pleaded guilty to having shot a gendarme. She lived in a + house with some conspirators, where they had a secret printing press. One + night, when the police came to search this house, the occupiers resolved + to defend themselves, put out the light, and began destroying the things + that might incriminate them. The police forced their way in, and one of + the conspirators fired, and mortally wounded a gendarme. When an inquiry + was instituted, this girl said that it was she who had fired, although she + had never had a revolver in her hands, and would not have hurt a fly. And + she kept to it, and was now condemned to penal servitude in Siberia. + </p> + <p> + “An altruistic, fine character,” said Vera Doukhova, approvingly. + </p> + <p> + The third business that Vera Doukhova wanted to talk about concerned + Maslova. She knew, as everybody does know in prison, the story of + Maslova’s life and his connection with her, and advised him to take steps + to get her removed into the political prisoner’s ward, or into the + hospital to help to nurse the sick, of which there were very many at that + time, so that extra nurses were needed. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff thanked her for the advice, and said he would try to act upon + it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVI. NEKHLUDOFF AND THE PRISONERS. + </h2> + <p> + Their conversation was interrupted by the inspector, who said that the + time was up, and the prisoners and their friends must part. Nekhludoff + took leave of Vera Doukhova and went to the door, where he stopped to + watch what was going on. + </p> + <p> + The inspector’s order called forth only heightened animation among the + prisoners in the room, but no one seemed to think of going. Some rose and + continued to talk standing, some went on talking without rising. A few + began crying and taking leave of each other. The mother and her + consumptive son seemed especially pathetic. The young fellow kept twisting + his bit of paper and his face seemed angry, so great were his efforts not + to be infected by his mother’s emotion. The mother, hearing that it was + time to part, put her head on his shoulder and sobbed and sniffed aloud. + </p> + <p> + The girl with the prominent eyes—Nekhludoff could not help watching + her—was standing opposite the sobbing mother, and was saying + something to her in a soothing tone. The old man with the blue spectacles + stood holding his daughter’s hand and nodding in answer to what she said. + The young lovers rose, and, holding each other’s hands, looked silently + into one another’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + “These are the only two who are merry,” said a young man with a short coat + who stood by Nekhludoff’s side, also looking at those who were about to + part, and pointed to the lovers. Feeling Nekhludoff’s and the young man’s + eyes fixed on them, the lovers—the young man with the rubber coat + and the pretty girl—stretched out their arms, and with their hands + clasped in each other’s, danced round and round again. “To-night they are + going to be married here in prison, and she will follow him to Siberia,” + said the young man. + </p> + <p> + “What is he?” + </p> + <p> + “A convict, condemned to penal servitude. Let those two at least have a + little joy, or else it is too painful,” the young man added, listening to + the sobs of the consumptive lad’s mother. + </p> + <p> + “Now, my good people! Please, please do not oblige me to have recourse to + severe measures,” the inspector said, repeating the same words several + times over. “Do, please,” he went on in a weak, hesitating manner. “It is + high time. What do you mean by it? This sort of thing is quite impossible. + I am now asking you for the last time,” he repeated wearily, now putting + out his cigarette and then lighting another. + </p> + <p> + It was evident that, artful, old, and common as were the devices enabling + men to do evil to others without feeling responsible for it, the inspector + could not but feel conscious that he was one of those who were guilty of + causing the sorrow which manifested itself in this room. And it was + apparent that this troubled him sorely. At length the prisoners and their + visitors began to go—the first out of the inner, the latter out of + the outer door. The man with the rubber jacket passed out among them, and + the consumptive youth and the dishevelled man. Mary Pavlovna went out with + the boy born in prison. + </p> + <p> + The visitors went out too. The old man with the blue spectacles, stepping + heavily, went out, followed by Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a strange state of things this,” said the talkative young man, as if + continuing an interrupted conversation, as he descended the stairs side by + side with Nekhludoff. “Yet we have reason to be grateful to the inspector + who does not keep strictly to the rules, kind-hearted fellow. If they can + get a talk it does relieve their hearts a bit, after all!” + </p> + <p> + While talking to the young man, who introduced himself as Medinzeff, + Nekhludoff reached the hall. There the inspector came up to them with + weary step. + </p> + <p> + “If you wish to see Maslova,” he said, apparently desiring to be polite to + Nekhludoff, “please come to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” answered Nekhludoff, and hurried away, experiencing more than + ever that sensation of moral nausea which he always felt on entering the + prison. + </p> + <p> + The sufferings of the evidently innocent Menshoff seemed terrible, and not + so much his physical suffering as the perplexity, the distrust in the good + and in God which he must feel, seeing the cruelty of the people who + tormented him without any reason. + </p> + <p> + Terrible were the disgrace and sufferings cast on these hundreds of + guiltless people simply because something was not written on paper as it + should have been. Terrible were the brutalised jailers, whose occupation + is to torment their brothers, and who were certain that they were + fulfilling an important and useful duty; but most terrible of all seemed + this sickly, elderly, kind-hearted inspector, who was obliged to part + mother and son, father and daughter, who were just the same sort of people + as he and his own children. + </p> + <p> + “What is it all for?” Nekhludoff asked himself, and could not find an + answer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVII. THE VICE-GOVERNOR’S “AT-HOME”. + </h2> + <p> + The next day Nekhludoff went to see the advocate, and spoke to him about + the Menshoffs’ case, begging him to undertake their defence. The advocate + promised to look into the case, and if it turned out to be as Nekhludoff + said he would in all probability undertake the defence free of charge. + Then Nekhludoff told him of the 130 men who were kept in prison owing to a + mistake. “On whom did it depend? Whose fault was it?” + </p> + <p> + The advocate was silent for a moment, evidently anxious to give a correct + reply. + </p> + <p> + “Whose fault is it? No one’s,” he said, decidedly. “Ask the Procureur, + he’ll say it is the Governor’s; ask the Governor, he’ll say it is the + Procureur’s fault. No one is in fault.” + </p> + <p> + “I am just going to see the Vice-Governor. I shall tell him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that’s quite useless,” said the advocate, with a smile. “He is such a—he + is not a relation or friend of yours?—such a blockhead, if I may say + so, and yet a crafty animal at the same time.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff remembered what Maslennikoff had said about the advocate, and + did not answer, but took leave and went on to Maslennikoff’s. He had to + ask Maslennikoff two things: about Maslova’s removal to the prison + hospital, and about the 130 passportless men innocently imprisoned. Though + it was very hard to petition a man whom he did not respect, and by whose + orders men were flogged, yet it was the only means of gaining his end, and + he had to go through with it. + </p> + <p> + As he drove up to Maslennikoff’s house Nekhludoff saw a number of + different carriages by the front door, and remembered that it was + Maslennikoff’s wife’s “at-home” day, to which he had been invited. At the + moment Nekhludoff drove up there was a carriage in front of the door, and + a footman in livery, with a cockade in his hat, was helping a lady down + the doorstep. She was holding up her train, and showing her thin ankles, + black stockings, and slippered feet. Among the carriages was a closed + landau, which he knew to be the Korchagins’. + </p> + <p> + The grey-haired, red-checked coachman took off his hat and bowed in a + respectful yet friendly manner to Nekhludoff, as to a gentleman he knew + well. Nekhludoff had not had time to inquire for Maslennikoff, when the + latter appeared on the carpeted stairs, accompanying a very important + guest not only to the first landing but to the bottom of the stairs. This + very important visitor, a military man, was speaking in French about a + lottery for the benefit of children’s homes that were to be founded in the + city, and expressed the opinion that this was a good occupation for the + ladies. “It amuses them, and the money comes.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“Qu’elles s’amusent et que le bon dieu les benisse. M. Nekhludoff!</i> + How d’you do? How is it one never sees you?” he greeted Nekhludoff. “<i>Allez + presenter vos devoirs a Madame.</i> And the Korchagins are here et Nadine + Bukshevden. <i>Toutes les jolies femmes de la ville,</i>” said the + important guest, slightly raising his uniformed shoulders as he presented + them to his own richly liveried servant to have his military overcoat put + on. “<i>Au revoir, mon cher.</i>” And he pressed Maslennikoff’s hand. + </p> + <p> + “Now, come up; I am so glad,” said Maslennikoff, grasping Nekhludoff’s + hand. In spite of his corpulency Maslennikoff hurried quickly up the + stairs. He was in particularly good spirits, owing to the attention paid + him by the important personage. Every such attention gave him the same + sense of delight as is felt by an affectionate dog when its master pats + it, strokes it, or scratches its ears. It wags its tail, cringes, jumps + about, presses its ears down, and madly rushes about in a circle. + Maslennikoff was ready to do the same. He did not notice the serious + expression on Nekhludoff’s face, paid no heed to his words, but pulled him + irresistibly towards the drawing-room, so that it was impossible for + Nekhludoff not to follow. “Business after wards. I shall do whatever you + want,” said Meslennikoff, as he drew Nekhludoff through the dancing hall. + “Announce Prince Nekhludoff,” he said to a footman, without stopping on + his way. The footman started off at a trot and passed them. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Vous n’avez qu’ a ordonner.</i> But you must see my wife. As it is, I + got it for letting you go without seeing her last time.” + </p> + <p> + By the time they reached the drawing-room the footman had already + announced Nekhludoff, and from between the bonnets and heads that + surrounded it the smiling face of Anna Ignatievna, the Vice-Governor’s + wife, beamed on Nekhludoff. At the other end of the drawing-room several + ladies were seated round the tea-table, and some military men and some + civilians stood near them. The clatter of male and female voices went on + unceasingly. + </p> + <p> + “Enfin! you seem to have quite forgotten us. How have we offended?” With + these words, intended to convey an idea of intimacy which had never + existed between herself and Nekhludoff, Anna Ignatievna greeted the + newcomer. + </p> + <p> + “You are acquainted?—Madam Tilyaevsky, M. Chernoff. Sit down a bit + nearer. Missy <i>vene donc a notre table on vous apportera votre</i> the . + . . And you,” she said, having evidently forgotten his name, to an officer + who was talking to Missy, “do come here. A cup of tea, Prince?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall never, never agree with you. It’s quite simple; she did not + love,” a woman’s voice was heard saying. + </p> + <p> + “But she loved tarts.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, your eternal silly jokes!” put in, laughingly, another lady + resplendent in silks, gold, and jewels. + </p> + <p> + “C’est excellent these little biscuits, and so light. I think I’ll take + another.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, are you moving soon?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, this is our last day. That’s why we have come. Yes, it must be + lovely in the country; we are having a delightful spring.” + </p> + <p> + Missy, with her hat on, in a dark-striped dress of some kind that fitted + her like a skin, was looking very handsome. She blushed when she saw + Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “And I thought you had left,” she said to him. + </p> + <p> + “I am on the point of leaving. Business is keeping me in town, and it is + on business I have come here.” + </p> + <p> + “Won’t you come to see mamma? She would like to see you,” she said, and + knowing that she was saying what was not true, and that he knew it also, + she blushed still more. + </p> + <p> + “I fear I shall scarcely have time,” Nekhludoff said gloomily, trying to + appear as if he had not noticed her blush. Missy frowned angrily, shrugged + her shoulders, and turned towards an elegant officer, who grasped the + empty cup she was holding, and knocking his sword against the chairs, + manfully carried the cup across to another table. + </p> + <p> + “You must contribute towards the Home fund.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not refusing, but only wish to keep my bounty fresh for the lottery. + There I shall let it appear in all its glory.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, look out for yourself,” said a voice, followed by an evidently + feigned laugh. + </p> + <p> + Anna Ignatievna was in raptures; her “at-home” had turned out a brilliant + success. “Micky tells me you are busying yourself with prison work. I can + understand you so well,” she said to Nekhludoff. “Micky (she meant her fat + husband, Maslennikoff) may have other defects, but you know how + kind-hearted he is. All these miserable prisoners are his children. He + does not regard them in any other light. <i>Il est d’une bonte—-</i>” + and she stopped, finding no words to do justice to this bonte of his, and + quickly turned to a shrivelled old woman with bows of lilac ribbon all + over, who came in just then. + </p> + <p> + Having said as much as was absolutely necessary, and with as little + meaning as conventionality required, Nekhludoff rose and went up to + Meslennikoff. “Can you give me a few minutes’ hearing, please?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes. Well, what is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Let us come in here.” + </p> + <p> + They entered a small Japanese sitting-room, and sat down by the window. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LVIII. THE VICE-GOVERNOR SUSPICIOUS. + </h2> + <p> + “Well? <i>Je suis a vous</i>. Will you smoke? But wait a bit; we must be + careful and not make a mess here,” said Maslennikoff, and brought an + ashpan. “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “There are two matters I wish to ask you about.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me!” + </p> + <p> + An expression of gloom and dejection came over Maslennikoff’s countenance, + and every trace of the excitement, like that of the dog’s whom its master + has scratched behind the cars, vanished completely. The sound of voices + reached them from the drawing-room. A woman’s voice was heard, saying, <i>“Jamais + je ne croirais,”</i> and a man’s voice from the other side relating + something in which the names of la Comtesse Voronzoff and Victor Apraksine + kept recurring. A hum of voices, mixed with laughter, came from another + side. Maslennikoff tried to listen to what was going on in the + drawing-room and to what Nekhludoff was saying at the same time. + </p> + <p> + “I am again come about that same woman,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; I know. The one innocently condemned.” + </p> + <p> + “I would like to ask that she should be appointed to serve in the prison + hospital. I have been told that this could be arranged.” + </p> + <p> + Maslennikoff compressed his lips and meditated. “That will be scarcely + possible,” he said. “However, I shall see what can be done, and shall wire + you an answer tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been told that there were many sick, and help was needed.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, all right. I shall let you know in any case.” + </p> + <p> + “Please do,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + The sound of a general and even a natural laugh came from the + drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + “That’s all that Victor. He is wonderfully sharp when he is in the right + vein,” said Maslennikoff. + </p> + <p> + “The next thing I wanted to tell you,” said Nekhludoff, “is that 130 + persons are imprisoned only because their passports are overdue. They have + been kept here a month.” + </p> + <p> + And he related the circumstances of the case. + </p> + <p> + “How have you come to know of this?” said Maslennikoff, looking uneasy and + dissatisfied. + </p> + <p> + “I went to see a prisoner, and these men came and surrounded me in the + corridor, and asked . . .” + </p> + <p> + “What prisoner did you go to see?” + </p> + <p> + “A peasant who is kept in prison, though innocent. I have put his case + into the hands of a lawyer. But that is not the point.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible that people who have done no wrong are imprisoned only + because their passports are overdue? And . . .” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the Procureur’s business,” Maslennikoff interrupted, angrily. + “There, now, you see what it is you call a prompt and just form of trial. + It is the business of the Public Prosecutor to visit the prison and to + find out if the prisoners are kept there lawfully. But that set play + cards; that’s all they do.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I to understand that you can do nothing?” Nekhludoff said, + despondently, remembering that the advocate had foretold that the Governor + would put the blame on the Procureur. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I can. I shall see about it at once.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the worse for her. <i>C’est un souffre douleur</i>,” came the + voice of a woman, evidently indifferent to what she was saying, from the + drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + “So much the better. I shall take it also,” a man’s voice was heard to say + from the other side, followed by the playful laughter of a woman, who was + apparently trying to prevent the man from taking something away from her. + </p> + <p> + “No, no; not on any account,” the woman’s voice said. + </p> + <p> + “All right, then. I shall do all this,” Maslennikoff repeated, and put out + the cigarette he held in his white, turquoise-ringed hand. “And now let us + join the ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a moment,” Nekhludoff said, stopping at the door of the + drawing-room. “I was told that some men had received corporal punishment + in the prison yesterday. Is this true?” + </p> + <p> + Maslennikoff blushed. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that’s what you are after? No, mon cher, decidedly it won’t do to let + you in there; you want to get at everything. Come, come; Anna is calling + us,” he said, catching Nekhludoff by the arm, and again becoming as + excited as after the attention paid him by the important person, only now + his excitement was not joyful, but anxious. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff pulled his arm away, and without taking leave of any one and + without saying a word, he passed through the drawing-room with a dejected + look, went down into the hall, past the footman, who sprang towards him, + and out at the street door. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with him? What have you done to him?” asked Anna of + her husband. + </p> + <p> + “This is <i>a la Francaise</i>,” remarked some one. + </p> + <p> + “<i>A la Francaise</i>, indeed—it is <i>a la Zoulou</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but he’s always been like that.” + </p> + <p> + Some one rose, some one came in, and the clatter went on its course. The + company used this episode with Nekhludoff as a convenient topic of + conversation for the rest of the “at-home.” + </p> + <p> + On the day following his visit to Maslennikoff, Nekhludoff received a + letter from him, written in a fine, firm hand, on thick, glazed paper, + with a coat-of-arms, and sealed with sealing-wax. Maslennikoff said that + he had written to the doctor concerning Maslova’s removal to the hospital, + and hoped Nekhludoff’s wish would receive attention. The letter was + signed, “Your affectionate elder comrade,” and the signature ended with a + large, firm, and artistic flourish. “Fool!” Nekhludoff could not refrain + from saying, especially because in the word “comrade” he felt + Maslennikoff’s condescension towards him, i.e., while Maslennikoff was + filling this position, morally most dirty and shameful, he still thought + himself a very important man, and wished, if not exactly to flatter + Nekhludoff, at least to show that he was not too proud to call him + comrade. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER LIX. NEKHLUDOFF’S THIRD INTERVIEW WITH MASLOVA IN PRISON. + </h2> + <p> + One of the most widespread superstitions is that every man has his own + special, definite qualities; that a man is kind, cruel, wise, stupid, + energetic, apathetic, etc. Men are not like that. We may say of a man that + he is more often kind than cruel, oftener wise than stupid, oftener + energetic than apathetic, or the reverse; but it would be false to say of + one man that he is kind and wise, of another that he is wicked and + foolish. And yet we always classify mankind in this way. And this is + untrue. Men are like rivers: the water is the same in each, and alike in + all; but every river is narrow here, is more rapid there, here slower, + there broader, now clear, now cold, now dull, now warm. It is the same + with men. Every man carries in himself the germs of every human quality, + and sometimes one manifests itself, sometimes another, and the man often + becomes unlike himself, while still remaining the same man, In some people + these changes are very rapid, and Nekhludoff was such a man. These changes + in him were due to physical and to spiritual causes. At this time he + experienced such a change. + </p> + <p> + That feeling of triumph and joy at the renewal of life which he had + experienced after the trial and after the first interview with Katusha, + vanished completely, and after the last interview fear and revulsion took + the place of that joy. He was determined not to leave her, and not to + change his decision of marrying her, if she wished it; but it seemed very + hard, and made him suffer. + </p> + <p> + On the day after his visit to Maslennikoff, he again went to the prison to + see her. + </p> + <p> + The inspector allowed him to speak to her, only not in the advocate’s room + nor in the office, but in the women’s visiting-room. In spite of his + kindness, the inspector was more reserved with Nekhludoff than hitherto. + </p> + <p> + An order for greater caution had apparently been sent, as a result of his + conversation with Meslennikoff. + </p> + <p> + “You may see her,” the inspector said; “but please remember what I said as + regards money. And as to her removal to the hospital, that his excellency + wrote to me about, it can be done; the doctor would agree. Only she + herself does not wish it. She says, ‘Much need have I to carry out the + slops for the scurvy beggars.’ You don’t know what these people are, + Prince,” he added. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff did not reply, but asked to have the interview. The inspector + called a jailer, whom Nekhludoff followed into the women’s visiting-room, + where there was no one but Maslova waiting. She came from behind the + grating, quiet and timid, close up to him, and said, without looking at + him: + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, Dmitri Ivanovitch, I spoke hastily the day before yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not for me to forgive you,” Nekhludoff began. + </p> + <p> + “But all the same, you must leave me,” she interrupted, and in the + terribly squinting eyes with which she looked at him Nekhludoff read the + former strained, angry expression. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I leave you?” + </p> + <p> + “So.” + </p> + <p> + “But why so?” + </p> + <p> + She again looked up, as it seemed to him, with the same angry look. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, thus it is,” she said. “You must leave me. It is true what I + am saying. I cannot. You just give it up altogether.” Her lips trembled + and she was silent for a moment. “It is true. I’d rather hang myself.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff felt that in this refusal there was hatred and unforgiving + resentment, but there was also something besides, something good. This + confirmation of the refusal in cold blood at once quenched all the doubts + in Nekhludoff’s bosom, and brought back the serious, triumphant emotion he + had felt in relation to Katusha. + </p> + <p> + “Katusha, what I have said I will again repeat,” he uttered, very + seriously. “I ask you to marry me. If you do not wish it, and for as long + as you do not wish it, I shall only continue to follow you, and shall go + where you are taken.” + </p> + <p> + “That is your business. I shall not say anything more,” she answered, and + her lips began to tremble again. + </p> + <p> + He, too, was silent, feeling unable to speak. + </p> + <p> + “I shall now go to the country, and then to Petersburg,” he said, when he + was quieter again. “I shall do my utmost to get your—our case, I + mean, reconsidered, and by the help of God the sentence may be revoked.” + </p> + <p> + “And if it is not revoked, never mind. I have deserved it, if not in this + case, in other ways,” she said, and he saw how difficult it was for her to + keep down her tears. + </p> + <p> + “Well, have you seen Menshoff?” she suddenly asked, to hide her emotion. + “It’s true they are innocent, isn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I think so.” + </p> + <p> + “Such a splendid old woman,” she said. + </p> + <p> + There was another pause. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and as to the hospital?” she suddenly said, and looking at him with + her squinting eyes. “If you like, I will go, and I shall not drink any + spirits, either.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff looked into her eyes. They were smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, she is quite a different being,” Nekhludoff thought. After all + his former doubts, he now felt something he had never before experienced—the + certainty that love is invincible. + </p> + <p> + When Maslova returned to her noisome cell after this interview, she took + off her cloak and sat down in her place on the shelf bedstead with her + hands folded on her lap. In the cell were only the consumptive woman, the + Vladimir woman with her baby, Menshoff’s old mother, and the watchman’s + wife. The deacon’s daughter had the day before been declared mentally + diseased and removed to the hospital. The rest of the women were away, + washing clothes. The old woman was asleep, the cell door stood open, and + the watchman’s children were in the corridor outside. The Vladimir woman, + with her baby in her arms, and the watchman’s wife, with the stocking she + was knitting with deft fingers, came up to Maslova. “Well, have you had a + chat?” they asked. Maslova sat silent on the high bedstead, swinging her + legs, which did not reach to the floor. + </p> + <p> + “What’s the good of snivelling?” said the watchman’s wife. “The chief + thing’s not to go down into the dumps. Eh, Katusha? Now, then!” and she + went on, quickly moving her fingers. + </p> + <p> + Maslova did not answer. + </p> + <p> + “And our women have all gone to wash,” said the Vladimir woman. “I heard + them say much has been given in alms to-day. Quite a lot has been + brought.” + </p> + <p> + “Finashka,” called out the watchman’s wife, “where’s the little imp gone + to?” + </p> + <p> + She took a knitting needle, stuck it through both the ball and the + stocking, and went out into the corridor. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the sound of women’s voices was heard from the corridor, + and the inmates of the cell entered, with their prison shoes, but no + stockings on their feet. Each was carrying a roll, some even two. + Theodosia came at once up to Maslova. + </p> + <p> + “What’s the matter; is anything wrong?” Theodosia asked, looking lovingly + at Maslova with her clear, blue eyes. “This is for our tea,” and she put + the rolls on a shelf. + </p> + <p> + “Why, surely he has not changed his mind about marrying?” asked Korableva. + </p> + <p> + “No, he has not, but I don’t wish to,” said Maslova, “and so I told him.” + </p> + <p> + “More fool you!” muttered Korableva in her deep tones. + </p> + <p> + “If one’s not to live together, what’s the use of marrying?” said + Theodosia. + </p> + <p> + “There’s your husband—he’s going with you,” said the watchman’s + wife. + </p> + <p> + “Well, of course, we’re married,” said Theodosia. “But why should he go + through the ceremony if he is not to live with her?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, indeed! Don’t be a fool! You know if he marries her she’ll roll in + wealth,” said Korableva. + </p> + <p> + “He says, ‘Wherever they take you, I’ll follow,’” said Maslova. “If he + does, it’s well; if he does not, well also. I am not going to ask him to. + Now he is going to try and arrange the matter in Petersburg. He is related + to all the Ministers there. But, all the same, I have no need of him,” she + continued. + </p> + <p> + “Of course not,” suddenly agreed Korableva, evidently thinking about + something else as she sat examining her bag. “Well, shall we have a drop?” + </p> + <p> + “You have some,” replied Maslova. “I won’t.” + </p> + <h3> + END OF BOOK I. + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0063" id="link2H_4_0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK II. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. PROPERTY IN LAND. + </h2> + <p> + It was possible for Maslova’s case to come before the Senate in a + fortnight, at which time Nekhludoff meant to go to Petersburg, and, if + need be, to appeal to the Emperor (as the advocate who had drawn up the + petition advised) should the appeal be disregarded (and, according to the + advocate, it was best to be prepared for that, since the causes for appeal + were so slight). The party of convicts, among whom was Maslova, would very + likely leave in the beginning of June. In order to be able to follow her + to Siberia, as Nekhludoff was firmly resolved to do, he was now obliged to + visit his estates, and settle matters there. Nekhludoff first went to the + nearest, Kousminski, a large estate that lay in the black earth district, + and from which he derived the greatest part of his income. + </p> + <p> + He had lived on that estate in his childhood and youth, and had been there + twice since, and once, at his mother’s request, he had taken a German + steward there, and had with him verified the accounts. The state of things + there and the peasants’ relations to the management, i.e., the landlord, + had therefore been long known to him. The relations of the peasants to the + administration were those of utter dependence on that management. + Nekhludoff knew all this when still a university student, he had confessed + and preached Henry Georgeism, and, on the basis of that teaching, had + given the land inherited from his father to the peasants. It is true that + after entering the army, when he got into the habit of spending 20,000 + roubles a year, those former occupations ceased to be regarded as a duty, + and were forgotten, and he not only left off asking himself where the + money his mother allowed him came from, but even avoided thinking about + it. But his mother’s death, the coming into the property, and the + necessity of managing it, again raised the question as to what his + position in reference to private property in land was. A month before + Nekhludoff would have answered that he had not the strength to alter the + existing order of things; that it was not he who was administering the + estate; and would one way or another have eased his conscience, continuing + to live far from his estates, and having the money sent him. But now he + decided that he could not leave things to go on as they were, but would + have to alter them in a way unprofitable to himself, even though he had + all these complicated and difficult relations with the prison world which + made money necessary, as well as a probable journey to Siberia before him. + Therefore he decided not to farm the land, but to let it to the peasants + at a low rent, to enable them to cultivate it without depending on a + landlord. More than once, when comparing the position of a landowner with + that of an owner of serfs, Nekhludoff had compared the renting of land to + the peasants instead of cultivating it with hired labour, to the old + system by which serf proprietors used to exact a money payment from their + serfs in place of labour. It was not a solution of the problem, and yet a + step towards the solution; it was a movement towards a less rude form of + slavery. And it was in this way he meant to act. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff reached Kousminski about noon. Trying to simplify his life in + every way, he did not telegraph, but hired a cart and pair at the station. + The driver was a young fellow in a nankeen coat, with a belt below his + long waist. He was glad to talk to the gentleman, especially because while + they were talking his broken-winded white horse and the emaciated spavined + one could go at a foot-pace, which they always liked to do. + </p> + <p> + The driver spoke about the steward at Kousminski without knowing that he + was driving “the master.” Nekhludoff had purposely not told him who he + was. + </p> + <p> + “That ostentatious German,” said the driver (who had been to town and read + novels) as he sat sideways on the box, passing his hand from the top to + the bottom of his long whip, and trying to show off his accomplishments—“that + ostentatious German has procured three light bays, and when he drives out + with his lady—-oh, my! At Christmas he had a Christmas-tree in the + big house. I drove some of the visitors there. It had ‘lectric lights; you + could not see the like of it in the whole of the government. What’s it to + him, he has cribbed a heap of money. I heard say he has bought an estate.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff had imagined that he was quite indifferent to the way the + steward managed his estate, and what advantages the steward derived from + it. The words of the long-waisted driver, however, were not pleasant to + hear. + </p> + <p> + A dark cloud now and then covered the sun; the larks were soaring above + the fields of winter corn; the forests were already covered with fresh + young green; the meadows speckled with grazing cattle and horses. The + fields were being ploughed, and Nekhludoff enjoyed the lovely day. But + every now and then he had an unpleasant feeling, and, when he asked + himself what it was caused by, he remembered what the driver had told him + about the way the German was managing Kousminski. When he got to his + estate and set to work this unpleasant feeling vanished. + </p> + <p> + Looking over the books in the office, and a talk with the foreman, who + naively pointed out the advantages to be derived from the facts that the + peasants had very little land of their own and that it lay in the midst of + the landlord’s fields, made Nekhludoff more than ever determined to leave + off farming and to let his land to the peasants. + </p> + <p> + From the office books and his talk with the foreman, Nekhludoff found that + two-thirds of the best of the cultivated land was still being tilled with + improved machinery by labourers receiving fixed wages, while the other + third was tilled by the peasants at the rate of five roubles per desiatin + [about two and three-quarter acres]. So that the peasants had to plough + each desiatin three times, harrow it three times, sow and mow the corn, + make it into sheaves, and deliver it on the threshing ground for five + roubles, while the same amount of work done by wage labour came to at + least 10 roubles. Everything the peasants got from the office they paid + for in labour at a very high price. They paid in labour for the use of the + meadows, for wood, for potato-stalks, and were nearly all of them in debt + to the office. Thus, for the land that lay beyond the cultivated fields, + which the peasants hired, four times the price that its value would bring + in if invested at five per cent was taken from the peasants. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff had known all this before, but he now saw it in a new light, + and wondered how he and others in his position could help seeing how + abnormal such conditions are. The steward’s arguments that if the land + were let to the peasants the agricultural implements would fetch next to + nothing, as it would be impossible to get even a quarter of their value + for them, and that the peasants would spoil the land, and how great a + loser Nekhludoff would be, only strengthened Nekhludoff in the opinion + that he was doing a good action in letting the land to the peasants and + thus depriving himself of a large part of his income. He decided to settle + this business now, at once, while he was there. The reaping and selling of + the corn he left for the steward to manage in due season, and also the + selling of the agricultural implements and useless buildings. But he asked + his steward to call the peasants of the three neighbouring villages that + lay in the midst of his estate (Kousminski) to a meeting, at which he + would tell them of his intentions and arrange about the price at which + they were to rent the land. + </p> + <p> + With the pleasant sense of the firmness he had shown in the face of the + steward’s arguments, and his readiness to make a sacrifice, Nekhludoff + left the office, thinking over the business before him, and strolled round + the house, through the neglected flower-garden—this year the flowers + were planted in front of the steward’s house—over the tennis ground, + now overgrown with dandelions, and along the lime-tree walk, where he used + to smoke his cigar, and where he had flirted with the pretty Kirimova, his + mother’s visitor. Having briefly prepared in his mind the speech he was + going to make to the peasants, he again went in to the steward, and, after + tea, having once more arranged his thoughts, he went into the room + prepared for him in the big house, which used to be a spare bedroom. + </p> + <p> + In this clean little room, with pictures of Venice on the walls, and a + mirror between the two windows, there stood a clean bed with a spring + mattress, and by the side of it a small table, with a decanter of water, + matches, and an extinguisher. On a table by the looking-glass lay his open + portmanteau, with his dressing-case and some books in it; a Russian book, + The Investigation of the Laws of Criminality, and a German and an English + book on the same subject, which he meant to read while travelling in the + country. But it was too late to begin to-day, and he began preparing to go + to bed. + </p> + <p> + An old-fashioned inlaid mahogany arm-chair stood in the corner of the + room, and this chair, which Nekhludoff remembered standing in his mother’s + bedroom, suddenly raised a perfectly unexpected sensation in his soul. He + was suddenly filled with regret at the thought of the house that would + tumble to ruin, and the garden that would run wild, and the forest that + would be cut down, and all these farmyards, stables, sheds, machines, + horses, cows which he knew had cost so much effort, though not to himself, + to acquire and to keep. It had seemed easy to give up all this, but now it + was hard, not only to give this, but even to let the land and lose half + his income. And at once a consideration, which proved that it was + unreasonable to let the land to the peasants, and thus to destroy his + property, came to his service. “I must not hold property in land. If I + possess no property in land, I cannot keep up the house and farm. And, + besides, I am going to Siberia, and shall not need either the house or the + estate,” said one voice. “All this is so,” said another voice, “but you + are not going to spend all your life in Siberia. You may marry, and have + children, and must hand the estate on to them in as good a condition as + you received it. There is a duty to the land, too. To give up, to destroy + everything is very easy; to acquire it very difficult. Above all, you must + consider your future life, and what you will do with yourself, and you + must dispose of your property accordingly. And are you really firm in your + resolve? And then, are you really acting according to your conscience, or + are you acting in order to be admired of men?” Nekhludoff asked himself + all this, and had to acknowledge that he was influenced by the thought of + what people would say about him. And the more he thought about it the more + questions arose, and the more unsolvable they seemed. + </p> + <p> + In hopes of ridding himself of these thoughts by falling asleep, and + solving them in the morning when his head would be fresh, he lay down on + his clean bed. But it was long before he could sleep. Together with the + fresh air and the moonlight, the croaking of the frogs entered the room, + mingling with the trills of a couple of nightingales in the park and one + close to the window in a bush of lilacs in bloom. Listening to the + nightingales and the frogs, Nekhludoff remembered the inspector’s + daughter, and her music, and the inspector; that reminded him of Maslova, + and how her lips trembled, like the croaking of the frogs, when she said, + “You must just leave it.” Then the German steward began going down to the + frogs, and had to be held back, but he not only went down but turned into + Maslova, who began reproaching Nekhludoff, saying, “You are a prince, and + I am a convict.” “No, I must not give in,” thought Nekhludoff, waking up, + and again asking himself, “Is what I am doing right? I do not know, and no + matter, no matter, I must only fall asleep now.” And he began himself to + descend where he had seen the inspector and Maslova climbing down to, and + there it all ended. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. EFFORTS AT LAND RESTORATION. + </h2> + <p> + The next day Nekhludoff awoke at nine o’clock. The young office clerk who + attended on “the master” brought him his boots, shining as they had never + shone before, and some cold, beautifully clear spring water, and informed + him that the peasants were already assembling. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff jumped out of bed, and collected his thoughts. Not a trace of + yesterday’s regret at giving up and thus destroying his property remained + now. He remembered this feeling of regret with surprise; he was now + looking forward with joy to the task before him, and could not help being + proud of it. He could see from the window the old tennis ground, overgrown + with dandelions, on which the peasants were beginning to assemble. The + frogs had not croaked in vain the night before; the day was dull. There + was no wind; a soft warm rain had begun falling in the morning, and hung + in drops on leaves, twigs, and grass. Besides the smell of the fresh + vegetation, the smell of damp earth, asking for more rain, entered in at + the window. While dressing, Nekhludoff several times looked out at the + peasants gathered on the tennis ground. One by one they came, took off + their hats or caps to one another, and took their places in a circle, + leaning on their sticks. The steward, a stout, muscular, strong young man, + dressed in a short pea-jacket, with a green stand-up collar, and enormous + buttons, came to say that all had assembled, but that they might wait + until Nekhludoff had finished his breakfast—tea and coffee, + whichever he pleased; both were ready. + </p> + <p> + “No, I think I had better go and see them at once,” said Nekhludoff, with + an unexpected feeling of shyness and shame at the thought of the + conversation he was going to have with the peasants. He was going to + fulfil a wish of the peasants, the fulfilment of which they did not even + dare to hope for—to let the land to them at a low price, i.e., to + confer a great boon; and yet he felt ashamed of something. When Nekhludoff + came up to the peasants, and the fair, the curly, the bald, the grey heads + were bared before him, he felt so confused that he could say nothing. The + rain continued to come down in small drops, that remained on the hair, the + beards, and the fluff of the men’s rough coats. The peasants looked at + “the master,” waiting for him to speak, and he was so abashed that he + could not speak. This confused silence was broken by the sedate, + self-assured German steward, who considered himself a good judge of the + Russian peasant, and who spoke Russian remarkably well. This strong, + over-fed man, and Nekhludoff himself, presented a striking contrast to the + peasants, with their thin, wrinkled faces and the shoulder blades + protruding beneath their coarse coats. + </p> + <p> + “Here’s the Prince wanting to do you a favor, and to let the land to you; + only you are not worthy of it,” said the steward. + </p> + <p> + “How are we not worthy of it, Vasili Karlovitch? Don’t we work for you? We + were well satisfied with the deceased lady—God have mercy on her + soul—and the young Prince will not desert us now. Our thanks to + him,” said a redhaired, talkative peasant. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that’s why I have called you together. I should like to let you have + all the land, if you wish it.” + </p> + <p> + The peasants said nothing, as if they did not understand or did not + believe it. + </p> + <p> + “Let’s see. Let us have the land? What do you mean?” asked a middle-aged + man. + </p> + <p> + “To let it to you, that you might have the use of it, at a low rent.” + </p> + <p> + “A very agreeable thing,” said an old man. + </p> + <p> + “If only the pay is such as we can afford,” said another. + </p> + <p> + “There’s no reason why we should not rent the land.” + </p> + <p> + “We are accustomed to live by tilling the ground.” + </p> + <p> + “And it’s quieter for you, too, that way. You’ll have to do nothing but + receive the rent. Only think of all the sin and worry now!” several voices + were heard saying. + </p> + <p> + “The sin is all on your side,” the German remarked. “If only you did your + work, and were orderly.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s impossible for the likes of us,” said a sharp-nosed old man. “You + say, ‘Why do you let the horse get into the corn?’ just as if I let it in. + Why, I was swinging my scythe, or something of the kind, the livelong day, + till the day seemed as long as a year, and so I fell asleep while watching + the herd of horses at night, and it got into your oats, and now you’re + skinning me.” + </p> + <p> + “And you should keep order.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s easy for you to talk about order, but it’s more than our strength + will bear,” answered a tall, dark, hairy middleaged man. + </p> + <p> + “Didn’t I tell you to put up a fence?” + </p> + <p> + “You give us the wood to make it of,” said a short, plain-looking peasant. + “I was going to put up a fence last year, and you put me to feed vermin in + prison for three months. That was the end of that fence.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it he is saying?” asked Nekhludoff, turning to the steward. + </p> + <p> + “Der ersto Dieb im Dorfe,” [The greatest thief in the village] answered + the steward in German. “He is caught stealing wood from the forest every + year.” Then turning to the peasant, he added, “You must learn to respect + other people’s property.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, don’t we respect you?” said an old man. “We are obliged to respect + you. Why, you could twist us into a rope; we are in your hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Eh, my friend, it’s impossible to do you. It’s you who are ever ready to + do us,” said the steward. + </p> + <p> + “Do you, indeed. Didn’t you smash my jaw for me, and I got nothing for it? + No good going to law with the rich, it seems.” + </p> + <p> + “You should keep to the law.” + </p> + <p> + A tournament of words was apparently going on without those who took part + in it knowing exactly what it was all about; but it was noticeable that + there was bitterness on one side, restricted by fear, and on the other a + consciousness of importance and power. It was very trying to Nekhludoff to + listen to all this, so he returned to the question of arranging the amount + and the terms of the rent. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, how about the land? Do you wish to take it, and what price + will you pay if I let you have the whole of it?” + </p> + <p> + “The property is yours: it is for you to fix the price.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff named the price. Though it was far below that paid in the + neighbourhood, the peasants declared it too high, and began bargaining, as + is customary among them. Nekhludoff thought his offer would be accepted + with pleasure, but no signs of pleasure were visible. + </p> + <p> + One thing only showed Nekhludoff that his offer was a profitable one to + the peasants. The question as to who would rent the land, the whole + commune or a special society, was put, and a violent dispute arose among + those peasants who were in favour of excluding the weak and those not + likely to pay the rent regularly, and the peasants who would have to be + excluded on that score. At last, thanks to the steward, the amount and the + terms of the rent were fixed, and the peasants went down the hill towards + their villages, talking noisily, while Nekhludoff and the steward went + into the office to make up the agreement. Everything was settled in the + way Nekhludoff wished and expected it to be. The peasants had their land + 30 per cent. cheaper than they could have got it anywhere in the district, + the revenue from the land was diminished by half, but was more than + sufficient for Nekhludoff, especially as there would be money coming in + for a forest he sold, as well as for the agricultural implements, which + would be sold, too. Everything seemed excellently arranged, yet he felt + ashamed of something. He could see that the peasants, though they spoke + words of thanks, were not satisfied, and had expected something greater. + So it turned out that he had deprived himself of a great deal, and yet not + done what the peasants had expected. + </p> + <p> + The next day the agreement was signed, and accompanied by several old + peasants, who had been chosen as deputies, Nekhludoff went out, got into + the steward’s elegant equipage (as the driver from the station had called + it), said “good-bye” to the peasants, who stood shaking their heads in a + dissatisfied and disappointed manner, and drove off to the station. + Nekhludoff was dissatisfied with himself without knowing why, but all the + time he felt sad and ashamed of something. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0062" id="link2HCH0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. OLD ASSOCIATIONS. + </h2> + <p> + From Kousminski Nekhludoff went to the estate he had inherited from his + aunts, the same where he first met Katusha. He meant to arrange about the + land there in the way he had done in Kousminski. Besides this, he wished + to find out all he could about Katusha and her baby, and when and how it + had died. He got to Panovo early one morning, and the first thing that + struck him when he drove up was the look of decay and dilapidation that + all the buildings bore, especially the house itself. The iron roofs, which + had once been painted green, looked red with rust, and a few sheets of + iron were bent back, probably by a storm. Some of the planks which covered + the house from outside were torn away in several places; these were easier + to get by breaking the rusty nails that held them. Both porches, but + especially the side porch he remembered so well, were rotten and broken; + only the banister remained. Some of the windows were boarded up, and the + building in which the foreman lived, the kitchen, the stables—all + were grey and decaying. Only the garden had not decayed, but had grown, + and was in full bloom; from over the fence the cherry, apple, and plum + trees looked like white clouds. The lilac bushes that formed the hedge + were in full bloom, as they had been when, 14 years ago, Nekhludoff had + played gorelki with the 15-year-old Katusha, and had fallen and got his + hand stung by the nettles behind one of those lilac bushes. The larch that + his aunt Sophia had planted near the house, which then was only a short + stick, had grown into a tree, the trunk of which would have made a beam, + and its branches were covered with soft yellow green needles as with down. + The river, now within its banks, rushed noisily over the mill dam. The + meadow the other side of the river was dotted over by the peasants’ mixed + herds. The foreman, a student, who had left the seminary without finishing + the course, met Nekhludoff in the yard, with a smile on his face, and, + still smiling, asked him to come into the office, and, as if promising + something exceptionally good by this smile, he went behind a partition. + For a moment some whispering was heard behind the partition. The + isvostchik who had driven Nekhludoff from the station, drove away after + receiving a tip, and all was silent. Then a barefooted girl passed the + window; she had on an embroidered peasant blouse, and long earrings in her + ears; then a man walked past, clattering with his nailed boots on the + trodden path. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff sat down by the little casement, and looked out into the garden + and listened. A soft, fresh spring breeze, smelling of newly-dug earth, + streamed in through the window, playing with the hair on his damp forehead + and the papers that lay on the window-sill, which was all cut about with a + knife. + </p> + <p> + “Tra-pa-trop, tra-pa-trop,” comes a sound from the river, as the women who + were washing clothes there slapped them in regular measure with their + wooden bats, and the sound spread over the glittering surface of the mill + pond while the rhythmical sound of the falling water came from the mill, + and a frightened fly suddenly flew loudly buzzing past his ear. + </p> + <p> + And all at once Nekhludoff remembered how, long ago, when he was young and + innocent, he had heard the women’s wooden bats slapping the wet clothes + above the rhythmical sound from the mill, and in the same way the spring + breeze had blown about the hair on his wet forehead and the papers on the + window-sill, which was all cut about with a knife, and just in the same + way a fly had buzzed loudly past his car. + </p> + <p> + It was not exactly that he remembered himself as a lad of 15, but he + seemed to feel himself the same as he was then, with the same freshness + and purity, and full of the same grand possibilities for the future, and + at the same time, as it happens in a dream, he knew that all this could be + no more, and he felt terribly sad. “At what time would you like something + to eat?” asked the foreman, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “When you like; I am not hungry. I shall go for a walk through the + village.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you not like to come into the house? Everything is in order there. + Have the goodness to look in. If the outside—-” + </p> + <p> + “Not now; later on. Tell me, please, have you got a woman here called + Matrona Kharina?” (This was Katusha’s aunt, the village midwife.) + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; in the village she keeps a secret pot-house. I know she does, + and I accuse her of it and scold her; but as to taking her up, it would be + a pity. An old woman, you know; she has grandchildren,” said the foreman, + continuing to smile in the same manner, partly wishing to be pleasant to + the master, and partly because he was convinced that Nekhludoff understood + all these matters just as well as he did himself. + </p> + <p> + “Where does she live? I shall go across and see her.” + </p> + <p> + “At the end of the village; the further side, the third from the end. To + the left there is a brick cottage, and her hut is beyond that. But I’d + better see you there,” the foreman said with a graceful smile. + </p> + <p> + “No, thanks, I shall find it; and you be so good as to call a meeting of + the peasants, and tell them that I want to speak to them about the land,” + said Nekhludoff, with the intention of coming to the same agreement with + the peasants here as he had done in Kousminski, and, if possible, that + same evening. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0063" id="link2HCH0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE PEASANTS’ LOT. + </h2> + <p> + When Nekhludoff came out of the gate he met the girl with the long + earrings on the well-trodden path that lay across the pasture ground, + overgrown with dock and plantain leaves. She had a long, brightly-coloured + apron on, and was quickly swinging her left arm in front of herself as she + stepped briskly with her fat, bare feet. With her right arm she was + pressing a fowl to her stomach. The fowl, with red comb shaking, seemed + perfectly calm; he only rolled up his eyes and stretched out and drew in + one black leg, clawing the girl’s apron. When the girl came nearer to “the + master,” she began moving more slowly, and her run changed into a walk. + When she came up to him she stopped, and, after a backward jerk with her + head, bowed to him; and only when he had passed did she recommence to run + homeward with the cock. As he went down towards the well, he met an old + woman, who had a coarse dirty blouse on, carrying two pails full of water, + that hung on a yoke across her bent back. The old woman carefully put down + the pails and bowed, with the same backward jerk of her head. + </p> + <p> + After passing the well Nekhludoff entered the village. It was a bright, + hot day, and oppressive, though only ten o’clock. At intervals the sun was + hidden by the gathering clouds. An unpleasant, sharp smell of manure + filled the air in the street. It came from carts going up the hillside, + but chiefly from the disturbed manure heaps in the yards of the huts, by + the open gates of which Nekhludoff had to pass. The peasants, barefooted, + their shirts and trousers soiled with manure, turned to look at the tall, + stout gentleman with the glossy silk ribbon on his grey hat who was + walking up the village street, touching the ground every other step with a + shiny, bright-knobbed walking-stick. The peasants returning from the + fields at a trot and jotting in their empty carts, took off their hats, + and, in their surprise, followed with their eyes the extraordinary man who + was walking up their street. The women came out of the gates or stood in + the porches of their huts, pointing him out to each other and gazing at + him as he passed. + </p> + <p> + When Nekhludoff was passing the fourth gate, he was stopped by a cart that + was coming out, its wheels creaking, loaded high with manure, which was + pressed down, and was covered with a mat to sit on. A six-year-old boy, + excited by the prospect of a drive, followed the cart. A young peasant, + with shoes plaited out of bark on his feet, led the horse out of the yard. + A long-legged colt jumped out of the gate; but, seeing Nekhludoff, pressed + close to the cart, and scraping its legs against the wheels, jumped + forward, past its excited, gently-neighing mother, as she was dragging the + heavy load through the gateway. The next horse was led out by a barefooted + old man, with protruding shoulder-blades, in a dirty shirt and striped + trousers. + </p> + <p> + When the horses got out on to the hard road, strewn over with bits of dry, + grey manure, the old man returned to the gate, and bowed to Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “You are our ladies’ nephew, aren’t you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am their nephew.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ve kindly come to look us up, eh?” said the garrulous old man. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have. Well, how are you getting on?” + </p> + <p> + “How do we get on? We get on very badly,” the old man drawled, as if it + gave him pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “Why so badly?” Nekhludoff asked, stepping inside the gate. + </p> + <p> + “What is our life but the very worst life?” said the old man, following + Nekhludoff into that part of the yard which was roofed over. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff stopped under the roof. + </p> + <p> + “I have got 12 of them there,” continued the old man, pointing to two + women on the remainder of the manure heap, who stood perspiring with forks + in their hands, the kerchiefs tumbling off their heads, with their skirts + tucked up, showing the calves of their dirty, bare legs. “Not a month + passes but I have to buy six poods [a pood is 36 English pounds] of corn, + and where’s the money to come from?” + </p> + <p> + “Have you not got enough corn of your own?” + </p> + <p> + “My own?” repeated the old man, with a smile of contempt; “why I have only + got land for three, and last year we had not enough to last till + Christmas.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you do then?” + </p> + <p> + “What do we do? Why, I hire out as a labourer; and then I borrowed some + money from your honour. We spent it all before Lent, and the tax is not + paid yet.” + </p> + <p> + “And how much is the tax?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, it’s 17 roubles for my household. Oh, Lord, such a life! One hardly + knows one’s self how one manages to live it.” + </p> + <p> + “May I go into your hut?” asked Nekhludoff, stepping across the yard over + the yellow-brown layers of manure that had been raked up by the forks, and + were giving off a strong smell. + </p> + <p> + “Why not? Come in,” said the old man, and stepping quickly with his bare + feet over the manure, the liquid oozing between his toes, he passed + Nekhludoff and opened the door of the hut. + </p> + <p> + The women arranged the kerchiefs on their heads and let down their skirts, + and stood looking with surprise at the clean gentleman with gold studs to + his sleeves who was entering their house. Two little girls, with nothing + on but coarse chemises, rushed out of the hut. Nekhludoff took off his + hat, and, stooping to get through the low door, entered, through a passage + into the dirty, narrow hut, that smelt of sour food, and where much space + was taken up by two weaving looms. In the hut an old woman was standing by + the stove, with the sleeves rolled up over her thin, sinewy brown arms. + </p> + <p> + “Here is our master come to see us,” said the old man. + </p> + <p> + “I’m sure he’s very welcome,” said the old woman, kindly. + </p> + <p> + “I would like to see how you live.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you see how we live. The hut is coming down, and might kill one any + day; but my old man he says it’s good enough, and so we live like kings,” + said the brisk old woman, nervously jerking her head. “I’m getting the + dinner; going to feed the workers.” + </p> + <p> + “And what are you going to have for dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “Our food is very good. First course, bread and kvas; [kvas is a kind of + sour, non-intoxicant beer made of rye] second course, kvas and bread,” + said the old woman, showing her teeth, which were half worn away. + </p> + <p> + “No,” seriously; “let me see what you are going to eat.” + </p> + <p> + “To eat?” said the old man, laughing. “Ours is not a very cunning meal. + You just show him, wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Want to see our peasant food? Well, you are an inquisitive gentleman, now + I come to look at you. He wants to know everything. Did I not tell you + bread and kvas and then we’ll have soup. A woman brought us some fish, and + that’s what the soup is made of, and after that, potatoes.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing more?” + </p> + <p> + “What more do you want? We’ll also have a little milk,” said the old + woman, looking towards the door. The door stood open, and the passage + outside was full of people—boys, girls, women with babies—thronged + together to look at the strange gentleman who wanted to see the peasants’ + food. The old woman seemed to pride herself on the way she behaved with a + gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it’s a miserable life, ours; that goes without saying, sir,” said + the old man. “What are you doing there?” he shouted to those in the + passage. “Well, good-bye,” said Nekhludoff, feeling ashamed and uneasy, + though unable to account for the feeling. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you kindly for having looked us up,” said the old man. + </p> + <p> + The people in the passage pressed closer together to let Nekhludoff pass, + and he went out and continued his way up the street. + </p> + <p> + Two barefooted boys followed him out of the passage the elder in a shirt + that had once been white, the other in a worn and faded pink one. + Nekhludoff looked back at them. + </p> + <p> + “And where are you going now?” asked the boy with the white shirt. + Nekhludoff answered: “To Matrona Kharina. Do you know her?” The boy with + the pink shirt began laughing at something; but the elder asked, + seriously: + </p> + <p> + “What Matrona is that? Is she old?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she is old.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh—oh,” he drawled; “that one; she’s at the other end of the + village; we’ll show you. Yes, Fedka, we’ll go with him. Shall we?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but the horses?” + </p> + <p> + “They’ll be all right, I dare say.” + </p> + <p> + Fedka agreed, and all three went up the street. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0064" id="link2HCH0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. MASLOVA’S AUNT. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff felt more at ease with the boys than with the grown-up people, + and he began talking to them as they went along. The little one with the + pink shirt stopped laughing, and spoke as sensibly and as exactly as the + elder one. + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell me who are the poorest people you have got here?” asked + Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “The poorest? Michael is poor, Simon Makhroff, and Martha, she is very + poor.” + </p> + <p> + “And Anisia, she is still poorer; she’s not even got a cow. They go + begging,” said little Fedka. + </p> + <p> + “She’s not got a cow, but they are only three persons, and Martha’s family + are five,” objected the elder boy. + </p> + <p> + “But the other’s a widow,” the pink boy said, standing up for Anisia. + </p> + <p> + “You say Anisia is a widow, and Martha is no better than a widow,” said + the elder boy; “she’s also no husband.” + </p> + <p> + “And where is her husband?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “Feeding vermin in prison,” said the elder boy, using this expression, + common among the peasants. + </p> + <p> + “A year ago he cut down two birch trees in the land-lord’s forest,” the + little pink boy hurried to say, “so he was locked up; now he’s sitting the + sixth month there, and the wife goes begging. There are three children and + a sick grandmother,” he went on with his detailed account. + </p> + <p> + “And where does she live?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “In this very house,” answered the boy, pointing to a hut, in front of + which, on the footpath along which Nekhludoff was walking, a tiny, + flaxen-headed infant stood balancing himself with difficulty on his + rickety legs. + </p> + <p> + “Vaska! Where’s the little scamp got to?” shouted a woman, with a dirty + grey blouse, and a frightened look, as she ran out of the house, and, + rushing forward, seized the baby before Nekhludoff came up to it, and + carried it in, just as if she were afraid that Nekhludoff would hurt her + child. + </p> + <p> + This was the woman whose husband was imprisoned for Nekhludoff’s birch + trees. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and this Matrona, is she also poor?” Nekhludoff asked, as they came + up to Matrona’s house. + </p> + <p> + “She poor? No. Why, she sells spirits,” the thin, pink little boy answered + decidedly. + </p> + <p> + When they reached the house Nekhludoff left the boys outside and went + through the passage into the hut. The hut was 14 feet long. The bed that + stood behind the big stove was not long enough for a tall person to + stretch out on. “And on this very bed,” Nekhludoff thought, “Katusha bore + her baby and lay ill afterwards.” The greater part of the hut was taken up + by a loom, on which the old woman and her eldest granddaughter were + arranging the warp when Nekhludoff came in, striking his forehead against + the low doorway. Two other grandchildren came rushing in after Nekhludoff, + and stopped, holding on to the lintels of the door. + </p> + <p> + “Whom do you want?” asked the old woman, crossly. She was in a bad temper + because she could not manage to get the warp right, and, besides, carrying + on an illicit trade in spirits, she was always afraid when any stranger + came in. + </p> + <p> + “I am—the owner of the neighbouring estates, and should like to + speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me; why, it’s you, my honey; and I, fool, thought it was just some + passer-by. Dear me, you—it’s you, my precious,” said the old woman, + with simulated tenderness in her voice. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to speak to you alone,” said Nekhludoff, with a glance + towards the door, where the children were standing, and behind them a + woman holding a wasted, pale baby, with a sickly smile on its face, who + had a little cap made of different bits of stuff on its head. + </p> + <p> + “What are you staring at? I’ll give it you. Just hand me my crutch,” the + old woman shouted to those at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Shut the door, will you!” The children went away, and the woman closed + the door. + </p> + <p> + “And I was thinking, who’s that? And it’s ‘the master’ himself. My jewel, + my treasure. Just think,” said the old woman, “where he has deigned to + come. Sit down here, your honour,” she said, wiping the seat with her + apron. “And I was thinking what devil is it coming in, and it’s your + honour, ‘the master’ himself, the good gentleman, our benefactor. Forgive + me, old fool that I am; I’m getting blind.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff sat down, and the old woman stood in front of him, leaning her + cheek on her right hand, while the left held up the sharp elbow of her + right arm. + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, you have grown old, your honour; and you used to be as fresh as + a daisy. And now! Cares also, I expect?” + </p> + <p> + “This is what I have come about: Do you remember Katusha Maslova?” + </p> + <p> + “Katerina? I should think so. Why, she is my niece. How could I help + remembering; and the tears I have shed because of her. Why, I know all + about it. Eh, sir, who has not sinned before God? who has not offended + against the Tsar? We know what youth is. You used to be drinking tea and + coffee, so the devil got hold of you. He is strong at times. What’s to be + done? Now, if you had chucked her; but no, just see how you rewarded her, + gave her a hundred roubles. And she? What has she done? Had she but + listened to me she might have lived all right. I must say the truth, + though she is my niece: that girl’s no good. What a good place I found + her! She would not submit, but abused her master. Is it for the likes of + us to scold gentlefolk? Well, she was sent away. And then at the + forester’s. She might have lived there; but no, she would not.” + </p> + <p> + “I want to know about the child. She was confined at your house, was she + not? Where’s the child?” + </p> + <p> + “As to the child, I considered that well at the time. She was so bad I + never thought she would get up again. Well, so I christened the baby quite + properly, and we sent it to the Foundlings’. Why should one let an + innocent soul languish when the mother is dying? Others do like this: they + just leave the baby, don’t feed it, and it wastes away. But, thinks I, no; + I’d rather take some trouble, and send it to the Foundlings’. There was + money enough, so I sent it off.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you not get its registration number from the Foundlings’ Hospital?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there was a number, but the baby died,” she said. “It died as soon + as she brought it there.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is she?” + </p> + <p> + “That same woman who used to live in Skorodno. She made a business of it. + Her name was Malania. She’s dead now. She was a wise woman. What do you + think she used to do? They’d bring her a baby, and she’d keep it and feed + it; and she’d feed it until she had enough of them to take to the + Foundlings’. When she had three or four, she’d take them all at once. She + had such a clever arrangement, a sort of big cradle—a double one she + could put them in one way or the other. It had a handle. So she’d put four + of them in, feet to feet and the heads apart, so that they should not + knock against each other. And so she took four at once. She’d put some pap + in a rag into their mouths to keep ‘em silent, the pets.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, go on.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, she took Katerina’s baby in the same way, after keeping it a + fortnight, I believe. It was in her house it began to sicken.” + </p> + <p> + “And was it a fine baby?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “Such a baby, that if you wanted a finer you could not find one. Your very + image,” the old woman added, with a wink. + </p> + <p> + “Why did it sicken? Was the food bad?” + </p> + <p> + “Eh, what food? Only just a pretence of food. Naturally, when it’s not + one’s own child. Only enough to get it there alive. She said she just + managed to get it to Moscow, and there it died. She brought a certificate—all + in order. She was such a wise woman.” + </p> + <p> + That was all Nekhludoff could find out concerning his child. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0065" id="link2HCH0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. REFLECTIONS OF A LANDLORD. + </h2> + <p> + Again striking his head against both doors, Nekhludoff went out into the + street, where the pink and the white boys were waiting for him. A few + newcomers were standing with them. Among the women, of whom several had + babies in their arms, was the thin woman with the baby who had the + patchwork cap on its head. She held lightly in her arms the bloodless + infant, who kept strangely smiling all over its wizened little face, and + continually moving its crooked thumbs. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff knew the smile to be one of suffering. He asked who the woman + was. + </p> + <p> + “It is that very Anisia I told you about,” said the elder boy. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff turned to Anisia. + </p> + <p> + “How do you live?” he asked. “By what means do you gain your livelihood?” + </p> + <p> + “How do I live? I go begging,” said Anisia, and began to cry. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff took out his pocket-book, and gave the woman a 10-rouble note. + He had not had time to take two steps before another woman with a baby + caught him up, then an old woman, then another young one. All of them + spoke of their poverty, and asked for help. Nekhludoff gave them the 60 + roubles—all in small notes—which he had with him, and, + terribly sad at heart, turned home, i.e., to the foreman’s house. + </p> + <p> + The foreman met Nekhludoff with a smile, and informed him that the + peasants would come to the meeting in the evening. Nekhludoff thanked him, + and went straight into the garden to stroll along the paths strewn over + with the petals of apple-blossom and overgrown with weeds, and to think + over all he had seen. + </p> + <p> + At first all was quiet, but soon Nekhludoff heard from behind the + foreman’s house two angry women’s voices interrupting each other, and now + and then the voice of the ever-smiling foreman. Nekhludoff listened. + </p> + <p> + “My strength’s at an end. What are you about, dragging the very cross + [those baptized in the Russo-Greek Church always wear a cross round their + necks] off my neck,” said an angry woman’s voice. + </p> + <p> + “But she only got in for a moment,” said another voice. “Give it her back, + I tell you. Why do you torment the beast, and the children, too, who want + their milk?” + </p> + <p> + “Pay, then, or work it off,” said the foreman’s voice. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff left the garden and entered the porch, near which stood two + dishevelled women—one of them pregnant and evidently near her time. + On one of the steps of the porch, with his hands in the pockets of his + holland coat, stood the foreman. When they saw the master, the women were + silent, and began arranging the kerchiefs on their heads, and the foreman + took his hands out of his pockets and began to smile. + </p> + <p> + This is what had happened. From the foreman’s words, it seemed that the + peasants were in the habit of letting their calves and even their cows + into the meadow belonging to the estate. Two cows belonging to the + families of these two women were found in the meadow, and driven into the + yard. The foreman demanded from the women 30 copecks for each cow or two + days’ work. The women, however, maintained that the cows had got into the + meadow of their own accord; that they had no money, and asked that the + cows, which had stood in the blazing sun since morning without food, + piteously lowing, should be returned to them, even if it had to be on the + understanding that the price should be worked off later on. + </p> + <p> + “How often have I not begged of you,” said the smiling foreman, looking + back at Nekhludoff as if calling upon him to be a witness, “if you drive + your cattle home at noon, that you should have an eye on them?” + </p> + <p> + “I only ran to my little one for a bit, and they got away.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t run away when you have undertaken to watch the cows.” + </p> + <p> + “And who’s to feed the little one? You’d not give him the breast, I + suppose?” said the other woman. “Now, if they had really damaged the + meadow, one would not take it so much to heart; but they only strayed in a + moment.” + </p> + <p> + “All the meadows are damaged,” the foreman said, turning to Nekhludoff. + “If I exact no penalty there will be no hay.” + </p> + <p> + “There, now, don’t go sinning like that; my cows have never been caught + there before,” shouted the pregnant woman. + </p> + <p> + “Now that one has been caught, pay up or work it off.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, I’ll work it off; only let me have the cow now, don’t torture + her with hunger,” she cried, angrily. “As it is, I have no rest day or + night. Mother-in-law is ill, husband taken to drink; I’m all alone to do + all the work, and my strength’s at an end. I wish you’d choke, you and + your working it off.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff asked the foreman to let the women take the cows, and went back + into the garden to go on thinking out his problem, but there was nothing + more to think about. + </p> + <p> + Everything seemed so clear to him now that he could not stop wondering how + it was that everybody did not see it, and that he himself had for such a + long while not seen what was so clearly evident. The people were dying + out, and had got used to the dying-out process, and had formed habits of + life adapted to this process: there was the great mortality among the + children, the over-working of the women, the under-feeding, especially of + the aged. And so gradually had the people come to this condition that they + did not realise the full horrors of it, and did not complain. Therefore, + we consider their condition natural and as it should be. Now it seemed as + clear as daylight that the chief cause of the people’s great want was one + that they themselves knew and always pointed out, i.e., that the land + which alone could feed them had been taken from them by the landlords. + </p> + <p> + And how evident it was that the children and the aged died because they + had no milk, and they had no milk because there was no pasture land, and + no land to grow corn or make hay on. It was quite evident that all the + misery of the people or, at least by far the greater part of it, was + caused by the fact that the land which should feed them was not in their + hands, but in the hands of those who, profiting by their rights to the + land, live by the work of these people. The land so much needed by men was + tilled by these people, who were on the verge of starvation, so that the + corn might be sold abroad and the owners of the land might buy themselves + hats and canes, and carriages and bronzes, etc. He understood this as + clearly as he understood that horses when they have eaten all the grass in + the inclosure where they are kept will have to grow thin and starve unless + they are put where they can get food off other land. + </p> + <p> + This was terrible, and must not go on. Means must be found to alter it, or + at least not to take part in it. “And I will find them,” he thought, as he + walked up and down the path under the birch trees. + </p> + <p> + In scientific circles, Government institutions, and in the papers we talk + about the causes of the poverty among the people and the means of + ameliorating their condition; but we do not talk of the only sure means + which would certainly lighten their condition, i.e., giving back to them + the land they need so much. + </p> + <p> + Henry George’s fundamental position recurred vividly to his mind and how + he had once been carried away by it, and he was surprised that he could + have forgotten it. The earth cannot be any one’s property; it cannot be + bought or sold any more than water, air, or sunshine. All have an equal + right to the advantages it gives to men. And now he knew why he had felt + ashamed to remember the transaction at Kousminski. He had been deceiving + himself. He knew that no man could have a right to own land, yet he had + accepted this right as his, and had given the peasants something which, in + the depth of his heart, he knew he had no right to. Now he would not act + in this way, and would alter the arrangement in Kousminski also. And he + formed a project in his mind to let the land to the peasants, and to + acknowledge the rent they paid for it to be their property, to be kept to + pay the taxes and for communal uses. This was, of course, not the + single-tax system, still it was as near an approach to it as could be had + under existing circumstances. His chief consideration, however, was that + in this way he would no longer profit by the possession of landed + property. + </p> + <p> + When he returned to the house the foreman, with a specially pleasant + smile, asked him if he would not have his dinner now, expressing the fear + that the feast his wife was preparing, with the help of the girl with the + earrings, might be overdone. + </p> + <p> + The table was covered with a coarse, unbleached cloth and an embroidered + towel was laid on it in lieu of a napkin. A vieux-saxe soup tureen with a + broken handle stood on the table, full of potato soup, the stock made of + the fowl that had put out and drawn in his black leg, and was now cut, or + rather chopped, in pieces, which were here and there covered with hairs. + After the soup more of the same fowl with the hairs was served roasted, + and then curd pasties, very greasy, and with a great deal of sugar. Little + appetising as all this was, Nekhludoff hardly noticed what he was eating; + he was occupied with the thought which had in a moment dispersed the + sadness with which he had returned from the village. + </p> + <p> + The foreman’s wife kept looking in at the door, whilst the frightened maid + with the earrings brought in the dishes; and the foreman smiled more and + more joyfully, priding himself on his wife’s culinary skill. After dinner, + Nekhludoff succeeded, with some trouble, in making the foreman sit down. + In order to revise his own thoughts, and to express them to some one, he + explained his project of letting the land to the peasants, and asked the + foreman for his opinion. The foreman, smiling as if he had thought all + this himself long ago, and was very pleased to hear it, did not really + understand it at all. This was not because Nekhludoff did not express + himself clearly, but because according to this project it turned out that + Nekhludoff was giving up his own profit for the profit of others, and the + thought that every one is only concerned about his own profit, to the harm + of others, was so deeply rooted in the foreman’s conceptions that he + imagined he did not understand something when Nekhludoff said that all the + income from the land must be placed to form the communal capital of the + peasants. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I see; then you, of course, will receive the percentages from that + capital,” said the foreman, brightening up. + </p> + <p> + “Dear me! no. Don’t you see, I am giving up the land altogether.” + </p> + <p> + “But then you will not get any income,” said the foreman, smiling no + longer. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am going to give it up.” + </p> + <p> + The foreman sighed heavily, and then began smiling again. Now he + understood. He understood that Nekhludoff was not quite normal, and at + once began to consider how he himself could profit by Nekhludoff’s project + of giving up the land, and tried to see this project in such a way that he + might reap some advantage from it. But when he saw that this was + impossible he grew sorrowful, and the project ceased to interest him, and + he continued to smile only in order to please the master. + </p> + <p> + Seeing that the foreman did not understand him, Nekhludoff let him go and + sat down by the window-sill, that was all cut about and inked over, and + began to put his project down on paper. + </p> + <p> + The sun went down behind the limes, that were covered with fresh green, + and the mosquitoes swarmed in, stinging Nekhludoff. Just as he finished + his notes, he heard the lowing of cattle and the creaking of opening gates + from the village, and the voices of the peasants gathering together for + the meeting. He told the foreman not to call the peasants up to the + office, as he meant to go into the village himself and meet the men where + they would assemble. Having hurriedly drank a cup of tea offered him by + the foreman, Nekhludoff went to the village. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0066" id="link2HCH0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE DISINHERITED. + </h2> + <p> + From the crowd assembled in front of the house of the village elder came + the sound of voices; but as soon as Nekhludoff came up the talking ceased, + and all the peasants took off their caps, just as those in Kousminski had + done. The peasants here were of a much poorer class than those in + Kousminski. The men wore shoes made of bark and homespun shirts and coats. + Some had come straight from their work in their shirts and with bare feet. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff made an effort, and began his speech by telling the peasants of + his intention to give up his land to them altogether. The peasants were + silent, and the expression on their faces did not undergo any change. + </p> + <p> + “Because I hold,” said Nekhludoff, “and believe that every one has a right + to the use of the land.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s certain. That’s so, exactly,” said several voices. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff went on to say that the revenue from the land ought to be + divided among all, and that he would therefore suggest that they should + rent the land at a price fixed by themselves, the rent to form a communal + fund for their own use. Words of approval and agreement were still to be + heard, but the serious faces of the peasants grew still more serious, and + the eyes that had been fixed on the gentleman dropped, as if they were + unwilling to put him to shame by letting him see that every one had + understood his trick, and that no one would be deceived by him. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff spoke clearly, and the peasants were intelligent, but they did + not and could not understand him, for the same reason that the foreman had + so long been unable to understand him. + </p> + <p> + They were fully convinced that it is natural for every man to consider his + own interest. The experience of many generations had proved to them that + the landlords always considered their own interest to the detriment of the + peasants. Therefore, if a landlord called them to a meeting and made them + some kind of a new offer, it could evidently only be in order to swindle + them more cunningly than before. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, what are you willing to rent the land at?” asked Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “How can we fix a price? We cannot do it. The land is yours, and the power + is in your hands,” answered some voices from among the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, not at all. You will yourselves have the use of the money for + communal purposes.” + </p> + <p> + “We cannot do it; the commune is one thing, and this is another.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you understand?” said the foreman, with a smile (he had followed + Nekhludoff to the meeting), “the Prince is letting the land to you for + money, and is giving you the money back to form a capital for the + commune.” + </p> + <p> + “We understand very well,” said a cross, toothless old man, without + raising his eyes. “Something like a bank; we should have to pay at a fixed + time. We do not wish it; it is hard enough as it is, and that would ruin + us completely.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s no go. We prefer to go on the old way,” began several + dissatisfied, and even rude, voices. + </p> + <p> + The refusals grew very vehement when Nekhludoff mentioned that he would + draw up an agreement which would have to be signed by him and by them. + </p> + <p> + “Why sign? We shall go on working as we have done hitherto. What is all + this for? We are ignorant men.” + </p> + <p> + “We can’t agree, because this sort of thing is not what we have been used + to. As it was, so let it continue to be. Only the seeds we should like to + withdraw.” + </p> + <p> + This meant that under the present arrangement the seeds had to be provided + by the peasants, and they wanted the landlord to provide them. + </p> + <p> + “Then am I to understand that you refuse to accept the land?” Nekhludoff + asked, addressing a middle-aged, barefooted peasant, with a tattered coat, + and a bright look on his face, who was holding his worn cap with his left + hand, in a peculiarly straight position, in the same way soldiers hold + theirs when commanded to take them off. + </p> + <p> + “Just so,” said this peasant, who had evidently not yet rid himself of the + military hypnotism he had been subjected to while serving his time. + </p> + <p> + “It means that you have sufficient land,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, we have not,” said the ex-soldier, with an artificially pleased + look, carefully holding his tattered cap in front of him, as if offering + it to any one who liked to make use of it. + </p> + <p> + “Well, anyhow, you’d better think over what I have said.” Nekhludoff spoke + with surprise, and again repeated his offer. + </p> + <p> + “We have no need to think about it; as we have said, so it will be,” + angrily muttered the morose, toothless old man. + </p> + <p> + “I shall remain here another day, and if you change your minds, send to + let me know.” + </p> + <p> + The peasants gave no answer. + </p> + <p> + So Nekhludoff did not succeed in arriving at any result from this + interview. + </p> + <p> + “If I might make a remark, Prince,” said the foreman, when they got home, + “you will never come to any agreement with them; they are so obstinate. At + a meeting these people just stick in one place, and there is no moving + them. It is because they are frightened of everything. Why, these very + peasants—say that white-haired one, or the dark one, who were + refusing, are intelligent peasants. When one of them comes to the office + and one makes him sit down to cup of tea it’s like in the Palace of Wisdom—he + is quite diplomatist,” said the foreman, smiling; “he will consider + everything rightly. At a meeting it’s a different man—he keeps + repeating one and the same . . .” + </p> + <p> + “Well, could not some of the more intelligent men be asked to come here?” + said Nekhludoff. “I would carefully explain it to them.” + </p> + <p> + “That can be done,” said the smiling foreman. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, would you mind calling them here to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, certainly I will,” said the foreman, and smiled still more joyfully. + “I shall call them to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Just hear him; he’s not artful, not he,” said a blackhaired peasant, with + an unkempt beard, as he sat jolting from side to side on a well-fed mare, + addressing an old man in a torn coat who rode by his side. The two men + were driving a herd of the peasants’ horses to graze in the night, + alongside the highroad and secretly, in the landlord’s forest. + </p> + <p> + “Give you the land for nothing—you need only sign—have they + not done the likes of us often enough? No, my friend, none of your humbug. + Nowadays we have a little sense,” he added, and began shouting at a colt + that had strayed. + </p> + <p> + He stopped his horse and looked round, but the colt had not remained + behind; it had gone into the meadow by the roadside. “Bother that son of a + Turk; he’s taken to getting into the landowner’s meadows,” said the dark + peasant with the unkempt beard, hearing the cracking of the sorrel stalks + that the neighing colt was galloping over as he came running back from the + scented meadow. + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear the cracking? We’ll have to send the women folk to weed the + meadow when there’s a holiday,” said the thin peasant with the torn coat, + “or else we’ll blunt our scythes.” + </p> + <p> + “Sign,” he says. The unkempt man continued giving his opinion of the + landlord’s speech. “‘Sign,’ indeed, and let him swallow you up.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s certain,” answered the old man. And then they were silent, and the + tramping of the horses’ feet along the highroad was the only sound to be + heard. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0067" id="link2HCH0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. GOD’S PEACE IN THE HEART. + </h2> + <p> + When Nekhludoff returned he found that the office had been arranged as a + bedroom for him. A high bedstead, with a feather bed and two large + pillows, had been placed in the room. The bed was covered with a dark red + doublebedded silk quilt, which was elaborately and finely quilted, and + very stiff. It evidently belonged to the trousseau of the foreman’s wife. + The foreman offered Nekhludoff the remains of the dinner, which the latter + refused, and, excusing himself for the poorness of the fare and the + accommodation, he left Nekhludoff alone. + </p> + <p> + The peasants’ refusal did not at all bother Nekhludoff. On the contrary, + though at Kousminski his offer had been accepted and he had even been + thanked for it, and here he was met with suspicion and even enmity, he + felt contented and joyful. + </p> + <p> + It was close and dirty in the office. Nekhludoff went out into the yard, + and was going into the garden, but he remembered: that night, the window + of the maid-servant’s room, the side porch, and he felt uncomfortable, and + did not like to pass the spot desecrated by guilty memories. He sat down + on the doorstep, and breathing in the warm air, balmy with the strong + scent of fresh birch leaves, he sat for a long time looking into the dark + garden and listening to the mill, the nightingales, and some other bird + that whistled monotonously in the bush close by. The light disappeared + from the foreman’s window; in the cast, behind the barn, appeared the + light of the rising moon, and sheet lightning began to light up the + dilapidated house, and the blooming, over-grown garden more and more + frequently. It began to thunder in the distance, and a black cloud spread + over one-third of the sky. The nightingales and the other birds were + silent. Above the murmur of the water from the mill came the cackling of + geese, and then in the village and in the foreman’s yard the first cocks + began to crow earlier than usual, as they do on warm, thundery nights. + There is a saying that if the cocks crow early the night will be a merry + one. For Nekhludoff the night was more than merry; it was a happy, joyful + night. Imagination renewed the impressions of that happy summer which he + had spent here as an innocent lad, and he felt himself as he had been not + only at that but at all the best moments of his life. He not only + remembered but felt as he had felt when, at the age of 14, he prayed that + God would show him the truth; or when as a child he had wept on his + mother’s lap, when parting from her, and promising to be always good, and + never give her pain; he felt as he did when he and Nikolenka Irtenieff + resolved always to support each other in living a good life and to try to + make everybody happy. + </p> + <p> + He remembered how he had been tempted in Kousminski, so that he had begun + to regret the house and the forest and the farm and the land, and he asked + himself if he regretted them now, and it even seemed strange to think that + he could regret them. He remembered all he had seen to-day; the woman with + the children, and without her husband, who was in prison for having cut + down trees in his (Nekhludoff’s) forest, and the terrible Matrona, who + considered, or at least talked as if she considered, that women of her + position must give themselves to the gentlefolk; he remembered her + relation to the babies, the way in which they were taken to the + Foundlings’ Hospital, and the unfortunate, smiling, wizened baby with the + patchwork cap, dying of starvation. And then he suddenly remembered the + prison, the shaved heads, the cells, the disgusting smells, the chains, + and, by the side of it all, the madly lavish city lift of the rich, + himself included. + </p> + <p> + The bright moon, now almost full, rose above the barn. Dark shadows fell + across the yard, and the iron roof of the ruined house shone bright. As if + unwilling to waste this light, the nightingales again began their trills. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff called to mind how he had begun to consider his life in the + garden of Kousminski when deciding what he was going to do, and remembered + how confused he had become, how he could not arrive at any decision, how + many difficulties each question had presented. He asked himself these + questions now, and was surprised how simple it all was. It was simple + because he was not thinking now of what would be the results for himself, + but only thought of what he had to do. And, strange to say, what he had to + do for himself he could not decide, but what he had to do for others he + knew without any doubt. He had no doubt that he must not leave Katusha, + but go on helping her. He had no doubt that he must study, investigate, + clear up, understand all this business concerning judgment and punishment, + which he felt he saw differently to other people. What would result from + it all he did not know, but he knew for certain that he must do it. And + this firm assurance gave him joy. + </p> + <p> + The black cloud had spread all over the sky; the lightning flashed vividly + across the yard and the old house with its tumble-down porches, the + thunder growled overhead. All the birds were silent, but the leaves + rustled and the wind reached the step where Nekhludoff stood and played + with his hair. One drop came down, then another; then they came drumming + on the dock leaves and on the iron of the roof, and all the air was filled + by a bright flash, and before Nekhludoff could count three a fearful crash + sounded over head and spread pealing all over the sky. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff went in. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” he thought. “The work that our life accomplishes, the whole of + this work, the meaning of it is not, nor can be, intelligible to me. What + were my aunts for? Why did Nikolenka Irtenieff die? Why am I living? What + was Katusha for? And my madness? Why that war? Why my subsequent lawless + life? To understand it, to understand the whole of the Master’s will is + not in my power. But to do His will, that is written down in my + conscience, is in my power; that I know for certain. And when I am + fulfilling it I have sureness and peace.” + </p> + <p> + The rain came down in torrents and rushed from the roof into a tub + beneath; the lightning lit up the house and yard less frequently. + Nekhludoff went into his room, undressed, and lay down, not without fear + of the bugs, whose presence the dirty, torn wall-papers made him suspect. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, to feel one’s self not the master but a servant,” he thought, and + rejoiced at the thought. His fears were not vain. Hardly had he put out + his candle when the vermin attacked and stung him. “To give up the land + and go to Siberia. Fleas, bugs, dirt! Ah, well; if it must be borne, I + shall bear it.” But, in spite of the best of intentions, he could not bear + it, and sat down by the open window and gazed with admiration at the + retreating clouds and the reappearing moon. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0068" id="link2HCH0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE LAND SETTLEMENT. + </h2> + <p> + It was morning before Nekhludoff could fall asleep, and therefore he woke + up late. At noon seven men, chosen from among the peasants at the + foreman’s invitation, came into the orchard, where the foreman had + arranged a table and benches by digging posts into the ground, and fixing + boards on the top, under the apple trees. It took some time before the + peasants could be persuaded to put on their caps and to sit down on the + benches. Especially firm was the ex-soldier, who to-day had bark shoes on. + He stood erect, holding his cap as they do at funerals, according to + military regulation. When one of them, a respectable-looking, + broad-shouldered old man, with a curly, grizzly beard like that of Michael + Angelo’s “Moses,” and grey hair that curled round the brown, bald + forehead, put on his big cap, and, wrapping his coat round him, got in + behind the table and sat down, the rest followed his example. When all had + taken their places Nekhludoff sat down opposite them, and leaning on the + table over the paper on which he had drawn up his project, he began + explaining it. + </p> + <p> + Whether it was that there were fewer present, or that he was occupied with + the business in hand and not with himself, anyhow, this time Nekhludoff + felt no confusion. He involuntarily addressed the broad-shouldered old man + with white ringlets in his grizzly beard, expecting approbation or + objections from him. But Nekhludoff’s conjecture was wrong. The + respectable-looking old patriarch, though he nodded his handsome head + approvingly or shook it, and frowned when the others raised an objection, + evidently understood with great difficulty, and only when the others + repeated what Nekhludoff had said in their own words. A little, almost + beardless old fellow, blind in one eye, who sat by the side of the + patriarch, and had a patched nankeen coat and old boots on, and, as + Nekhludoff found out later, was an oven-builder, understood much better. + This man moved his brows quickly, attending to Nekhludoff’s words with an + effort, and at once repeated them in his own way. An old, thick-set man + with a white beard and intelligent eyes understood as quickly, and took + every opportunity to put in an ironical joke, clearly wishing to show off. + The ex-soldier seemed also to understand matters, but got mixed, being + used to senseless soldiers’ talk. A tall man with a small beard, a long + nose, and a bass voice, who wore clean, home-made clothes and new + bark-plaited shoes, seemed to be the one most seriously interested. This + man spoke only when there was need of it. The two other old men, the same + toothless one who had shouted a distinct refusal at the meeting the day + before to every proposal of Nekhludoff’s, and a tall, white lame old man + with a kind face, his thin legs tightly wrapped round with strips of + linen, said little, though they listened attentively. First of all + Nekhludoff explained his views in regard to personal property in land. + “The land, according to my idea, can neither be bought nor sold, because + if it could be, he who has got the money could buy it all, and exact + anything he liked for the use of the land from those who have none.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s true,” said the long-nosed man, in a deep bass. + </p> + <p> + “Just so,” said the ex-soldier. + </p> + <p> + “A woman gathers a little grass for her cow; she’s caught and imprisoned,” + said the white-bearded old man. + </p> + <p> + “Our own land is five versts away, and as to renting any it’s impossible; + the price is raised so high that it won’t pay,” added the cross, toothless + old man. “They twist us into ropes, worse than during serfdom.” + </p> + <p> + “I think as you do, and I count it a sin to possess land, so I wish to + give it away,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s a good thing,” said the old man, with curls like Angelo’s + “Moses,” evidently thinking that Nekhludoff meant to let the land. + </p> + <p> + “I have come here because I no longer wish to possess any land, and now we + must consider the best way of dividing it.” + </p> + <p> + “Just give it to the peasants, that’s all,” said the cross, toothless old + man. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was abashed for a moment, feeling a suspicion of his not being + honest in these words, but he instantly recovered, and made use of the + remark, in order to express what was in his mind, in reply. + </p> + <p> + “I should be glad to give it them,” he said, “but to whom, and how? To + which of the peasants? Why, to your commune, and not to that of Deminsk.” + (That was the name of a neighbouring village with very little land.) All + were silent. Then the ex-soldier said, “Just so.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, then, tell me how would you divide the land among the peasants if + you had to do it?” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “We should divide it up equally, so much for every man,” said the + oven-builder, quickly raising and lowering his brows. + </p> + <p> + “How else? Of course, so much per man,” said the good natured lame man + with the white strips of linen round his legs. + </p> + <p> + Every one confirmed this statement, considering it satisfactory. + </p> + <p> + “So much per man? Then are the servants attached to the house also to have + a share?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no,” said the ex-soldier, trying to appear bold and merry. But the + tall, reasonable man would not agree with him. + </p> + <p> + “If one is to divide, all must share alike,” he said, in his deep bass, + after a little consideration. + </p> + <p> + “It can’t be done,” said Nekhludoff, who had already prepared his reply. + “If all are to share alike, then those who do not work themselves—do + not plough—will sell their shares to the rich. The rich will again + get at the land. Those who live by working the land will multiply, and + land will again be scarce. Then the rich will again get those who need + land into their power.” + </p> + <p> + “Just so,” quickly said the ex-soldier. + </p> + <p> + “Forbid to sell the land; let only him who ploughs it have it,” angrily + interrupted the oven-builder. + </p> + <p> + To this Nekhludoff replied that it was impossible to know who was + ploughing for himself and who for another. + </p> + <p> + The tall, reasonable man proposed that an arrangement be made so that they + should all plough communally, and those who ploughed should get the + produce and those who did not should get nothing. + </p> + <p> + To this communistic project Nekhludoff had also an answer ready. He said + that for such an arrangement it would be necessary that all should have + ploughs, and that all the horses should be alike, so that none should be + left behind, and that ploughs and horses and all the implements would have + to be communal property, and that in order to get that, all the people + would have to agree. + </p> + <p> + “Our people could not be made to agree in a lifetime,” said the cross old + man. + </p> + <p> + “We should have regular fights,” said the white-bearded old man with the + laughing eyes. “So that the thing is not as simple as it looks,” said + Nekhludoff, “and this is a thing not only we but many have been + considering. There is an American, Henry George. This is what he has + thought out, and I agree with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you are the master, and you give it as you like. What’s it to you? + The power is yours,” said the cross old man. + </p> + <p> + This confused Nekhludoff, but he was pleased to see that not he alone was + dissatisfied with this interruption. + </p> + <p> + “You wait a bit, Uncle Simon; let him tell us about it,” said the + reasonable man, in his imposing bass. + </p> + <p> + This emboldened Nekhludoff, and he began to explain Henry George’s + single-tax system “The earth is no man’s; it is God’s,” he began. + </p> + <p> + “Just so; that it is,” several voices replied. + </p> + <p> + “The land is common to all. All have the same right to it, but there is + good land and bad land, and every one would like to take the good land. + How is one to do in order to get it justly divided? In this way: he that + will use the good land must pay those who have got no land the value of + the land he uses,” Nekhludoff went on, answering his own question. “As it + would be difficult to say who should pay whom, and money is needed for + communal use, it should be arranged that he who uses the good land should + pay the amount of the value of his land to the commune for its needs. Then + every one would share equally. If you want to use land pay for it—more + for the good, less for the bad land. If you do not wish to use land, don’t + pay anything, and those who use the land will pay the taxes and the + communal expenses for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he had a head, this George,” said the oven-builder, moving his + brows. “He who has good land must pay more.” + </p> + <p> + “If only the payment is according to our strength,” said the tall man with + the bass voice, evidently foreseeing how the matter would end. + </p> + <p> + “The payment should be not too high and not too low. If it is too high it + will not get paid, and there will be a loss; and if it is too low it will + be bought and sold. There would be a trading in land. This is what I + wished to arrange among you here.” + </p> + <p> + “That is just, that is right; yes, that would do,” said the peasants. + </p> + <p> + “He has a head, this George,” said the broad-shouldered old man with the + curls. “See what he has invented.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, how would it be if I wished to take some land?” asked the + smiling foreman. + </p> + <p> + “If there is an allotment to spare, take it and work it,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want it for? You have sufficient as it is,” said the old man + with the laughing eyes. + </p> + <p> + With this the conference ended. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff repeated his offer, and advised the men to talk it over with + the rest of the commune and to return with the answer. + </p> + <p> + The peasants said they would talk it over and bring an answer, and left in + a state of excitement. Their loud talk was audible as they went along the + road, and up to late in the night the sound of voices came along the river + from the village. + </p> + <p> + The next day the peasants did not go to work, but spent it in considering + the landlord’s offer. The commune was divided into two parties—one + which regarded the offer as a profitable one to themselves and saw no + danger in agreeing with it, and another which suspected and feared the + offer it did not understand. On the third day, however, all agreed, and + some were sent to Nekhludoff to accept his offer. They were influenced in + their decision by the explanation some of the old men gave of the + landlord’s conduct, which did away with all fear of deceit. They thought + the gentleman had begun to consider his soul, and was acting as he did for + its salvation. The alms which Nekhludoff had given away while in Panovo + made his explanation seem likely. The fact that Nekhludoff had never + before been face to face with such great poverty and so bare a life as the + peasants had come to in this place, and was so appalled by it, made him + give away money in charity, though he knew that this was not reasonable. + He could not help giving the money, of which he now had a great deal, + having received a large sum for the forest he had sold the year before, + and also the hand money for the implements and stock in Kousminski. As + soon as it was known that the master was giving money in charity, crowds + of people, chiefly women, began to come to ask him for help. He did not in + the least know how to deal with them, how to decide, how much, and whom to + give to. He felt that to refuse to give money, of which he had a great + deal, to poor people was impossible, yet to give casually to those who + asked was not wise. The last day he spent in Panovo, Nekhludoff looked + over the things left in his aunts’ house, and in the bottom drawer of the + mahogany wardrobe, with the brass lions’ heads with rings through them, he + found many letters, and amongst them a photograph of a group, consisting + of his aunts, Sophia Ivanovna and Mary Ivanovna, a student, and Katusha. + Of all the things in the house he took only the letters and the + photograph. The rest he left to the miller who, at the smiling foreman’s + recommendation, had bought the house and all it contained, to be taken + down and carried away, at one-tenth of the real value. + </p> + <p> + Recalling the feeling of regret at the loss of his property which he had + felt in Kousminski, Nekhludoff was surprised how he could have felt this + regret. Now he felt nothing but unceasing joy at the deliverance, and a + sensation of newness something like that which a traveller must experience + when discovering new countries. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0069" id="link2HCH0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. NEKHLUDOFF RETURNS TO TOWN. + </h2> + <p> + The town struck Nekhludoff in a new and peculiar light on his return. He + came back in the evening, when the gas was lit, and drove from the railway + station to his house, where the rooms still smelt of naphthaline. + Agraphena Petrovna and Corney were both feeling tired and dissatisfied, + and had even had a quarrel over those things that seemed made only to be + aired and packed away. Nekhludoff’s room was empty, but not in order, and + the way to it was blocked up with boxes, so that his arrival evidently + hindered the business which, owing to a curious kind of inertia, was going + on in this house. The evident folly of these proceedings, in which he had + once taken part, was so distasteful to Nekhludoff after the impressions + the misery of the life of the peasants had made on him, that he decided to + go to a hotel the next day, leaving Agraphena Petrovna to put away the + things as she thought fit until his sister should come and finally dispose + of everything in the house. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff left home early and chose a couple of rooms in a very modest + and not particularly clean lodging-house within easy reach of the prison, + and, having given orders that some of his things should be sent there, he + went to see the advocate. It was cold out of doors. After some rainy and + stormy weather it had turned out cold, as it often does in spring. It was + so cold that Nekhludoff felt quite chilly in his light overcoat, and + walked fast hoping to get warmer. His mind was filled with thoughts of the + peasants, the women, children, old men, and all the poverty and weariness + which he seemed to have seen for the first time, especially the smiling, + old-faced infant writhing with his calfless little legs, and he could not + help contrasting what was going on in the town. Passing by the butchers’, + fishmongers’, and clothiers’ shops, he was struck, as if he saw them for + the first time, by the appearance of the clean, well-fed shopkeepers, like + whom you could not find one peasant in the country. These men were + apparently convinced that the pains they took to deceive the people who + did not know much about their goods was not a useless but rather an + important business. The coachmen with their broad hips and rows of buttons + down their sides, and the door-keepers with gold cords on their caps, the + servant-girls with their aprons and curly fringes, and especially the + smart isvostchiks with the nape of their necks clean shaved, as they sat + lolling back in their traps, and examined the passers-by with dissolute + and contemptuous air, looked well fed. In all these people Nekhludoff + could not now help seeing some of these very peasants who had been driven + into the town by lack of land. Some of the peasants driven to the town had + found means of profiting by the conditions of town life and had become + like the gentlefolk and were pleased with their position; others were in a + worse position than they had been in the country and were more to be + pitied than the country people. + </p> + <p> + Such seemed the bootmakers Nekhludoff saw in the cellar, the pale, + dishevelled washerwomen with their thin, bare, arms ironing at an open + window, out of which streamed soapy steam; such the two house-painters + with their aprons, stockingless feet, all bespattered and smeared with + paint, whom Nekhludoff met—their weak, brown arms bared to above the + elbows—carrying a pailful of paint, and quarrelling with each other. + Their faces looked haggard and cross. The dark faces of the carters + jolting along in their carts bore the same expression, and so did the + faces of the tattered men and women who stood begging at the street + corners. The same kind of faces were to be seen at the open, windows of + the eating-houses which Nekhludoff passed. By the dirty tables on which + stood tea things and bottles, and between which waiters dressed in white + shirts were rushing hither and thither, sat shouting and singing red, + perspiring men with stupefied faces. One sat by the window with lifted + brows and pouting lips and fixed eyes as if trying to remember something. + </p> + <p> + “And why are they all gathered here?” Nekhludoff thought, breathing in + together with the dust which the cold wind blew towards him the air filled + with the smell of rank oil and fresh paint. + </p> + <p> + In one street he met a row of carts loaded with something made of iron, + that rattled so on the uneven pavement that it made his ears and head + ache. He started walking still faster in order to pass the row of carts, + when he heard himself called by name. He stopped and saw an officer with + sharp pointed moustaches and shining face who sat in the trap of a swell + isvostchik and waved his hand in a friendly manner, his smile disclosing + unusually long, white teeth. + </p> + <p> + “Nekhludoff! Can it be you?” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff’s first feeling was one of pleasure. “Ah, Schonbock!” he + exclaimed joyfully; but he knew the next moment that there was nothing to + be joyful about. + </p> + <p> + This was that Schonbock who had been in the house of Nekhludoff’s aunts + that day, and whom Nekhludoff had quite lost out of sight, but about whom + he had heard that in spite of his debts he had somehow managed to remain + in the cavalry, and by some means or other still kept his place among the + rich. His gay, contented appearance corroborated this report. + </p> + <p> + “What a good thing that I have caught you. There is no one in town. Ah, + old fellow; you have grown old,” he said, getting out of the trap and + moving his shoulders about. “I only knew you by your walk. Look here, we + must dine together. Is there any place where they feed one decently?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think I can spare the time,” Nekhludoff answered, thinking only + of how he could best get rid of his companion without hurting him. + </p> + <p> + “And what has brought you here?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Business, old fellow. Guardianship business. I am a guardian now. I am + managing Samanoff’s affairs—the millionaire, you know. He has + softening of the brain, and he’s got fifty-four thousand desiatins of + land,” he said, with peculiar pride, as if he had himself made all these + desiatins. “The affairs were terribly neglected. All the land was let to + the peasants. They did not pay anything. There were more than eighty + thousand roubles debts. I changed it all in one year, and have got 70 per + cent. more out of it. What do you think of that?” he asked proudly. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff remembered having heard that this Schonbock, just because, he + had spent all he had, had attained by some special influence the post of + guardian to a rich old man who was squandering his property—and was + now evidently living by this guardianship. + </p> + <p> + “How am I to get rid of him without offending him?” thought Nekhludoff, + looking at this full, shiny face with the stiffened moustache and + listening to his friendly, good-humoured chatter about where one gets fed + best, and his bragging about his doings as a guardian. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, where do we dine?” + </p> + <p> + “Really, I have no time to spare,” said Nekhludoff, glancing at his watch. + </p> + <p> + “Then, look here. To-night, at the races—will you be there?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I shall not be there.” + </p> + <p> + “Do come. I have none of my own now, but I back Grisha’s horses. You + remember; he has a fine stud. You’ll come, won’t you? And we’ll have some + supper together.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I cannot have supper with you either,” said Nekhludoff with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s too bad! And where are you off to now? Shall I give you a + lift?” + </p> + <p> + “I am going to see an advocate, close to here round the corner.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, of course. You have got something to do with the prisons—have + turned into a prisoners’ mediator, I hear,” said Schonbock, laughing. “The + Korchagins told me. They have left town already. What does it all mean? + Tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, it is quite true,” Nekhludoff answered; “but I cannot tell you + about it in the street.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course; you always were a crank. But you will come to the races?” + </p> + <p> + “No. I neither can nor wish to come. Please do not be angry with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Angry? Dear me, no. Where do you live?” And suddenly his face became + serious, his eyes fixed, and he drew up his brows. He seemed to be trying + to remember something, and Nekhludoff noticed the same dull expression as + that of the man with the raised brows and pouting lips whom he had seen at + the window of the eating-house. + </p> + <p> + “How cold it is! Is it not? Have you got the parcels?” said Schonbock, + turning to the isvostchik. + </p> + <p> + “All right. Good-bye. I am very glad indeed to have met you,” and warmly + pressing Nekhludoff’s hand, he jumped into the trap and waved his + white-gloved hand in front of his shiny face, with his usual smile, + showing his exceptionally white teeth. + </p> + <p> + “Can I have also been like that?” Nekhludoff thought, as he continued his + way to the advocate’s. “Yes, I wished to be like that, though I was not + quite like it. And I thought of living my life in that way.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0070" id="link2HCH0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. AN ADVOCATE’S VIEWS ON JUDGES AND PROSECUTORS. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff was admitted by the advocate before his turn. The advocate at + once commenced to talk about the Menshoffs’ case, which he had read with + indignation at the inconsistency of the accusation. + </p> + <p> + “This case is perfectly revolting,” he said; “it is very likely that the + owner himself set fire to the building in order to get the insurance + money, and the chief thing is that there is no evidence to prove the + Menshoffs’ guilt. There are no proofs whatever. It is all owing to the + special zeal of the examining magistrate and the carelessness of the + prosecutor. If they are tried here, and not in a provincial court, I + guarantee that they will be acquitted, and I shall charge nothing. Now + then, the next case, that of Theodosia Birukoff. The appeal to the Emperor + is written. If you go to Petersburg, you’d better take it with you, and + hand it in yourself, with a request of your own, or else they will only + make a few inquiries, and nothing will come of it. You must try and get at + some of the influential members of the Appeal Committee.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, is this all?” + </p> + <p> + “No; here I have a letter . . . I see you have turned into a pipe—a + spout through which all the complaints of the prison are poured,” said the + advocate, with a smile. “It is too much; you’ll not be able to manage it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but this is a striking case,” said Nekhludoff, and gave a brief + outline of the case of a peasant who began to read the Gospels to the + peasants in the village, and to discuss them with his friends. The priests + regarded this as a crime and informed the authorities. The magistrate + examined him and the public prosecutor drew up an act of indictment, and + the law courts committed him for trial. + </p> + <p> + “This is really too terrible,” Nekhludoff said. “Can it be true?” + </p> + <p> + “What are you surprised at?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, everything. I can understand the police-officer, who simply obeys + orders, but the prosecutor drawing up an act of that kind. An educated man + . . .” + </p> + <p> + “That is where the mistake lies, that we are in the habit of considering + that the prosecutors and the judges in general are some kind of liberal + persons. There was a time when they were such, but now it is quite + different. They are just officials, only troubled about pay-day. They + receive their salaries and want them increased, and there their principles + end. They will accuse, judge, and sentence any one you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but do laws really exist that can condemn a man to Siberia for + reading the Bible with his friends?” + </p> + <p> + “Not only to be exiled to the less remote parts of Siberia, but even to + the mines, if you can only prove that reading the Bible they took the + liberty of explaining it to others not according to orders, and in this + way condemned the explanations given by the Church. Blaming the Greek + orthodox religion in the presence of the common people means, according to + Statute . . . the mines.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible!” + </p> + <p> + “I assure you it is so. I always tell these gentlemen, the judges,” the + advocate continued, “that I cannot look at them without gratitude, because + if I am not in prison, and you, and all of us, it is only owing to their + kindness. To deprive us of our privileges, and send us all to the less + remote parts of Siberia, would be an easy thing for them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if it is so, and if everything depends on the Procureur and others + who can, at will, either enforce the laws or not, what are the trials + for?” + </p> + <p> + The advocate burst into a merry laugh. “You do put strange questions. My + dear sir, that is philosophy. Well, we might have a talk about that, too. + Could you come on Saturday? You will meet men of science, literary men, + and artists at my house, and then we might discuss these general + questions,” said the advocate, pronouncing the words “general questions” + with ironical pathos. “You have met my wife? Do come.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you; I will try to,” said Nekhludoff, and felt that he was saying + an untruth, and knew that if he tried to do anything it would be to keep + away froth the advocate’s literary evening, and the circle of the men of + science, art, and literature. + </p> + <p> + The laugh with which the advocate met Nekhludoff’s remark that trials + could have no meaning if the judges might enforce the laws or not, + according to their notion, and the tone with which he pronounced the words + “philosophy” and “general questions” proved to Nekhludoff how very + differently he and the advocate and, probably, the advocate’s friends, + looked at things; and he felt that in spite of the distance that now + existed between himself and his former companions, Schonbock, etc., the + difference between himself and the circle of the advocate and his friends + was still greater. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0071" id="link2HCH0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. WHY THE PEASANTS FLOCK TO TOWN. + </h2> + <p> + The prison was a long way off and it was getting late, so Nekhludoff took + an isvostchik. The isvostchik, a middle-aged man with an intelligent and + kind face, turned round towards Nekhludoff as they were driving along one + of the streets and pointed to a huge house that was being built there. + </p> + <p> + “Just see what a tremendous house they have begun to build,” he said, as + if he was partly responsible for the building of the house and proud of + it. The house was really immense and was being built in a very original + style. The strong pine beams of the scaffolding were firmly fixed together + with iron bands and a plank wall separated the building from the street. + </p> + <p> + On the boards of the scaffolding workmen, all bespattered with plaster, + moved hither and thither like ants. Some were laying bricks, some hewing + stones, some carrying up the heavy hods and pails and bringing them down + empty. A fat and finely-dressed gentleman—probably the architect—stood + by the scaffolding, pointing upward and explaining something to a + contractor, a peasant from the Vladimir Government, who was respectfully + listening to him. Empty carts were coming out of the gate by which the + architect and the contractor were standing, and loaded ones were going in. + “And how sure they all are—those that do the work as well as those + that make them do it—that it ought to be; that while their wives at + home, who are with child, are labouring beyond their strength, and their + children with the patchwork caps, doomed soon to the cold grave, smile + with suffering and contort their little legs, they must be building this + stupid and useless palace for some stupid and useless person—one of + those who spoil and rob them,” Nekhludoff thought, while looking at the + house. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is a stupid house,” he said, uttering his thought out aloud. + </p> + <p> + “Why stupid?” replied the isvostchik, in an offended tone. “Thanks to it, + the people get work; it’s not stupid.” + </p> + <p> + “But the work is useless.” + </p> + <p> + “It can’t be useless, or why should it be done?” said the isvostchik. “The + people get bread by it.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was silent, and it would have been difficult to talk because of + the clatter the wheels made. + </p> + <p> + When they came nearer the prison, and the isvostchik turned off the paved + on to the macadamised road, it became easier to talk, and he again turned + to Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “And what a lot of these people are flocking to the town nowadays; it’s + awful,” he said, turning round on the box and pointing to a party of + peasant workmen who were coming towards them, carrying saws, axes, + sheepskins, coats, and bags strapped to their shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “More than in other years?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “By far. This year every place is crowded, so that it’s just terrible. The + employers just fling the workmen about like chaff. Not a job to be got.” + </p> + <p> + “Why is that?” + </p> + <p> + “They’ve increased. There’s no room for them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what if they have increased? Why do not they stay in the village?” + </p> + <p> + “There’s nothing for them to do in the village—no land to be had.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff felt as one does when touching a sore place. It feels as if the + bruised part was always being hit; yet it is only because the place is + sore that the touch is felt. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible that the same thing is happening everywhere?” he thought, + and began questioning the isvostchik about the quantity of land in his + village, how much land the man himself had, and why he had left the + country. + </p> + <p> + “We have a desiatin per man, sir,” he said. “Our family have three men’s + shares of the land. My father and a brother are at home, and manage the + land, and another brother is serving in the army. But there’s nothing to + manage. My brother has had thoughts of coming to Moscow, too.” + </p> + <p> + “And cannot land be rented?” + </p> + <p> + “How’s one to rent it nowadays? The gentry, such as they were, have + squandered all theirs. Men of business have got it all into their own + hands. One can’t rent it from them. They farm it themselves. We have a + Frenchman ruling in our place; he bought the estate from our former + landlord, and won’t let it—and there’s an end of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Who’s that Frenchman?” + </p> + <p> + “Dufour is the Frenchman’s name. Perhaps you’ve heard of him. He makes + wigs for the actors in the big theatre; it is a good business, so he’s + prospering. He bought it from our lady, the whole of the estate, and now + he has us in his power; he just rides on us as he pleases. The Lord be + thanked, he is a good man himself; only his wife, a Russian, is such a + brute that—God have mercy on us. She robs the people. It’s awful. + Well, here’s the prison. Am I to drive you to the entrance? I’m afraid + they’ll not let us do it, though.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0072" id="link2HCH0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. NURSE MASLOVA. + </h2> + <p> + When he rang the bell at the front entrance Nekhludoff’s heart stood still + with horror as he thought of the state he might find Maslova in to-day, + and at the mystery that he felt to be in her and in the people that were + collected in the prison. He asked the jailer who opened the door for + Maslova. After making the necessary inquiry the jailer informed him that + she was in the hospital. Nekhludoff went there. A kindly old man, the + hospital doorkeeper, let him in at once and, after asking Nekhludoff whom + he wanted, directed him to the children’s ward. A young doctor saturated + with carbolic acid met Nekhludoff in the passage and asked him severely + what he wanted. This doctor was always making all sorts of concessions to + the prisoners, and was therefore continually coming into conflict with the + prison authorities and even with the head doctor. Fearing lest Nekhludoff + should demand something unlawful, and wishing to show that he made no + exceptions for any one, he pretended to be cross. “There are no women + here; it is the children’s ward,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know; but a prisoner has been removed here to be an assistant + nurse.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there are two such here. Then whom do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “I am closely connected with one of them, named Maslova,” Nekhludoff + answered, “and should like to speak to her. I am going to Petersburg to + hand in an appeal to the Senate about her case and should like to give her + this. It is only a photo,” Nekhludoff said, taking an envelope out of his + pocket. + </p> + <p> + “All right, you may do that,” said the doctor, relenting, and turning to + an old woman with a white apron, he told her to call the prisoner—Nurse + Maslova. + </p> + <p> + “Will you take a seat, or go into the waiting-room?” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks,” said Nekhludoff, and profiting by the favourable change in the + manner of the doctor towards him asked how they were satisfied with + Maslova in the hospital. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, she is all right. She works fairly well, if you the conditions of her + former life into account. But here she is.” + </p> + <p> + The old nurse came in at one of the doors, followed by Maslova, who wore a + blue striped dress, a white apron, a kerchief that quite covered her hair. + When she saw Nekhludoff her face flushed, and she stopped as if + hesitating, then frowned, and with downcast eyes went quickly towards him + along the strip of carpet in the middle of the passage. When she came up + to Nekhludoff she did not wish to give him her hand, and then gave it, + growing redder still. Nekhludoff had not seen her since the day when she + begged forgiveness for having been in a passion, and he expected to find + her the same as she was then. But to-day she was quite different. There + was something new in the expression of her face, reserve and shyness, and, + as it seemed to him, animosity towards him. He told her what he had + already said to the doctor, i.e., that he was going to Petersburg, and he + handed her the envelope with the photograph which he had brought from + Panovo. + </p> + <p> + “I found this in Panovo—it’s an old photo; perhaps you would like + it. Take it.” + </p> + <p> + Lifting her dark eyebrows, she looked at him with surprise in her + squinting eyes, as if asking, “What is this for?” took the photo silently + and put it in the bib of her apron. + </p> + <p> + “I saw your aunt there,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Did you?” she said, indifferently. + </p> + <p> + “Are you all right here?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, it’s all right,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Not too difficult?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no. But I am not used to it yet.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad, for your sake. Anyhow, it is better than there.” + </p> + <p> + “Than where—there?” she asked, her face flushing again. + </p> + <p> + “There—in the prison,” Nekhludoff hurriedly answered. + </p> + <p> + “Why better?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “I think the people are better. Here are none such as there must be + there.” + </p> + <p> + “There are many good ones there,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “I have been seeing about the Menshoffs, and hope they will be liberated,” + said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “God grant they may. Such a splendid old woman,” she said, again repeating + her opinion of the old woman, and slightly smiling. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to Petersburg to-day. Your case will come on soon, and I hope + the sentence will be repealed.” + </p> + <p> + “Whether it is repealed or not won’t matter now,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Why not now?” + </p> + <p> + “So,” she said, looking with a quick, questioning glance into his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff understood the word and the look to mean that she wished to + know whether he still kept firm to his decision or had accepted her + refusal. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know why it does not matter to you,” he said. “It certainly does + not matter as far as I am concerned whether you are acquitted or not. I am + ready to do what I told you in any case,” he said decidedly. + </p> + <p> + She lifted her head and her black squinting eyes remained fixed on him and + beyond him, and her face beamed with joy. But the words she spoke were + very different from what her eyes said. + </p> + <p> + “You should not speak like that,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “I am saying it so that you should know.” + </p> + <p> + “Everything has been said about that, and there is no use speaking,” she + said, with difficulty repressing a smile. + </p> + <p> + A sudden noise came from the hospital ward, and the sound of a child + crying. + </p> + <p> + “I think they are calling me,” she said, and looked round uneasily. + </p> + <p> + “Well, good-bye, then,” he said. She pretended not to see his extended + hand, and, without taking it, turned away and hastily walked along the + strip of carpet, trying to hide the triumph she felt. + </p> + <p> + “What is going on in her? What is she thinking? What does she feel? Does + she mean to prove me, or can she really not forgive me? Is it that she + cannot or that she will not express what she feels and thinks? Has she + softened or hardened?” he asked himself, and could find no answer. He only + knew that she had altered and that an important change was going on in her + soul, and this change united him not only to her but also to Him for whose + sake that change was being wrought. And this union brought on a state of + joyful animation and tenderness. + </p> + <p> + When she returned to the ward, in which there stood eight small beds, + Maslova began, in obedience to the nurse’s order, to arrange one of the + beds; and, bending over too far with the sheet, she slipped and nearly + fell down. + </p> + <p> + A little convalescent boy with a bandaged neck, who was looking at her, + laughed. Maslova could no longer contain herself and burst into loud + laughter, and such contagious laughter that several of the children also + burst out laughing, and one of the sisters rebuked her angrily. + </p> + <p> + “What are you giggling at? Do you think you are where you used to be? Go + and fetch the food.” Maslova obeyed and went where she was sent; but, + catching the eye of the bandaged boy who was not allowed to laugh, she + again burst out laughing. + </p> + <p> + Whenever she was alone Maslova again and again pulled the photograph + partly out of the envelope and looked at it admiringly; but only in the + evening when she was off duty and alone in the bedroom which she shared + with a nurse, did she take it quite out of the envelope and gaze long at + the faded yellow photograph, caressing with, her eyes every detail of + faces and clothing, the steps of the veranda, and the bushes which served + as a background to his and hers and his aunts’ faces, and could not cease + from admiring especially herself—her pretty young face with the + curly hair round the forehead. She was so absorbed that she did not hear + her fellow-nurse come into the room. + </p> + <p> + “What is it that he’s given you?” said the good-natured, fat nurse, + stooping over the photograph. + </p> + <p> + “Who’s this? You?” + </p> + <p> + “Who else?” said Maslova, looking into her companion’s face with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “And who’s this?” + </p> + <p> + “Himself.” + </p> + <p> + “And is this his mother?” + </p> + <p> + “No, his aunt. Would you not have known me?” + </p> + <p> + “Never. The whole face is altered. Why, it must be 10 years since then.” + </p> + <p> + “Not years, but a lifetime,” said Maslova. And suddenly her animation + went, her face grew gloomy, and a deep line appeared between her brows. + </p> + <p> + “Why so? Your way of life must have been an easy one.” + </p> + <p> + “Easy, indeed,” Maslova reiterated, closing her eyes and shaking her head. + “It is hell.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what makes it so?” + </p> + <p> + “What makes it so! From eight till four in the morning, and every night + the same!” + </p> + <p> + “Then why don’t they give it up?” + </p> + <p> + “They can’t give it up if they want to. But what’s the use of talking?” + Maslova said, jumping up and throwing the photograph into the drawer of + the table. And with difficulty repressing angry tears, she ran out into + the passage and slammed the door. + </p> + <p> + While looking at the group she imagined herself such as she was there and + dreamt of her happiness then and of the possibility of happiness with him + now. But her companion’s words reminded her of what she was now and what + she had been, and brought back all the horrors of that life, which she had + felt but dimly, and not allowed herself to realise. + </p> + <p> + It was only now that the memory of all those terrible nights came vividly + back to her, especially one during the carnival when she was expecting a + student who had promised to buy her out. She remembered how she—wearing + her low necked silk dress stained with wine, a red bow in her untidy hair, + wearied, weak, half tipsy, having seen her visitors off, sat down during + an interval in the dancing by the piano beside the bony pianiste with the + blotchy face, who played the accompaniments to the violin, and began + complaining of her hard fate; and how this pianiste said that she, too, + was feeling how heavy her position was and would like to change it; and + how Clara suddenly came up to them; and how they all three decided to + change their life. They thought that the night was over, and were about to + go away, when suddenly the noise of tipsy voices was heard in the + ante-room. The violinist played a tune and the pianiste began hammering + the first figure of a quadrille on the piano, to the tune of a most merry + Russian song. A small, perspiring man, smelling of spirits, with a white + tie and swallow-tail coat, which he took off after the first figure, came + up to her, hiccoughing, and caught her up, while another fat man, with a + beard, and also wearing a dress-coat (they had come straight from a ball) + caught Clara up, and for a long time they turned, danced, screamed, drank. + . . . And so it went on for another year, and another, and a third. How + could she help changing? And he was the cause of it all. And, suddenly, + all her former bitterness against him reawoke; she wished to scold, to + reproach him. She regretted having neglected the opportunity of repeating + to him once more that she knew him, and would not give in to him—would + not let him make use of her spiritually as he had done physically. + </p> + <p> + And she longed for drink in order to stifle the feeling of pity to herself + and the useless feeling of reproach to him. And she would have broken her + word if she had been inside the prison. Here she could not get any spirits + except by applying to the medical assistant, and she was afraid of him + because he made up to her, and intimate relations with men were disgusting + to her now. After sitting a while on a form in the passage she returned to + her little room, and without paying any heed to her companion’s words, she + wept for a long time over her wrecked life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0073" id="link2HCH0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. AN ARISTOCRATIC CIRCLE. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff had four matters to attend to in Petersburg. The first was the + appeal to the Senate in Maslova’s case; the second, to hand in Theodosia + Birukoff’s petition to the committee; the third, to comply with Vera + Doukhova’s requests—i.e., try to get her friend Shoustova released + from prison, and get permission for a mother to visit her son in prison. + Vera Doukhova had written to him about this, and he was going to the + Gendarmerie Office to attend to these two matters, which he counted as + one. + </p> + <p> + The fourth matter he meant to attend to was the case of some sectarians + who had been separated from their families and exiled to the Caucasus + because they read and discussed the Gospels. It was not so much to them as + to himself he had promised to do all he could to clear up this affair. + </p> + <p> + Since his last visit to Maslennikoff, and especially since he had been in + the country, Nekhludoff had not exactly formed a resolution but felt with + his whole nature a loathing for that society in which he had lived till + then, that society which so carefully hides the sufferings of millions in + order to assure ease and pleasure to a small number of people, that the + people belonging to this society do not and cannot see these sufferings, + nor the cruelty and wickedness of their life. Nekhludoff could no longer + move in this society without feeling ill at ease and reproaching himself. + And yet all the ties of relationship and friendship, and his own habits, + were drawing him back into this society. Besides, that which alone + interested him now, his desire to help Maslova and the other sufferers, + made it necessary to ask for help and service from persons belonging to + that society, persons whom he not only could not respect, but who often + aroused in him indignation and a feeling of contempt. + </p> + <p> + When he came to Petersburg and stopped at his aunt’s—his mother’s + sister, the Countess Tcharsky, wife of a former minister—Nekhludoff + at once found himself in the very midst of that aristocratic circle which + had grown so foreign to him. This was very unpleasant, but there was no + possibility of getting out of it. To put up at an hotel instead of at his + aunt’s house would have been to offend his aunt, and, besides, his aunt + had important connections and might be extremely useful in all these + matters he meant to attend to. + </p> + <p> + “What is this I hear about you? All sorts of marvels,” said the Countess + Katerina Ivanovna Tcharsky, as she gave him his coffee immediately after + his arrival. “<i>Vous posez pour un Howard</i>. Helping criminals, going + the round of prisons, setting things right.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no. I never thought of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? It is a good thing, only there seems to be some romantic story + connected with it. Let us hear all about it.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff told her the whole truth about his relations to Maslova. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, I remember your poor mother telling me about it. That was when + you were staying with those old women. I believe they wished to marry you + to their ward (the Countess Katerina Ivanovna had always despised + Nekhludoff’s aunts on his father’s side). So it’s she. <i>Elle est encore + jolie?</i>” + </p> + <p> + Katerina Ivanovna was a strong, bright, energetic, talkative woman of 60. + She was tall and very stout, and had a decided black moustache on her lip. + Nekhludoff was fond of her and had even as a child been infected by her + energy and mirth. + </p> + <p> + “No, ma tante, that’s at an end. I only wish to help her, because she is + innocently accused. I am the cause of it and the cause of her fate being + what it is. I feel it my duty to do all I can for her.” + </p> + <p> + “But what is this I have heard about your intention of marrying her?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it was my intention, but she does not wish it.” + </p> + <p> + Katerina Ivanovna looked at her nephew with raised brows and drooping + eyeballs, in silent amazement. Suddenly her face changed, and with a look + of pleasure she said: “Well, she is wiser than you. Dear me, you are a + fool. And you would have married her?” + </p> + <p> + “Most certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “After her having been what she was?” + </p> + <p> + “All the more, since I was the cause of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you are a simpleton,” said his aunt, repressing a smile, “a + terrible simpleton; but it is just because you are such a terrible + simpleton that I love you.” She repeated the word, evidently liking it, as + it seemed to correctly convey to her mind the idea of her nephew’s moral + state. “Do you know—What a lucky chance. Aline has a wonderful home—the + Magdalene Home. I went there once. They are terribly disgusting. After + that I had to pray continually. But Aline is devoted to it, body and soul, + so we shall place her there—yours, I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “But she is condemned to Siberia. I have come on purpose to appeal about + it. This is one of my requests to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me, and where do you appeal to in this case?” + </p> + <p> + “To the Senate.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, the Senate! Yes, my dear Cousin Leo is in the Senate, but he is in + the heraldry department, and I don’t know any of the real ones. They are + all some kind of Germans—Gay, Fay, Day—tout l’alphabet, or + else all sorts of Ivanoffs, Simenoffs, Nikitines, or else Ivanenkos, + Simonenkos, Nikitenkos, pour varier. Des gens de l’autre monde. Well, it + is all the same. I’ll tell my husband, he knows them. He knows all sorts + of people. I’ll tell him, but you will have to explain, he never + understands me. Whatever I may say, he always maintains he does not + understand it. C’est un parti pris, every one understands but only not + he.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment a footman with stockinged legs came in with a note on a + silver platter. + </p> + <p> + “There now, from Aline herself. You’ll have a chance of hearing + Kiesewetter.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is Kiesewetter?” + </p> + <p> + “Kiesewetter? Come this evening, and you will find out who he is. He + speaks in such a way that the most hardened criminals sink on their knees + and weep and repent.” + </p> + <p> + The Countess Katerina Ivanovna, however strange it may seem, and however + little it seemed in keeping with the rest of her character, was a staunch + adherent to that teaching which holds that the essence of Christianity + lies in the belief in redemption. She went to meetings where this + teaching, then in fashion, was being preached, and assembled the + “faithful” in her own house. Though this teaching repudiated all + ceremonies, icons, and sacraments, Katerina Ivanovna had icons in every + room, and one on the wall above her bed, and she kept all that the Church + prescribed without noticing any contradiction in that. + </p> + <p> + “There now; if your Magdalene could hear him she would be converted,” said + the Countess. “Do stay at home to-night; you will hear him. He is a + wonderful man.” + </p> + <p> + “It does not interest me, ma tante.” + </p> + <p> + “But I tell you that it is interesting, and you must come home. Now you + may go. What else do you want of me? <i>Videz votre sac</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “The next is in the fortress.” + </p> + <p> + “In the fortress? I can give you a note for that to the Baron Kriegsmuth. + <i>Cest un tres brave homme</i>. Oh, but you know him; he was a comrade of + your father’s. <i>Il donne dans le spiritisme</i>. But that does not + matter, he is a good fellow. What do you want there?” + </p> + <p> + “I want to get leave for a mother to visit her son who is imprisoned + there. But I was told that this did not depend on Kriegsmuth but on + Tcherviansky.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not like Tcherviansky, but he is Mariette’s husband; we might ask + her. She will do it for me. <i>Elle est tres gentille</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “I have also to petition for a woman who is imprisoned there without + knowing what for.” + </p> + <p> + “No fear; she knows well enough. They all know it very well, and it serves + them right, those short-haired [many advanced women wear their hair short, + like men] ones.” + </p> + <p> + “We do not know whether it serves them right or not. But they suffer. You + are a Christian and believe in the Gospel teaching and yet you are so + pitiless.” + </p> + <p> + “That has nothing to do with it. The Gospels are the Gospels, but what is + disgusting remains disgusting. It would be worse if I pretended to love + Nihilists, especially short-haired women Nihilists, when I cannot bear + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Why can you not bear them?” + </p> + <p> + “You ask why, after the 1st of March?” [The Emperor Alexander II was + killed on the first of March, old style.] + </p> + <p> + “They did not all take part in it on the 1st of March.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind; they should not meddle with what is no business of theirs. + It’s not women’s business.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet you consider that Mariette may take part in business.” + </p> + <p> + “Mariette? Mariette is Mariette, and these are goodness knows what. Want + to teach everybody.” + </p> + <p> + “Not to teach but simply to help the people.” + </p> + <p> + “One knows whom to help and whom not to help without them.” + </p> + <p> + “But the peasants are in great need. I have just returned from the + country. Is it necessary, that the peasants should work to the very limits + of their strength and never have sufficient to eat while we are living in + the greatest luxury?” said Nekhludoff, involuntarily led on by his aunt’s + good nature into telling her what he was in his thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want, then? That I should work and not eat anything?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I do not wish you not to eat. I only wish that we should all work and + all eat.” He could not help smiling as he said it. + </p> + <p> + Again raising her brow and drooping her eyeballs his aunt looked at him + curiously. “<i>Mon cher vous finirez mal</i>,” she said. + </p> + <p> + Just then the general, and former minister, Countess Tcharsky’s husband, a + tall, broad-shouldered man, came into the room. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Dmitri, how d’you do?” he said, turning his freshly-shaved cheek to + Nekhludoff to be kissed. “When did you get here?” And he silently kissed + his wife on the forehead. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Non il est impayable</i>,” the Countess said, turning to her husband. + “He wants me to go and wash clothes and live on potatoes. He is an awful + fool, but all the same do what he is going to ask of you. A terrible + simpleton,” she added. “Have you heard? Kamenskaya is in such despair that + they fear for her life,” she said to her husband. “You should go and call + there.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; it is dreadful,” said her husband. + </p> + <p> + “Go along, then, and talk to him. I must write some letters.” + </p> + <p> + Hardly had Nekhludoff stepped into the room next the drawing-room than she + called him back. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I write to Mariette, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Please, ma tante.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall leave a blank for what you want to say about the short-haired + one, and she will give her husband his orders, and he’ll do it. Do not + think me wicked; they are all so disgusting, your prologues, but <i>je ne + leur veux pas de mal</i>, bother them. Well, go, but be sure to stay at + home this evening to hear Kiesewetter, and we shall have some prayers. And + if only you do not resist <i>cela vous fera beaucoup de bien</i>. I know + your poor mother and all of you were always very backward in these + things.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0074" id="link2HCH0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. AN AVERAGE STATESMAN. + </h2> + <p> + Count Ivan Michaelovitch had been a minister, and was a man of strong + convictions. The convictions of Count Ivan Michaelovitch consisted in the + belief that, just as it was natural for a bird to feed on worms, to be + clothed in feathers and down, and to fly in the air, so it was natural for + him to feed on the choicest and most expensive food, prepared by + highly-paid cooks, to wear the most comfortable and most expensive + clothing, to drive with the best and fastest horses, and that, therefore, + all these things should be ready found for him. Besides this, Count Ivan + Michaelovitch considered that the more money he could get out of the + treasury by all sorts of means, the more orders he had, including + different diamond insignia of something or other, and the oftener he spoke + to highly-placed individuals of both sexes, so much the better it was. + </p> + <p> + All the rest Count Ivan Michaelovitch considered insignificant and + uninteresting beside these dogmas. All the rest might be as it was, or + just the reverse. Count Ivan Michaelovitch lived and acted according to + these lights for 40 years, and at the end of 40 years reached the position + of a Minister of State. The chief qualities that enabled Count Ivan + Michaelovitch to reach this position were his capacity of understanding + the meaning of documents and laws and of drawing up, though clumsily, + intelligible State papers, and of spelling them correctly; secondly, his + very stately appearance, which enabled him, when necessary, to seem not + only extremely proud, but unapproachable and majestic, while at other + times he could be abjectly and almost passionately servile; thirdly, the + absence of any general principles or rules, either of personal or + administrative morality, which made it possible for him either to agree or + disagree with anybody according to what was wanted at the time. When + acting thus his only endeavour was to sustain the appearance of good + breeding and not to seem too plainly inconsistent. As for his actions + being moral or not, in themselves, or whether they were going to result in + the highest welfare or greatest evil for the whole of the Russian Empire, + or even the entire world, that was quite indifferent to him. When he + became minister, not only those dependent on him (and there were great + many of them) and people connected with him, but many strangers and even + he himself were convinced that he was a very clever statesman. But after + some time had elapsed and he had done nothing and had nothing to show, and + when in accordance with the law of the struggle for existence others, like + himself, who had learnt to write and understand documents, stately and + unprincipled officials, had displaced him, he turned out to be not only + far from clever but very limited and badly educated. Though self-assured, + his views hardly reaching the level of those in the leading articles of + the Conservative papers, it became apparent that there was nothing in him + to distinguish him from those other badly-educated and self-assured + officials who had pushed him out, and he himself saw it. But this did not + shake his conviction that he had to receive a great deal of money out of + the Treasury every year, and new decorations for his dress clothes. This + conviction was so firm that no one had the pluck to refuse these things to + him, and he received yearly, partly in form of a pension, partly as a + salary for being a member in a Government institution and chairman of all + sorts of committees and councils, several tens of thousands of roubles, + besides the right—highly prized by him—of sewing all sorts of + new cords to his shoulders and trousers, and ribbons to wear under and + enamel stars to fix on to his dress coat. In consequence of this Count + Ivan Michaelovitch had very high connections. + </p> + <p> + Count Ivan Michaelovitch listened to Nekhludoff as he was wont to listen + to the reports of the permanent secretary of his department, and, having + heard him, said he would give him two notes, one to the Senator Wolff, of + the Appeal Department. “All sorts of things are reported of him, but dans + tous les cas c’est un homme tres comme ii faut,” he said. “He is indebted + to me, and will do all that is possible.” The other note Count Ivan + Michaelovitch gave Nekhludoff was to an influential member of the Petition + Committee. The story of Theodosia Birukoff as told by Nekhludoff + interested him very much. When Nekhludoff said that he thought of writing + to the Empress, the Count replied that it certainly was a very touching + story, and might, if occasion presented itself, he told her, but he could + not promise. Let the petition be handed in in due form. + </p> + <p> + Should there be an opportunity, and if a petit comite were called on + Thursday, he thought he would tell her the story. As soon as Nekhludoff + had received these two notes, and a note to Mariette from his aunt, he at + once set off to these different places. + </p> + <p> + First he went to Mariette’s. He had known her as a half-grown girl, the + daughter of an aristocratic but not wealthy family, and had heard how she + had married a man who was making a career, whom Nekhludoff had heard badly + spoken of; and, as usual, he felt it hard to ask a favour of a man he did + not esteem. In these cases he always felt an inner dissension and + dissatisfaction, and wavered whether to ask the favour or not, and always + resolved to ask. Besides feeling himself in a false position among those + to whose set he no longer regarded himself as belonging, who yet regarded + him as belonging to them, he felt himself getting into the old accustomed + rut, and in spite of himself fell into the thoughtless and immoral tone + that reigned in that circle. He felt that from the first, with his aunt, + he involuntarily fell into a bantering tone while talking about serious + matters. + </p> + <p> + Petersburg in general affected him with its usual physically invigorating + and mentally dulling effect. + </p> + <p> + Everything so clean, so comfortably well-arranged and the people so + lenient in moral matters, that life seemed very easy. + </p> + <p> + A fine, clean, and polite isvostchik drove him past fine, clean, polite + policemen, along the fine, clean, watered streets, past fine, clean houses + to the house in which Mariette lived. At the front door stood a pair of + English horses, with English harness, and an English-looking coachman on + the box, with the lower part of his face shaved, proudly holding a whip. + The doorkeeper, dressed in a wonderfully clean livery, opened the door + into the hall, where in still cleaner livery with gold cords stood the + footman with his splendid whiskers well combed out, and the orderly on + duty in a brand-new uniform. “The general does not receive, and the + generaless does not receive either. She is just going to drive out.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff took out Katerina Ivanovna’s letter, and going up to a table on + which lay a visitors’ book, began to write that he was sorry not to have + been able to see any one; when the footman went up the staircase the + doorkeeper went out and shouted to the coachman, and the orderly stood up + rigid with his arms at his sides following with his eyes a little, slight + lady, who was coming down the stairs with rapid steps not in keeping with + all the grandeur. + </p> + <p> + Mariette had a large hat on, with feathers, a black dress and cape, and + new black gloves. Her face was covered by a veil. + </p> + <p> + When she saw Nekhludoff she lifted the veil off a very pretty face with + bright eyes that looked inquiringly at him. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Prince Dmitri Ivanovitch Nekhludoff,” she said, with a soft, pleasant + voice. “I should have known—” + </p> + <p> + “What! you even remember my name?” + </p> + <p> + “I should think so. Why, I and my sisters have even been in love with + you,” she said, in French. “But, dear me, how you have altered. Oh, what a + pity I have to go out. But let us go up again,” she said and stopped + hesitatingly. Then she looked at the clock. “No, I can’t. I am going to + Kamenskaya’s to attend a mass for the dead. She is terribly afflicted.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is this Kamenskaya?” + </p> + <p> + “Have you not heard? Her son was killed in a duel. He fought Posen. He was + the only son. Terrible I The mother is very much afflicted.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. I have heard of it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I had better go, and you must come again, to-night or to-morrow,” she + said, and went to the door with quick, light steps. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot come to-night,” he said, going out after her; “but I have a + request to make you,” and he looked at the pair of bays that were drawing + up to the front door. + </p> + <p> + “What is this?” + </p> + <p> + “This is a letter from aunt to you,” said Nekhludoff, handing her a narrow + envelope, with a large crest. “You’ll find all about it in there.” + </p> + <p> + “I know Countess Katerina Ivanovna thinks I have some influence with my + husband in business matters. She is mistaken. I can do nothing and do not + like to interfere. But, of course, for you I am willing to be false to my + principle. What is this business about?” she said, searching in vain for + her pocket with her little black gloved hand. + </p> + <p> + “There is a girl imprisoned in the fortress, and she is ill and innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “What is her name?” + </p> + <p> + “Lydia Shoustova. It’s in the note.” + </p> + <p> + “All right; I’ll see what I can do,” she said, and lightly jumped into her + little, softly upholstered, open carriage, its brightly-varnished + splash-guards glistening in the sunshine, and opened her parasol. The + footman got on the box and gave the coachman a sign. The carriage moved, + but at that moment she touched the coachman with her parasol and the + slim-legged beauties, the bay mares, stopped, bending their beautiful + necks and stepping from foot to foot. + </p> + <p> + “But you must come, only, please, without interested motives,” and she + looked at him with a smile, the force of which she well knew, and, as if + the performance over and she were drawing the curtain, she dropped the + veil over her face again. “All right,” and she again touched the coachman. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff raised his hat, and the well-bred bays, slightly snorting, set + off, their shoes clattering on the pavement, and the carriage rolled + quickly and smoothly on its new rubber tyres, giving a jump only now and + then over some unevenness of the road. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0075" id="link2HCH0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. AN UP-TO-DATE SENATOR. + </h2> + <p> + When Nekhludoff remembered the smiles that had passed between him and + Mariette, he shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “You have hardly time to turn round before you are again drawn into this + life,” he thought, feeling that discord and those doubts which the + necessity to curry favour from people he did not esteem caused. + </p> + <p> + After considering where to go first, so as not to have to retrace his + steps, Nekhludoff set off for the Senate. There he was shown into the + office where he found a great many very polite and very clean officials in + the midst of a magnificent apartment. Maslova’s petition was received and + handed on to that Wolf, to whom Nekhludoff had a letter from his uncle, to + be examined and reported on. + </p> + <p> + “There will be a meeting of the Senate this week,” the official said to + Nekhludoff, “but Maslova’s case will hardly come before that meeting.” + </p> + <p> + “It might come before the meeting on Wednesday, by special request,” one + of the officials remarked. + </p> + <p> + During the time Nekhludoff waited in the office, while some information + was being taken, he heard that the conversation in the Senate was all + about the duel, and he heard a detailed account of how a young man, + Kaminski, had been killed. It was here he first heard all the facts of the + case which was exciting the interest of all Petersburg. The story was + this: Some officers were eating oysters and, as usual, drinking very much, + when one of them said something ill-natured about the regiment to which + Kaminski belonged, and Kaminski called him a liar. The other hit Kaminski. + The next day they fought. Kaminski was wounded in the stomach and died two + hours later. The murderer and the seconds were arrested, but it was said + that though they were arrested and in the guardhouse they would be set + free in a fortnight. + </p> + <p> + From the Senate Nekhludoff drove to see an influential member of the + petition Committee, Baron Vorobioff, who lived in a splendid house + belonging to the Crown. The doorkeeper told Nekhludoff in a severe tone + that the Baron could not be seen except on his reception days; that he was + with His Majesty the Emperor to-day, and the next day he would again have + to deliver a report. Nekhludoff left his uncle’s letter with the + doorkeeper and went on to see the Senator Wolf. Wolf had just had his + lunch, and was as usual helping digestion by smoking a cigar and pacing up + and down the room, when Nekhludoff came in. Vladimir Vasilievitch Wolf was + certainly <i>un homme tres comme il faut</i>, and prized this quality very + highly, and from that elevation he looked down at everybody else. He could + not but esteem this quality of his very highly, because it was thanks to + it alone that he had made a brilliant career, the very career he desired, + i.e., by marriage he obtained a fortune which brought him in 18,000 + roubles a year, and by his own exertions the post of a senator. He + considered himself not only <i>un homme tres comme il faut</i>, but also a + man of knightly honour. By honour he understood not accepting secret + bribes from private persons. But he did not consider it dishonest to beg + money for payment of fares and all sorts of travelling expenses from the + Crown, and to do anything the Government might require of him in return. + To ruin hundreds of innocent people, to cause them to be imprisoned, to be + exiled because of their love for their people and the religion of their + fathers, as he had done in one of the governments of Poland when he was + governor there. He did not consider it dishonourable, but even thought it + a noble, manly and patriotic action. Nor did he consider it dishonest to + rob his wife and sister-in-law, as he had done, but thought it a wise way + of arranging his family life. His family consisted of his commonplace + wife, his sister-in-law, whose fortune he had appropriated by selling her + estate and putting the money to his account, and his meek, frightened, + plain daughter, who lived a lonely, weary life, from which she had lately + begun to look for relaxation in evangelicism, attending meetings at + Aline’s, and the Countess Katerina Ivanovna. Wolf’s son, who had grown a + beard at the age of 15, and had at that age begun to drink and lead a + depraved life, which he continued to do till the age of 20, when he was + turned out by his father because he never finished his studies, moved in a + low set and made debts which committed the father. The father had once + paid a debt of 250 roubles for his son, then another of 600 roubles, but + warned the son that he did it for the last time, and that if the son did + not reform he would be turned out of the house and all further intercourse + between him and his family would he put a stop to. The son did not reform, + but made a debt of a thousand roubles, and took the liberty of telling his + father that life at home was a torment anyhow. Then Wolf declared to his + son that he might go where he pleased—that he was no son of his any + longer. Since then Wolf pretended he had no son, and no one at home dared + speak to him about his son, and Vladimir Vasilievitch Wolf was firmly + convinced that he had arranged his family life in the best way. Wolf + stopped pacing up and down his study, and greeted Nekhludoff with a + friendly though slightly ironical smile. This was his way of showing how + comme il faut he was, and how superior to the majority of men. He read the + note which Nekhludoff handed to him. + </p> + <p> + “Please take a seat, and excuse me if I continue to walk up and down, with + your permission,” he said, putting his hands into his coat pockets, and + began again to walk with light, soft steps across his large, quietly and + stylishly furnished study. “Very pleased to make your acquaintance and of + course very glad to do anything that Count Ivan Michaelovitch wishes,” he + said, blowing the fragrant blue smoke out of his mouth and removing his + cigar carefully so as not to drop the ash. + </p> + <p> + “I should only like to ask that the case might come on soon, so that if + the prisoner has to go to Siberia she might set off early,” said + Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, with one of the first steamers from Nijni. I know,” said Wolf, + with his patronising smile, always knowing in advance whatever one wanted + to tell him. + </p> + <p> + “What is the prisoner’s name?” + </p> + <p> + “Maslova.” + </p> + <p> + Wolf went up to the table and looked at a paper that lay on a piece of + cardboard among other business papers. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes. Maslova. All right, I will ask the others. We shall hear the + case on Wednesday.” + </p> + <p> + “Then may I telegraph to the advocate?” + </p> + <p> + “The advocate! What’s that for? But if you like, why not?” + </p> + <p> + “The causes for appeal may be insufficient,” said Nekhludoff, “but I think + the case will show that the sentence was passed owing to a + misunderstanding.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes; it may be so, but the Senate cannot decide the case on its + merits,” said Wolf, looking seriously at the ash of his cigar. “The Senate + only considers the exactness of the application of the laws and their + right interpretation.” + </p> + <p> + “But this seems to me to be an exceptional case.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know! All cases are exceptional. We shall do our duty. That’s + all.” The ash was still holding on, but had began breaking, and was in + danger of falling. + </p> + <p> + “Do you often come to Petersburg?” said Wolf, holding his cigar so that + the ash should not fall. But the ash began to shake, and Wolf carefully + carried it to the ashpan, into which it fell. + </p> + <p> + “What a terrible thing this is with regard to Kaminski,” he said. “A + splendid young man. The only son. Especially the mother’s position,” he + went on, repeating almost word for word what every one in Petersburg was + at that time saying about Kaminski. Wolf spoke a little about the Countess + Katerina Ivanovna and her enthusiasm for the new religious teaching, which + he neither approved nor disapproved of, but which was evidently needless + to him who was so comme il faut, and then rang the bell. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff bowed. + </p> + <p> + “If it is convenient, come and dine on Wednesday, and I will give you a + decisive answer,” said Wolf, extending his hand. + </p> + <p> + It was late, and Nekhludoff returned to his aunt’s. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0076" id="link2HCH0076"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. COUNTESS KATERINA IVANOVNA’S DINNER PARTY. + </h2> + <p> + Countess Katerina Ivanovna’s dinner hour was half-past seven, and the + dinner was served in a new manner that Nekhludoff had not yet seen + anywhere. After they had placed the dishes on the table the waiters left + the room and the diners helped themselves. The men would not let the + ladies take the trouble of moving, and, as befitted the stronger sex, they + manfully took on themselves the burden of putting the food on the ladies’ + plates and of filling their glasses. When one course was finished, the + Countess pressed the button of an electric bell fitted to the table and + the waiters stepped in noiselessly and quickly carried away the dishes, + changed the plates, and brought in the next course. The dinner was very + refined, the wines very costly. A French chef was working in the large, + light kitchens, with two white-clad assistants. There were six persons at + dinner, the Count and Countess, their son (a surly officer in the Guards + who sat with his elbows on the table), Nekhludoff, a French lady reader, + and the Count’s chief steward, who had come up from the country. Here, + too, the conversation was about the duel, and opinions were given as to + how the Emperor regarded the case. It was known that the Emperor was very + much grieved for the mother’s sake, and all were grieved for her, and as + it was also known that the Emperor did not mean to be very severe to the + murderer, who defended the honour of his uniform, all were also lenient to + the officer who had defended the honour of his uniform. Only the Countess + Katerina Ivanovna, with her free thoughtlessness, expressed her + disapproval. + </p> + <p> + “They get drunk, and kill unobjectionable young men. I should not forgive + them on any account,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Now, that’s a thing I cannot understand,” said the Count. + </p> + <p> + “I know that you never can understand what I say,” the Countess began, and + turning to Nekhludoff, she added: + </p> + <p> + “Everybody understands except my husband. I say I am sorry for the mother, + and I do not wish him to be contented, having killed a man.” Then her son, + who had been silent up to then, took the murderer’s part, and rudely + attacked his mother, arguing that an officer could not behave in any other + way, because his fellow-officers would condemn him and turn him out of the + regiment. Nekhludoff listened to the conversation without joining in. + Having been an officer himself, he understood, though he did not agree + with, young Tcharsky’s arguments, and at the same time he could not help + contrasting the fate of the officer with that of a beautiful young convict + whom he had seen in the prison, and who was condemned to the mines for + having killed another in a fight. Both had turned murderers through + drunkenness. The peasant had killed a man in a moment of irritation, and + he was parted from his wife and family, had chains on his legs, and his + head shaved, and was going to hard labour in Siberia, while the officer + was sitting in a fine room in the guardhouse, eating a good dinner, + drinking good wine, and reading books, and would be set free in a day or + two to live as he had done before, having only become more interesting by + the affair. Nekhludoff said what he had been thinking, and at first his + aunt, Katerina Ivanovna, seemed to agree with him, but at last she became + silent as the rest had done, and Nekhludoff felt that he had committed + something akin to an impropriety. In the evening, soon after dinner, the + large hall, with high-backed carved chairs arranged in rows as for a + meeting, and an armchair next to a little table, with a bottle of water + for the speaker, began to fill with people come to hear the foreigner, + Kiesewetter, preach. Elegant equipages stopped at the front entrance. In + the hall sat richly-dressed ladies in silks and velvets and lace, with + false hair and false busts and drawn-in waists, and among them men in + uniform and evening dress, and about five persons of the common class, + i.e., two men-servants, a shop-keeper, a footman, and a coachman. + Kiesewetter, a thick-set, grisly man, spoke English, and a thin young + girl, with a pince-nez, translated it into Russian promptly and well. He + was saying that our sins were so great, the punishment for them so great + and so unavoidable, that it was impossible to live anticipating such + punishment. “Beloved brothers and sisters, let us for a moment consider + what we are doing, how we are living, how we have offended against the + all-loving Lord, and how we make Christ suffer, and we cannot but + understand that there is no forgiveness possible for us, no escape + possible, that we are all doomed to perish. A terrible fate awaits us—-everlasting + torment,” he said, with tears in his trembling voice. “Oh, how can we be + saved, brothers? How can we be saved from this terrible, unquenchable + fire? The house is in flames; there is no escape.” + </p> + <p> + He was silent for a while, and real tears flowed down his cheeks. It was + for about eight years that each time when he got to this part of his + speech, which he himself liked so well, he felt a choking in his throat + and an irritation in his nose, and the tears came in his eyes, and these + tears touched him still more. Sobs were heard in the room. The Countess + Katerina Ivanovna sat with her elbows on an inlaid table, leaning her head + on her hands, and her shoulders were shaking. The coachman looked with + fear and surprise at the foreigner, feeling as if he was about to run him + down with the pole of his carriage and the foreigner would not move out of + his way. All sat in positions similar to that Katerina Ivanovna had + assumed. Wolf’s daughter, a thin, fashionably-dressed girl, very like her + father, knelt with her face in her hands. + </p> + <p> + The orator suddenly uncovered his face, and smiled a very real-looking + smile, such as actors express joy with, and began again with a sweet, + gentle voice: + </p> + <p> + “Yet there is a way to be saved. Here it is—a joyful, easy way. The + salvation is the blood shed for us by the only son of God, who gave + himself up to torments for our sake. His sufferings, His blood, will save + us. Brothers and sisters,” he said, again with tears in his voice, “let us + praise the Lord, who has given His only begotten son for the redemption of + mankind. His holy blood . . .” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff felt so deeply disgusted that he rose silently, and frowning + and keeping back a groan of shame, he left on tiptoe, and went to his + room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0077" id="link2HCH0077"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. OFFICIALDOM. + </h2> + <p> + Hardly had Nekhludoff finished dressing the next morning, just as he was + about to go down, the footman brought him a card from the Moscow advocate. + The advocate had come to St. Petersburg on business of his own, and was + going to be present when Maslova’s case was examined in the Senate, if + that would be soon. The telegram sent by Nekhludoff crossed him on the + way. Having found out from Nekhludoff when the case was going to be heard, + and which senators were to be present, he smiled. “Exactly, all the three + types of senators,” he said. “Wolf is a Petersburg official; + Skovorodnikoff is a theoretical, and Bay a practical lawyer, and therefore + the most alive of them all,” said the advocate. “There is most hope of + him. Well, and how about the Petition Committee?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I’m going to Baron Vorobioff to-day. I could not get an audience with + him yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know why he is <i>Baron</i> Vorobioff?” said the advocate, + noticing the slightly ironical stress that Nekhludoff put on this foreign + title, followed by so very Russian a surname. + </p> + <p> + “That was because the Emperor Paul rewarded the grandfather—I think + he was one of the Court footmen—by giving him this title. He managed + to please him in some way, so he made him a baron. ‘It’s my wish, so don’t + gainsay me!’ And so there’s a <i>Baron</i> Vorobioff, and very proud of + the title. He is a dreadful old humbug.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’m going to see him,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “That’s good; we can go together. I shall give you a lift.” + </p> + <p> + As they were going to start, a footman met Nekhludoff in the ante-room, + and handed him a note from Mariette: + </p> + <p> + <i>Pour vous faire plaisir, f’ai agi tout a fait contre mes principes et + j’ai intercede aupres de mon mari pour votre protegee. Il se trouve que + cette personne pout etre relaxee immediatement. Mon mari a ecrit au + commandant. Venez donc disinterestedly. Je vous attends.</i> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>M.</i> +</pre> + <p> + “Just fancy!” said Nekhludoff to the advocate. “Is this not dreadful? A + woman whom they are keeping in solitary confinement for seven months turns + out to be quite innocent, and only a word was needed to get her released.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s always so. Well, anyhow, you have succeeded in getting what you + wanted.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but this success grieves me. Just think what must be going on there. + Why have they been keeping her?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it’s best not to look too deeply into it. Well, then, I shall give + you a lift, if I may,” said the advocate, as they left the house, and a + fine carriage that the advocate had hired drove up to the door. “It’s + Baron Vorobioff you are going to see?” + </p> + <p> + The advocate gave the driver his directions, and the two good horses + quickly brought Nekhludoff to the house in which the Baron lived. The + Baron was at home. A young official in uniform, with a long, thin neck, a + much protruding Adam’s apple, and an extremely light walk, and two ladies + were in the first room. + </p> + <p> + “Your name, please?” the young man with the Adam’s apple asked, stepping + with extreme lightness and grace across from the ladies to Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff gave his name. + </p> + <p> + “The Baron was just mentioning you,” said the young man, the Baron’s + adjutant, and went out through an inner door. He returned, leading a + weeping lady dressed in mourning. With her bony fingers the lady was + trying to pull her tangled veil over her face in order to hide her tears. + </p> + <p> + “Come in, please,” said the young man to Nekhludoff, lightly stepping up + to the door of the study and holding it open. When Nekhludoff came in, he + saw before him a thick-set man of medium height, with short hair, in a + frock coat, who was sitting in an armchair opposite a large writing-table, + and looking gaily in front of himself. The kindly, rosy red face, striking + by its contrast with the white hair, moustaches, and beard, turned towards + Nekhludoff with a friendly smile. + </p> + <p> + “Very glad to see you. Your mother and I were old acquaintances and + friends. I have seen you as a boy, and later on as an officer. Sit down + and tell me what I can do for you. Yes, yes,” he said, shaking his cropped + white head, while Nekhludoff was telling him Theodosia’s story. “Go on, go + on. I quite understand. It is certainly very touching. And have you handed + in the petition?” + </p> + <p> + “I have got the petition ready,” Nekhludoff said, getting it out of his + pocket; “but I thought of speaking to you first in hopes that the case + would then get special attention paid to it.” + </p> + <p> + “You have done very well. I shall certainly report it myself,” said the + Baron, unsuccessfully trying to put an expression of pity on his merry + face. “Very touching! It is clear she was but a child; the husband treated + her roughly, this repelled her, but as time went on they fell in love with + each other. Yes I will report the case.” + </p> + <p> + “Count Ivan Michaelovitch was also going to speak about it.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff had hardly got these words out when the Baron’s face changed. + </p> + <p> + “You had better hand in the petition into the office, after all, and I + shall do what I can,” he said. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the young official again entered the room, evidently + showing off his elegant manner of walking. + </p> + <p> + “That lady is asking if she may say a few words more.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, ask her in. Ah, mon cher, how many tears we have to see shed! If + only we could dry them all. One does all that lies within one’s power.” + </p> + <p> + The lady entered. + </p> + <p> + “I forgot to ask you that he should not be allowed to give up the + daughter, because he is ready . . .” + </p> + <p> + “But I have already told you that I should do all I can.” + </p> + <p> + “Baron, for the love of God! You will save the mother?” + </p> + <p> + She seized his hand, and began kissing it. + </p> + <p> + “Everything shall be done.” + </p> + <p> + When the lady went out Nekhludoff also began to take leave. + </p> + <p> + “We shall do what we can. I shall speak about it at the Ministry of + Justice, and when we get their answer we shall do what we can.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff left the study, and went into the office again. Just as in the + Senate office, he saw, in a splendid apartment, a number of very elegant + officials, clean, polite, severely correct and distinguished in dress and + in speech. + </p> + <p> + “How many there are of them; how very many and how well fed they all look! + And what clean shirts and hands they all have, and how well all their + boots are polished! Who does it for them? How comfortable they all are, as + compared not only with the prisoners, but even with the peasants!” These + thoughts again involuntarily came to Nekhludoff’s mind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0078" id="link2HCH0078"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. AN OLD GENERAL OF REPUTE. + </h2> + <p> + The man on whom depended the easing of the fate of the Petersburg + prisoners was an old General of repute—a baron of German descent, + who, as it was said of him, had outlived his wits. He had received a + profusion of orders, but only wore one of them, the Order of the White + Cross. He had received this order, which he greatly valued, while serving + in the Caucasus, because a number of Russian peasants, with their hair + cropped, and dressed in uniform and armed with guns and bayonets, had + killed at his command more than a thousand men who were defending their + liberty, their homes, and their families. Later on he served in Poland, + and there also made Russian peasants commit many different crimes, and got + more orders and decorations for his uniform. Then he served somewhere + else, and now that he was a weak, old man he had this position, which + insured him a good house, an income and respect. He strictly observed all + the regulations which were prescribed “from above,” and was very zealous + in the fulfilment of these regulations, to which he ascribed a special + importance, considering that everything else in the world might be changed + except the regulations prescribed “from above.” His duty was to keep + political prisoners, men and women, in solitary confinement in such a way + that half of them perished in 10 years’ time, some going out of their + minds, some dying of consumption, some committing suicide by starving + themselves to death, cutting their veins with bits of glass, hanging, or + burning themselves to death. + </p> + <p> + The old General was not ignorant of this; it all happened within his + knowledge; but these cases no more touched his conscience than accidents + brought on by thunderstorms, floods, etc. These cases occurred as a + consequence of the fulfilment of regulations prescribed “from above” by + His Imperial Majesty. These regulations had to be carried out without + fail, and therefore it was absolutely useless to think of the consequences + of their fulfilment. The old General did not even allow himself to think + of such things, counting it his patriotic duty as a soldier not to think + of them for fear of getting weak in the carrying out of these, according + to his opinion, very important obligations. Once a week the old General + made the round of the cells, one of the duties of his position, and asked + the prisoners if they had any requests to make. The prisoners had all + sorts of requests. He listened to them quietly, in impenetrable silence, + and never fulfilled any of their requests, because they were all in + disaccord with the regulations. Just as Nekhludoff drove up to the old + General’s house, the high notes of the bells on the belfry clock chimed + “Great is the Lord,” and then struck two. The sound of these chimes + brought back to Nekhludoff’s mind what he had read in the notes of the + Decembrists [the Decembrists were a group who attempted, but failed, to + put an end to absolutism in Russia at the time of the accession of + Nicholas the First] about the way this sweet music repeated every hour + re-echoes in the hearts of those imprisoned for life. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the old General was sitting in his darkened drawing-room at an + inlaid table, turning a saucer on a piece of paper with the aid of a young + artist, the brother of one of his subordinates. The thin, weak, moist + fingers of the artist were pressed against the wrinkled and stiff-jointed + fingers of the old General, and the hands joined in this manner were + moving together with the saucer over a paper that had all the letters of + the alphabet written on it. The saucer was answering the questions put by + the General as to how souls will recognise each other after death. + </p> + <p> + When Nekhludoff sent in his card by an orderly acting as footman, the soul + of Joan of Arc was speaking by the aid of the saucer. The soul of Joan of + Arc had already spelt letter by letter the words: “They well knew each + other,” and these words had been written down. When the orderly came in + the saucer had stopped first on b, then on y, and began jerking hither and + thither. This jerking was caused by the General’s opinion that the next + letter should be b, i.e., Joan of Arc ought to say that the souls will + know each other by being cleansed of all that is earthly, or something of + the kind, clashing with the opinion of the artist, who thought the next + letter should be l, i.e., that the souls should know each other by light + emanating from their astral bodies. The General, with his bushy grey + eyebrows gravely contracted, sat gazing at the hands on the saucer, and, + imagining that it was moving of its own accord, kept pulling the saucer + towards b. The pale-faced young artist, with his thin hair combed back + behind his cars, was looking with his lifeless blue eyes into a dark + corner of the drawing-room, nervously moving his lips and pulling the + saucer towards l. + </p> + <p> + The General made a wry face at the interruption, but after a moment’s + pause he took the card, put on his pince-nez, and, uttering a groan, rose, + in spite of the pain in his back, to his full height, rubbing his numb + fingers. + </p> + <p> + “Ask him into the study.” + </p> + <p> + “With your excellency’s permission I will finish it alone,” said the + artist, rising. “I feel the presence.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, finish alone,” the General said, severely and decidedly, and + stepped quickly, with big, firm and measured strides, into his study. + </p> + <p> + “Very pleased to see you,” said the General to Nekhludoff, uttering the + friendly words in a gruff tone, and pointing to an armchair by the side of + the writing-table. “Have you been in Petersburg long?” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff replied that he had only lately arrived. + </p> + <p> + “Is the Princess, your mother, well?” + </p> + <p> + “My mother is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me; I am very sorry. My son told me he had met you.” + </p> + <p> + The General’s son was making the same kind of career for himself that the + father had done, and, having passed the Military Academy, was now serving + in the Inquiry Office, and was very proud of his duties there. His + occupation was the management of Government spies. + </p> + <p> + “Why, I served with your father. We were friends—comrades. And you; + are you also in the Service?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am not.” + </p> + <p> + The General bent his head disapprovingly. + </p> + <p> + “I have a request to make, General.” + </p> + <p> + “Very pleased. In what way can I be of service to you?” + </p> + <p> + “If my request is out of place pray pardon me. But I am obliged to make + it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “There is a certain Gourkevitch imprisoned in the fortress; his mother + asks for an interview with him, or at least to be allowed to send him some + books.” + </p> + <p> + The General expressed neither satisfaction nor dissatisfaction at + Nekhludoff’s request, but bending his head on one side he closed his eyes + as if considering. In reality he was not considering anything, and was not + even interested in Nekhludoff’s questions, well knowing that he would + answer them according to the law. He was simply resting mentally and not + thinking at all. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” he said at last, “this does not depend on me. There is a + regulation, confirmed by His Majesty, concerning interviews; and as to + books, we have a library, and they may have what is permitted.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but he wants scientific books; he wishes to study.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you believe it,” growled the General. “It’s not study he wants; it + is just only restlessness.” + </p> + <p> + “But what is to be done? They must occupy their time somehow in their hard + condition,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “They are always complaining,” said the General. “We know them.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke of them in a general way, as if they were all a specially bad + race of men. “They have conveniences here which can be found in few places + of confinement,” said the General, and he began to enumerate the comforts + the prisoners enjoyed, as if the aim of the institution was to give the + people imprisoned there a comfortable home. + </p> + <p> + “It is true it used to be rather rough, but now they are very well kept + here,” he continued. “They have three courses for dinner—and one of + them meat—cutlets, or rissoles; and on Sundays they get a fourth—a + sweet dish. God grant every Russian may eat as well as they do.” + </p> + <p> + Like all old people, the General, having once got on to a familiar topic, + enumerated the various proofs he had often given before of the prisoners + being exacting and ungrateful. + </p> + <p> + “They get books on spiritual subjects and old journals. We have a library. + Only they rarely read. At first they seem interested, later on the new + books remain uncut, and the old ones with their leaves unturned. We tried + them,” said the old General, with the dim likeness of a smile. “We put + bits of paper in on purpose, which remained just as they had been placed. + Writing is also not forbidden,” he continued. “A slate is provided, and a + slate pencil, so that they can write as a pastime. They can wipe the slate + and write again. But they don’t write, either. Oh, they very soon get + quite tranquil. At first they seem restless, but later on they even grow + fat and become very quiet.” Thus spoke the General, never suspecting the + terrible meaning of his words. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff listened to the hoarse old voice, looked at the stiff limbs, + the swollen eyelids under the grey brows, at the old, clean-shaved, flabby + jaw, supported by the collar of the military uniform, at the white cross + that this man was so proud of, chiefly because he had gained it by + exceptionally cruel and extensive slaughter, and knew that it was useless + to reply to the old man or to explain the meaning of his own words to him. + </p> + <p> + He made another effort, and asked about the prisoner Shoustova, for whose + release, as he had been informed that morning, orders were given. + </p> + <p> + “Shoustova—Shoustova? I cannot remember all their names, there are + so many of them,” he said, as if reproaching them because there were so + many. He rang, and ordered the secretary to be called. While waiting for + the latter, he began persuading Nekhludoff to serve, saying that “honest + noblemen,” counting himself among the number, “were particularly needed by + the Tsar and—the country,” he added, evidently only to round off his + sentence. “I am old, yet I am serving still, as well as my strength + allows.” + </p> + <p> + The secretary, a dry, emaciated man, with restless, intelligent eyes, came + in and reported that Shoustova was imprisoned in some queer, fortified + place, and that he had received no orders concerning her. + </p> + <p> + “When we get the order we shall let her out the same day. We do not keep + them; we do not value their visits much,” said the General, with another + attempt at a playful smile, which only distorted his old face. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff rose, trying to keep from expressing the mixed feelings of + repugnance and pity which he felt towards this terrible old man. The old + man on his part considered that he should not be too severe on the + thoughtless and evidently misguided son of his old comrade, and should not + leave him without advice. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye, my dear fellow; do not take it amiss. It is my affection that + makes me say it. Do not keep company with such people as we have at our + place here. There are no innocent ones among them. All these people are + most immoral. We know them,” he said, in a tone that admitted no + possibility of doubt. And he did not doubt, not because the thing was so, + but because if it was not so, he would have to admit himself to be not a + noble hero living out the last days of a good life, but a scoundrel, who + sold, and still continued in his old age to sell, his conscience. + </p> + <p> + “Best of all, go and serve,” he continued; “the Tsar needs honest men—and + the country,” he added. “Well, supposing I and the others refused to + serve, as you are doing? Who would be left? Here we are, finding fault + with the order of things, and yet not wishing to help the Government.” + </p> + <p> + With a deep sigh Nekhludoff made a low bow, shook the large, bony hand + condescendingly stretched out to him and left the room. + </p> + <p> + The General shook his head reprovingly, and rubbing his back, he again + went into the drawing-room where the artist was waiting for him. He had + already written down the answer given by the soul of Joan of Arc. The + General put on his pince-nez and read, “Will know one another by light + emanating from their astral bodies.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said the General, with approval, and closed his eyes. “But how is + one to know if the light of all is alike?” he asked, and again crossed + fingers with the artist on the saucer. + </p> + <p> + The isvostchik drove Nekhludoff out of the gate. + </p> + <p> + It is dull here, sir, he said, turning to Nekhludoff. “I almost wished to + drive off without waiting for you.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff agreed. “Yes, it is dull,” and he took a deep breath, and + looked up with a sense of relief at the grey clouds that were floating in + the sky, and at the glistening ripples made by the boats and steamers on + the Neva. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0079" id="link2HCH0079"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. MASLOVA’S APPEAL. + </h2> + <p> + The next day Maslova’s case was to be examined at the Senate, and + Nekhludoff and the advocate met at the majestic portal of the building, + where several carriages were waiting. Ascending the magnificent and + imposing staircase to the first floor, the advocate, who knew all the ins + and outs of the place, turned to the left and entered through a door which + had the date of the introduction of the Code of Laws above it. + </p> + <p> + After taking off his overcoat in the first narrow room, he found out from + the attendant that the Senators had all arrived, and that the last had + just come in. Fanarin, in his swallow-tail coat, a white tie above the + white shirt-front, and a self-confident smile on his lips, passed into the + next room. In this room there were to the right a large cupboard and a + table, and to the left a winding staircase, which an elegant official in + uniform was descending with a portfolio under his arm. In this room an old + man with long, white hair and a patriarchal appearance attracted every + one’s attention. He wore a short coat and grey trousers. Two attendants + stood respectfully beside him. The old man with white hair entered the + cupboard and shut himself in. + </p> + <p> + Fanarin noticed a fellow-advocate dressed in the same way as himself, with + a white tie and dress coat, and at once entered into an animated + conversation with him. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was meanwhile examining the people in the room. The public + consisted of about 15 persons, of whom two were ladies—a young one + with a pince-nez, and an old, grey-haired one. + </p> + <p> + A case of libel was to be heard that day, and therefore the public were + more numerous than usual—chiefly persons belonging to the + journalistic world. + </p> + <p> + The usher, a red-cheeked, handsome man in a fine uniform, came up to + Fanarin and asked him what his business was. When he heard that it was the + case of Maslova, he noted something down and walked away. Then the + cupboard door opened and the old man with the patriarchal appearance + stepped out, no longer in a short coat but in a gold-trimmed attire, which + made him look like a bird, and with metal plates on his breast. This funny + costume seemed to make the old man himself feel uncomfortable, and, + walking faster than his wont, he hurried out of the door opposite the + entrance. + </p> + <p> + “That is Bay, a most estimable man,” Fanarin said to Nekhludoff, and then + having introduced him to his colleague, he explained the case that was + about to be heard, which he considered very interesting. + </p> + <p> + The hearing of the case soon commenced, and Nekhludoff, with the public, + entered the left side of the Senate Chamber. They all, including Fanarin, + took their places behind a grating. Only the Petersburg advocate went up + to a desk in front of the grating. + </p> + <p> + The Senate Chamber was not so big as the Criminal Court; and was more + simply furnished, only the table in front of the senators was covered with + crimson, gold-trimmed velvet, instead of green cloth; but the attributes + of all places of judgment, i.e., the mirror of justice, the icon, the + emblem of hypocrisy, and the Emperor’s portrait, the emblem of servility, + were there. + </p> + <p> + The usher announced, in the same solemn manner: “The Court is coming.” + Every one rose in the same way, and the senators entered in their uniforms + and sat down on highbacked chairs and leant on the table, trying to appear + natural, just in the same way as the judges in the Court of Law. There + were four senators present—Nikitin, who took the chair, a + clean-shaved man with a narrow face and steely eyes; Wolf, with + significantly compressed lips, and little white hands, with which he kept + turning over the pages of the business papers; Skovorodnikoff, a heavy, + fat, pockmarked man—the learned lawyer; and Bay, the + patriarchal-looking man who had arrived last. + </p> + <p> + With the advocates entered the chief secretary and public prosecutor, a + lean, clean-shaven young man of medium height, a very dark complexion, and + sad, black eyes. Nekhludoff knew him at once, in spite of his curious + uniform and the fact that he had not seen him for six years. He had been + one of his best friends in Nekhludoff’s student days. + </p> + <p> + “The public prosecutor Selenin?” Nekhludoff asked, turning to the + advocate. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Why?” + </p> + <p> + “I know him well. He is a fine fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “And a good public prosecutor; business-like. Now he is the man you should + have interested.” + </p> + <p> + “He will act according to his conscience in any case,” said Nekhludoff, + recalling the intimate relations and friendship between himself and + Selenin, and the attractive qualities of the latter—purity, honesty, + and good breeding in its best sense. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there is no time now,” whispered Fanarin, who was listening to the + report of the case that had commenced. + </p> + <p> + The Court of Justice was accused of having left a decision of the Court of + Law unaltered. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff listened and tried to make out the meaning of what was going + on; but, just as in the Criminal Court, his chief difficulty was that not + the evidently chief point, but some side issues, were being discussed. The + case was that of a newspaper which had published the account of a swindle + arranged by a director of a limited liability company. It seemed that the + only important question was whether the director of the company really + abused his trust, and how to stop him from doing it. But the questions + under consideration were whether the editor had a right to publish this + article of his contributor, and what he had been guilty of in publishing + it: slander or libel, and in what way slander included libel, or libel + included slander, and something rather incomprehensible to ordinary people + about all sorts of statutes and resolutions passed by some General + Department. + </p> + <p> + The only thing clear to Nekhludoff was that, in spite of what Wolf had so + strenuously insisted on, the day before, i.e., that the Senate could not + try a case on its merits, in this case he was evidently strongly in favour + of repealing the decision of the Court of Justice, and that Selenin, in + spite of his characteristic reticence, stated the opposite opinion with + quite unexpected warmth. The warmth, which surprised Nekhludoff, evinced + by the usually self-controlled Selenin, was due to his knowledge of the + director’s shabbiness in money matters, and the fact, which had + accidentally come to his cars, that Wolf had been to a swell dinner party + at the swindler’s house only a few days before. + </p> + <p> + Now that Wolf spoke on the case, guardedly enough, but with evident bias, + Selenin became excited, and expressed his opinion with too much nervous + irritation for an ordinary business transaction. + </p> + <p> + It was clear that Selenin’s speech had offended Wolf. He grew red, moved + in his chair, made silent gestures of surprise, and at last rose, with a + very dignified and injured look, together with the other senators, and + went out into the debating-room. + </p> + <p> + “What particular case have you come about?” the usher asked again, + addressing Fanarin. + </p> + <p> + “I have already told you: Maslova’s case.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, quite so. It is to be heard to-day, but—” + </p> + <p> + “But what?” the advocate asked. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you see, this case was to be examined without taking sides, so that + the senators will hardly come out again after passing the resolution. But + I will inform them.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll inform them; I’ll inform them.” And the usher again put something + down on his paper. + </p> + <p> + The Senators really meant to pronounce their decision concerning the libel + case, and then to finish the other business, Maslova’s case among it, over + their tea and cigarettes, without leaving the debating-room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0080" id="link2HCH0080"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. THE APPEAL DISMISSED. + </h2> + <p> + As soon as the Senators were seated round the table in the debating-room, + Wolf began to bring forward with great animation all the motives in favour + of a repeal. The chairman, an ill-natured man at best, was in a + particularly bad humour that day. His thoughts were concentrated on the + words he had written down in his memoranda on the occasion when not he but + Viglanoff was appointed to the important post he had long coveted. It was + the chairman, Nikitin’s, honest conviction that his opinions of the + officials of the two upper classes with which he was in connection would + furnish valuable material for the historians. He had written a chapter the + day before in which the officials of the upper classes got it hot for + preventing him, as he expressed it, from averting the ruin towards which + the present rulers of Russia were driving it, which simply meant that they + had prevented his getting a better salary. And now he was considering what + a new light to posterity this chapter would shed on events. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, certainly,” he said, in reply to the words addressed to him by Wolf, + without listening to them. + </p> + <p> + Bay was listening to Wolf with a sad face and drawing a garland on the + paper that lay before him. Bay was a Liberal of the very first water. He + held sacred the Liberal traditions of the sixth decade of this century, + and if he ever overstepped the limits of strict neutrality it was always + in the direction of Liberalism. So in this case; beside the fact that the + swindling director, who was prosecuting for libel, was a bad lot, the + prosecution of a journalist for libel in itself tending, as it did, to + restrict the freedom of the press, inclined Bay to reject the appeal. + </p> + <p> + When Wolf concluded his arguments Bay stopped drawing his garland and + began in a sad and gentle voice (he was sad because he was obliged to + demonstrate such truisms) concisely, simply and convincingly to show how + unfounded the accusation was, and then, bending his white head, he + continued drawing his garland. + </p> + <p> + Skovorodnikoff, who sat opposite Wolf, and, with his fat fingers, kept + shoving his beard and moustaches into his mouth, stopped chewing his beard + as soon as Bay was silent, and said with a loud, grating voice, that, + notwithstanding the fact of the director being a terrible scoundrel, he + would have been for the repeal of the sentence if there were any legal + reasons for it; but, as there were none, he was of Bay’s opinion. He was + glad to put this spoke in Wolf’s wheel. + </p> + <p> + The chairman agreed with Skovorodnikoff, and the appeal was rejected. + </p> + <p> + Wolf was dissatisfied, especially because it was like being caught acting + with dishonest partiality; so he pretended to be indifferent, and, + unfolding the document which contained Maslova’s case, he became engrossed + in it. Meanwhile the Senators rang and ordered tea, and began talking + about the event that, together with the duel, was occupying the + Petersburgers. + </p> + <p> + It was the case of the chief of a Government department, who was accused + of the crime provided for in Statute 995. + </p> + <p> + “What nastiness,” said Bay, with disgust. + </p> + <p> + “Why; where is the harm of it? I can show you a Russian book containing + the project of a German writer, who openly proposes that it should not be + considered a crime,” said Skovorodnikoff, drawing in greedily the fumes of + the crumpled cigarette, which he held between his fingers close to the + palm, and he laughed boisterously. + </p> + <p> + “Impossible!” said Bay. + </p> + <p> + “I shall show it you,” said Skovorodnikoff, giving the full title of the + book, and even its date and the name of its editor. + </p> + <p> + “I hear he has been appointed governor to some town in Siberia.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s fine. The archdeacon will meet him with a crucifix. They ought to + appoint an archdeacon of the same sort,” said Skovorodnikoff. “I could + recommend them one,” and he threw the end of his cigarette into his + saucer, and again shoved as much of his beard and moustaches as he could + into his mouth and began chewing them. + </p> + <p> + The usher came in and reported the advocate’s and Nekhludoff’s desire to + be present at the examination of Maslova’s case. + </p> + <p> + “This case,” Wolf said, “is quite romantic,” and he told them what he knew + about Nekhludoff’s relations with Maslova. When they had spoken a little + about it and finished their tea and cigarettes, the Senators returned into + the Senate Chamber and proclaimed their decision in the libel case, and + began to hear Maslova’s case. + </p> + <p> + Wolf, in his thin voice, reported Maslova’s appeal very fully, but again + not without some bias and an evident wish for the repeal of the sentence. + </p> + <p> + “Have you anything to add?” the chairman said, turning to Fanarin. Fanarin + rose, and standing with his broad white chest expanded, proved point by + point, with wonderful exactness and persuasiveness, how the Court had in + six points strayed from the exact meaning of the law; and besides this he + touched, though briefly, on the merits of the case, and on the crying + injustice of the sentence. The tone of his speech was one of apology to + the Senators, who, with their penetration and judicial wisdom, could not + help seeing and understanding it all better than he could. He was obliged + to speak only because the duty he had undertaken forced him to do so. + </p> + <p> + After Fanarin’s speech one might have thought that there could not remain + the least doubt that the Senate ought to repeal the decision of the Court. + When he had finished his speech, Fanarin looked round with a smile of + triumph, seeing which Nekhludoff felt certain that the case was won. But + when he looked at the Senators he saw that Fanarin smiled and triumphed + all alone. The Senators and the Public Prosecutor did not smile nor + triumph, but looked like people wearied, and who were thinking “We have + often heard the like of you; it is all in vain,” and were only too glad + when he stopped and ceased uselessly detaining them there. Immediately + after the end of the advocate’s speech the chairman turned to the Public + Prosecutor. Selenin briefly and clearly expressed himself in favour of + leaving the decision of the Court unaltered, as he considered all the + reasons for appealing inadequate. After this the Senators went out into + the debating-room. They were divided in their opinions. Wolf was in favour + of altering the decision. Bay, when he had understood the case, took up + the same side with fervour, vividly presenting the scene at the court to + his companions as he clearly saw it himself. Nikitin, who always was on + the side of severity and formality, took up the other side. All depended + on Skovorodnikoff’s vote, and he voted for rejecting the appeal, because + Nekhludoff’s determination to marry the woman on moral grounds was + extremely repugnant to him. + </p> + <p> + Skovorodnikoff was a materialist, a Darwinian, and counted every + manifestation of abstract morality, or, worse still, religion, not only as + a despicable folly, but as a personal affront to himself. All this bother + about a prostitute, and the presence of a celebrated advocate and + Nekhludoff in the Senate were in the highest degree repugnant to him. So + he shoved his beard into his mouth and made faces, and very skilfully + pretended to know nothing of this case, excepting that the reasons for an + appeal were insufficient, and that he, therefore, agreed with the chairman + to leave the decision of the Court unaltered. + </p> + <p> + So the sentence remained unrepealed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0081" id="link2HCH0081"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. AN OLD FRIEND. + </h2> + <p> + “Terrible,” said Nekhludoff, as he went out into the waiting-room with the + advocate, who was arranging the papers in his portfolio. “In a matter + which is perfectly clear they attach all the importance to the form and + reject the appeal. Terrible!” + </p> + <p> + “The case was spoiled in the Criminal Court,” said the advocate. + </p> + <p> + “And Selenin, too, was in favour of the rejection. Terrible! terrible!” + Nekhludoff repeated. “What is to be done now?” + </p> + <p> + “We will appeal to His Majesty, and you can hand in the petition yourself + while you are here. I will write it for you.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment little Wolf, with his stars and uniform, came out into the + waiting-room and approached Nekhludoff. “It could not be helped, dear + Prince. The reasons for an appeal were not sufficient,” he said, shrugging + his narrow shoulders and closing his eyes, and then he went his way. + </p> + <p> + After Wolf, Selenin came out too, having heard from the Senators that his + old friend Nekhludoff was there. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I never expected to see you here,” he said, coming up to + Nekhludoff, and smiling only with his lips while his eyes remained sad. “I + did not know you were in Petersburg.” + </p> + <p> + “And I did not know you were Public Prosecutor-in-Chief.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it you are in the Senate?” asked Selenin. “I had heard, by the + way, that you were in Petersburg. But what are you doing here?” + </p> + <p> + “Here? I am here because I hoped to find justice and save a woman + innocently condemned.” + </p> + <p> + “What woman?” + </p> + <p> + “The one whose case has just been decided.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Maslova’s case,” said Selenin, suddenly remembering it. “The appeal + had no grounds whatever.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not the appeal; it’s the woman who is innocent, and is being + punished.” + </p> + <p> + Selenin sighed. “That may well be, but——” + </p> + <p> + “Not <i>may be</i>, but is.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I was on the jury. I know how we made the mistake.” + </p> + <p> + Selenin became thoughtful. “You should have made a statement at the time,” + he said. + </p> + <p> + “I did make the statement.” + </p> + <p> + “It should have been put down in an official report. If this had been + added to the petition for the appeal—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but still, as it is, the verdict is evidently absurd.” + </p> + <p> + “The Senate has no right to say so. If the Senate took upon itself to + repeal the decision of the law courts according to its own views as to the + justice of the decisions in themselves, the verdict of the jury would lose + all its meaning, not to mention that the Senate would have no basis to go + upon, and would run the risk of infringing justice rather than upholding + it,” said Selenin, calling to mind the case that had just been heard. + </p> + <p> + “All I know is that this woman is quite innocent, and that the last hope + of saving her from an unmerited punishment is gone. The grossest injustice + has been confirmed by the highest court.” + </p> + <p> + “It has not been confirmed. The Senate did not and cannot enter into the + merits of the case in itself,” said Selenin. Always busy and rarely going + out into society, he had evidently heard nothing of Nekhludoff’s romance. + Nekhludoff noticed it, and made up his mind that it was best to say + nothing about his special relations with Maslova. + </p> + <p> + “You are probably staying with your aunt,” Selenin remarked, apparently + wishing to change the subject. “She told me you were here yesterday, and + she invited me to meet you in the evening, when some foreign preacher was + to lecture,” and Selenin again smiled only with his lips. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I was there, but left in disgust,” said Nekhludoff angrily, vexed + that Selenin had changed the subject. + </p> + <p> + “Why with disgust? After all, it is a manifestation of religious feeling, + though one-sided and sectarian,” said Selenin. + </p> + <p> + “Why, it’s only some kind of whimsical folly.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear, no. The curious thing is that we know the teaching of our + church so little that we see some new kind of revelation in what are, + after all, our own fundamental dogmas,” said Selenin, as if hurrying to + let his old friend know his new views. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff looked at Selenin scrutinisingly and with surprise, and Selenin + dropped his eyes, in which appeared an expression not only of sadness but + also of ill-will. + </p> + <p> + “Do you, then, believe in the dogmas of the church?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I do,” replied Selenin, gazing straight into Nekhludoff’s eyes + with a lifeless look. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff sighed. “It is strange,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “However, we shall have a talk some other time,” said Selenin. “I am + coming,” he added, in answer to the usher, who had respectfully approached + him. “Yes, we must meet again,” he went on with a sigh. “But will it be + possible for me to find you? You will always find me in at seven o’clock. + My address is Nadejdinskaya,” and he gave the number. “Ah, time does not + stand still,” and he turned to go, smiling only with his lips. + </p> + <p> + “I will come if I can,” said Nekhludoff, feeling that a man once near and + dear to him had, by this brief conversation, suddenly become strange, + distant, and incomprehensible, if not hostile to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0082" id="link2HCH0082"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. THE PUBLIC PROSECUTOR. + </h2> + <p> + When Nekhludoff knew Selenin as a student, he was a good son, a true + friend, and for his years an educated man of the world, with much tact; + elegant, handsome, and at the same time truthful and honest. He learned + well, without much exertion and with no pedantry, receiving gold medals + for his essays. He considered the service of mankind, not only in words + but in acts, to be the aim of his young life. He saw no other way of being + useful to humanity than by serving the State. Therefore, as soon as he had + completed his studies, he systematically examined all the activities to + which he might devote his life, and decided to enter the Second Department + of the Chancellerie, where the laws are drawn up, and he did so. But, in + spite of the most scrupulous and exact discharge of the duties demanded of + him, this service gave no satisfaction to his desire of being useful, nor + could he awake in himself the consciousness that he was doing “the right + thing.” + </p> + <p> + This dissatisfaction was so much increased by the friction with his very + small-minded and vain fellow officials that he left the Chancellerie and + entered the Senate. It was better there, but the same dissatisfaction + still pursued him; he felt it to be very different from what he had + expected, and from what ought to be. + </p> + <p> + And now that he was in the Senate his relatives obtained for him the post + of Gentleman of the Bedchamber, and he had to go in a carriage, dressed in + an embroidered uniform and a white linen apron, to thank all sorts of + people for having placed him in the position of a lackey. However much he + tried he could find no reasonable explanation for the existence of this + post, and felt, more than in the Senate, that it was not “the right + thing,” and yet he could not refuse it for fear of hurting those who felt + sure they were giving him much pleasure by this appointment, and because + it flattered the lowest part of his nature. It pleased him to see himself + in a mirror in his gold-embroidered uniform, and to accept the deference + paid him by some people because of his position. + </p> + <p> + Something of the same kind happened when he married. A very brilliant + match, from a worldly point of view, was arranged for him, and he married + chiefly because by refusing he would have had to hurt the young lady who + wished to be married to him, and those who arranged the marriage, and also + because a marriage with a nice young girl of noble birth flattered his + vanity and gave him pleasure. But this marriage very soon proved to be + even less “the right thing” than the Government service and his position + at Court. + </p> + <p> + After the birth of her first child the wife decided to have no more, and + began leading that luxurious worldly life in which he now had to + participate whether he liked or not. + </p> + <p> + She was not particularly handsome, and was faithful to him, and she + seemed, in spite of all the efforts it cost her, to derive nothing but + weariness from the life she led, yet she perseveringly continued to live + it, though it was poisoning her husband’s life. And all his efforts to + alter this life was shattered, as against a stone wall, by her conviction, + which all her friends and relatives supported, that all was as it should + be. + </p> + <p> + The child, a little girl with bare legs and long golden curls, was a being + perfectly foreign to him, chiefly because she was trained quite otherwise + than he wished her to be. There sprung up between the husband and wife the + usual misunderstanding, without even the wish to understand each other, + and then a silent warfare, hidden from outsiders and tempered by decorum. + All this made his life at home a burden, and became even less “the right + thing” than his service and his post. + </p> + <p> + But it was above all his attitude towards religion which was not “the + right thing.” Like every one of his set and his time, by the growth of his + reason he broke without the least effort the nets of the religious + superstitions in which he was brought up, and did not himself exactly know + when it was that he freed himself of them. Being earnest and upright, he + did not, during his youth and intimacy with Nekhludoff as a student, + conceal his rejection of the State religion. But as years went on and he + rose in the service, and especially at the time of the reaction towards + conservatism in society, his spiritual freedom stood in his way. + </p> + <p> + At home, when his father died, he had to be present at the masses said for + his soul, and his mother wished him to go to confession or to communion, + and it was in a way expected, by public opinion, but above all, Government + service demanded that he should be present at all sorts of services, + consecrations, thanksgivings, and the like. Hardly a day passed without + some outward religious form having to be observed. + </p> + <p> + When present at these services he had to pretend that he believed in + something which he did not believe in, and being truthful he could not do + this. The alternative was, having made up his mind that all these outward + signs were deceitful, to alter his life in such a way that he would not + have to be present at such ceremonials. But to do what seemed so simple + would have cost a great deal. Besides encountering the perpetual hostility + of all those who were near to him, he would have to give up the service + and his position, and sacrifice his hopes of being useful to humanity by + his service, now and in the future. To make such a sacrifice one would + have to be firmly convinced of being right. + </p> + <p> + And he was firmly convinced he was right, as no educated man of our time + can help being convinced who knows a little history and how the religions, + and especially Church Christianity, originated. + </p> + <p> + But under the stress of his daily life he, a truthful man, allowed a + little falsehood to creep in. He said that in order to do justice to an + unreasonable thing one had to study the unreasonable thing. It was a + little falsehood, but it sunk him into the big falsehood in which he was + now caught. + </p> + <p> + Before putting to himself the question whether the orthodoxy in which he + was born and bred, and which every one expected him to accept, and without + which he could not continue his useful occupation, contained the truth, he + had already decided the answer. And to clear up the question he did not + read Voltaire, Schopenhauer, Herbert Spencer, or Comte, but the + philosophical works of Hegel and the religious works of Vinet and + Khomyakoff, and naturally found in them what he wanted, i.e., something + like peace of mind and a vindication of that religious teaching in which + he was educated, which his reason had long ceased to accept, but without + which his whole life was filled with unpleasantness which could all be + removed by accepting the teaching. + </p> + <p> + And so he adopted all the usual sophistries which go to prove that a + single human reason cannot know the truth, that the truth is only revealed + to an association of men, and can only be known by revelation, that + revelation is kept by the church, etc. And so he managed to be present at + prayers, masses for the dead, to confess, make signs of the cross in front + of icons, with a quiet mind, without being conscious of the lie, and to + continue in the service which gave him the feeling of being useful and + some comfort in his joyless family life. Although he believed this, he + felt with his entire being that this religion of his, more than all else, + was not “the right thing,” and that is why his eyes always looked sad. + </p> + <p> + And seeing Nekhludoff, whom he had known before all these lies had rooted + themselves within him, reminded him of what he then was. It was especially + after he had hurried to hint at his religious views that he had most + strongly felt all this “not the right thing,” and had become painfully + sad. Nekhludoff felt it also after the first joy of meeting his old friend + had passed, and therefore, though they promised each other to meet, they + did not take any steps towards an interview, and did not again see each + other during this stay of Nekhludoff’s in Petersburg. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0083" id="link2HCH0083"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. MARIETTE TEMPTS NEKHLUDOFF. + </h2> + <p> + When they left the Senate, Nekhludoff and the advocate walked on together, + the advocate having given the driver of his carriage orders to follow + them. The advocate told Nekhludoff the story of the chief of a Government + department, about whom the Senators had been talking: how the thing was + found out, and how the man, who according to law should have been sent to + the mines, had been appointed Governor of a town in Siberia. Then he + related with particular pleasure how several high-placed persons stole a + lot of money collected for the erection of the still unfinished monument + which they had passed that morning; also, how the mistress of So-and-so + got a lot of money at the Stock Exchange, and how So-and-so agreed with + So-and-so to sell him his wife. The advocate began another story about a + swindle, and all sorts of crimes committed by persons in high places, who, + instead of being in prison, sat on presidential chairs in all sorts of + Government institutions. These tales, of which the advocate seemed to have + an unending supply, gave him much pleasure, showing as they did, with + perfect clearness, that his means of getting money were quite just and + innocent compared to the means which the highest officials in Petersburg + made use of. The advocate was therefore surprised when Nekhludoff took an + isvostchik before hearing the end of the story, said good-bye, and left + him. Nekhludoff felt very sad. It was chiefly the rejection of the appeal + by the Senate, confirming the senseless torments that the innocent Maslova + was enduring, that saddened him, and also the fact that this rejection + made it still harder for him to unite his fate with hers. The stories + about existing evils, which the advocate recounted with such relish, + heightened his sadness, and so did the cold, unkind look that the once + sweet-natured, frank, noble Selenin had given him, and which kept + recurring to his mind. + </p> + <p> + On his return the doorkeeper handed him a note, and said, rather + scornfully, that some kind of woman had written it in the hall. It was a + note from Shoustova’s mother. She wrote that she had come to thank her + daughter’s benefactor and saviour, and to implore him to come to see them + on the Vasilievsky, 5th Line, house No. —. This was very necessary + because of Vera Doukhova. He need not be afraid that they would weary him + with expressions of gratitude. They would not speak their gratitude, but + be simply glad to see him. Would he not come next morning, if he could? + </p> + <p> + There was another note from Bogotyreff, a former fellow-officer, + aide-de-camp to the Emperor, whom Nekhludoff had asked to hand personally + to the Emperor his petition on behalf of the sectarians. Bogotyreff wrote, + in his large, firm hand, that he would put the petition into the Emperor’s + own hands, as he had promised; but that it had occurred to him that it + might be better for Nekhludoff first to go and see the person on whom the + matter depended. + </p> + <p> + After the impressions received during the last few days, Nekhludoff felt + perfectly hopeless of getting anything done. The plans he had formed in + Moscow seemed now something like the dreams of youth, which are inevitably + followed by disillusion when life comes to be faced. Still, being now in + Petersburg, he considered it his duty to do all he had intended, and he + resolved next day, after consulting Bogotyreff, to act on his advice and + see the person on whom the case of the sectarians depended. + </p> + <p> + He got out the sectarians’ petition from his portfolio, and began reading + it over, when there was a knock at his door, and a footman came in with a + message from the Countess Katerina Ivanovna, who asked him to come up and + have a cup of tea with her. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff said he would come at once, and having put the papers back into + the portfolio, he went up to his aunt’s. He looked out of a window on his + way, and saw Mariette’s pair of bays standing in front of the house, and + he suddenly brightened and felt inclined to smile. + </p> + <p> + Mariette, with a hat on her head, not in black but with a light dress of + many shades, sat with a cup in her hand beside the Countess’s easy chair, + prattling about something while her beautiful, laughing eyes glistened. + She had said something funny—something indecently funny—just + as Nekhludoff entered the room. He knew it by the way she laughed, and by + the way the good-natured Countess Katerina Ivanovna’s fat body was shaking + with laughter; while Mariette, her smiling mouth slightly drawn to one + side, her head a little bent, a peculiarly mischievous expression in her + merry, energetic face, sat silently looking at her companion. From a few + words which he overheard, Nekhludoff guessed that they were talking of the + second piece of Petersburg news, the episode of the Siberian Governor, and + that it was in reference to this subject that Mariette had said something + so funny that the Countess could not control herself for a long time. + </p> + <p> + “You will kill me,” she said, coughing. + </p> + <p> + After saying “How d’you do?” Nekhludoff sat down. He was about to censure + Mariette in his mind for her levity when, noticing the serious and even + slightly dissatisfied look in his eyes, she suddenly, to please him, + changed not only the expression of her face, but also the attitude of her + mind; for she felt the wish to please him as soon as she looked at him. + She suddenly turned serious, dissatisfied with her life, as if seeking and + striving after something; it was not that she pretended, but she really + reproduced in herself the very same state of mind that he was in, although + it would have been impossible for her to express in words what was the + state of Nekhludoff’s mind at that moment. + </p> + <p> + She asked him how he had accomplished his tasks. He told her about his + failure in the Senate and his meeting Selenin. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what a pure soul! He is, indeed, a chevalier sans peur et sans + reproche. A pure soul!” said both ladies, using the epithet commonly + applied to Selenin in Petersburg society. + </p> + <p> + “What is his wife like?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “His wife? Well, I do not wish to judge, but she does not understand him.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible that he, too, was for rejecting the appeal?” Mariette + asked with real sympathy. “It is dreadful. How sorry I am for her,” she + added with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + He frowned, and in order to change the subject began to speak about + Shoustova, who had been imprisoned in the fortress and was now set free + through the influence of Mariette’s husband. He thanked her for her + trouble, and was going on to say how dreadful he thought it, that this + woman and the whole of her family had suffered merely, because no one had + reminded the authorities about them, but Mariette interrupted him and + expressed her own indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Say nothing about it to me,” she said. “When my husband told me she could + be set free, it was this that struck me, ‘What was she kept in prison for + if she is innocent?’” She went on expressing what Nekhludoff was about to + say. + </p> + <p> + “It is revolting—revolting.” + </p> + <p> + Countess Katerina Ivanovna noticed that Mariette was coquetting with her + nephew, and this amused her. “What do you think?” she said, when they were + silent. “Supposing you come to Aline’s to-morrow night. Kiesewetter will + be there. And you, too,” she said, turning to Mariette. “<i>Il vous a + remarque</i>,” she went on to her nephew. “He told me that what you say (I + repeated it all to him) is a very good sign, and that you will certainly + come to Christ. You must come absolutely. Tell him to, Mariette, and come + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Countess, in the first place, I have no right whatever to give any kind + of advice to the Prince,” said Mariette, and gave Nekhludoff a look that + somehow established a full comprehension between them of their attitude in + relation to the Countess’s words and evangelicalism in general. “Secondly, + I do not much care, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know you always do things the wrong way round, and according to + your own ideas.” + </p> + <p> + “My own ideas? I have faith like the most simple peasant woman,” said + Mariette with a smile. “And, thirdly, I am going to the French Theatre + to-morrow night.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! And have you seen that—What’s her name?” asked Countess + Katerina Ivanovna. Mariette gave the name of a celebrated French actress. + </p> + <p> + “You must go, most decidedly; she is wonderful.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom am I to see first, ma tante—the actress or the preacher?” + Nekhludoff said with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Please don’t catch at my words.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think the preacher first and then the actress, or else the + desire for the sermon might vanish altogether,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “No; better begin with the French Theatre, and do penance afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, then, you are not to hold me up for ridicule. The preacher is the + preacher and the theatre is the theatre. One need not weep in order to be + saved. One must have faith, and then one is sure to be gay.” + </p> + <p> + “You, ma tante, preach better than any preacher.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know what?” said Mariette. “Come into my box to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid I shall not be able to.” + </p> + <p> + The footman interrupted the conversation by announcing a visitor. It was + the secretary of a philanthropic society of which the Countess was + president. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that is the dullest of men. I think I shall receive him out there, + and return to you later on. Mariette, give him his tea,” said the + Countess, and left the room, with her quick, wriggling walk. + </p> + <p> + Mariette took the glove off her firm, rather flat hand, the fourth finger + of which was covered with rings. + </p> + <p> + “Want any?” she said, taking hold of the silver teapot, under which a + spirit lamp was burning, and extending her little finger curiously. Her + face looked sad and serious. + </p> + <p> + “It is always terribly painful to me to notice that people whose opinion I + value confound me with the position I am placed in.” She seemed ready to + cry as she said these last words. And though these words had no meaning, + or at any rate a very indefinite meaning, they seemed to be of exceptional + depth, meaning, or goodness to Nekhludoff, so much was he attracted by the + look of the bright eyes which accompanied the words of this young, + beautiful, and well-dressed woman. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff looked at her in silence, and could not take his eyes from her + face. + </p> + <p> + “You think I do not understand you and all that goes on in you. Why, + everybody knows what you are doing. <i>C’est le secret de polichinelle</i>. + And I am delighted with your work, and think highly of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Really, there is nothing to be delighted with; and I have done so little + as Yet.” + </p> + <p> + “No matter. I understand your feelings, and I understand her. All right, + all right. I will say nothing more about it,” she said, noticing + displeasure on his face. “But I also understand that after seeing all the + suffering and the horror in the prisons,” Mariette went on, her only + desire that of attracting him, and guessing with her woman’s instinct what + was dear and important to him, “you wish to help the sufferers, those who + are made to suffer so terribly by other men, and their cruelty and + indifference. I understand the willingness to give one’s life, and could + give mine in such a cause, but we each have our own fate.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you, then, dissatisfied with your fate?” + </p> + <p> + “I?” she asked, as if struck with surprise that such a question could be + put to her. “I have to be satisfied, and am satisfied. But there is a worm + that wakes up—” + </p> + <p> + “And he must not be allowed to fall asleep again. It is a voice that must + be obeyed,” Nekhludoff said, falling into the trap. + </p> + <p> + Many a time later on Nekhludoff remembered with shame his talk with her. + He remembered her words, which were not so much lies as imitations of his + own, and her face, which seemed looking at him with sympathetic attention + when he told her about the terrors of the prison and of his impressions in + the country. + </p> + <p> + When the Countess returned they were talking not merely like old, but like + exclusive friends who alone understood one another. They were talking + about the injustice of power, of the sufferings of the unfortunate, the + poverty of the people, yet in reality in the midst of the sound of their + talk their eyes, gazing at each other, kept asking, “Can you love me?” and + answering, “I can,” and the sex-feeling, taking the most unexpected and + brightest forms, drew them to each other. As she was going away she told + him that she would always be willing to serve him in any way she could, + and asked him to come and see her, if only for a moment, in the theatre + next day, as she had a very important thing to tell him about. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and when shall I see you again?” she added, with a sigh, carefully + drawing the glove over her jewelled hand. + </p> + <p> + “Say you will come.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff promised. + </p> + <p> + That night, when Nekhludoff was alone in his room, and lay down after + putting out his candle, he could not sleep. He thought of Maslova, of the + decision of the Senate, of his resolve to follow her in any case, of his + having given up the land. The face of Mariette appeared to him as if in + answer to those thoughts—her look, her sigh, her words, “When shall + I see you again?” and her smile seemed vivid as if he really saw her, and + he also smiled. “Shall I be doing right in going to Siberia? And have I + done right in divesting myself of my wealth?” And the answers to the + questions on this Petersburg night, on which the daylight streamed into + the window from under the blind, were quite indefinite. All seemed mixed + in his head. He recalled his former state of mind, and the former sequence + of his thoughts, but they had no longer their former power or validity. + </p> + <p> + “And supposing I have invented all this, and am unable to live it through—supposing + I repent of having acted right,” he thought; and unable to answer he was + seized with such anguish and despair as he had long not felt. Unable to + free himself from his perplexity, he fell into a heavy sleep, such as he + had slept after a heavy loss at cards. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0084" id="link2HCH0084"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. LYDIA SHOUSTOVA’S HOME. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff awoke next morning feeling as if he had been guilty of some + iniquity the day before. He began considering. He could not remember + having done anything wrong; he had committed no evil act, but he had had + evil thoughts. He had thought that all his present resolutions to marry + Katusha and to give up his land were unachievable dreams; that he should + be unable to bear it; that it was artificial, unnatural; and that he would + have to go on living as he lived. + </p> + <p> + He had committed no evil action, but, what was far worse than an evil + action, he had entertained evil thoughts whence all evil actions proceed. + An evil action may not be repeated, and can be repented of; but evil + thoughts generate all evil actions. + </p> + <p> + An evil action only smooths the path for other evil acts; evil thoughts + uncontrollably drag one along that path. + </p> + <p> + When Nekhludoff repeated in his mind the thoughts of the day before, he + was surprised that he could for a moment have believed these thoughts. + However new and difficult that which he had decided to do might be, he + knew that it was the only possible way of life for him now, and however + easy and natural it might have been to return to his former state, he knew + that state to be death. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday’s temptation seemed like the feeling when one awakes from deep + sleep, and, without feeling sleepy, wants to lie comfortably in bed a + little longer, yet knows that it is time to rise and commence the glad and + important work that awaits one. + </p> + <p> + On that, his last day in Petersburg, he went in the morning to the + Vasilievski Ostrov to see Shoustova. Shoustova lived on the second floor, + and having been shown the back stairs, Nekhludoff entered straight into + the hot kitchen, which smelt strongly of food. An elderly woman, with + turned-up sleeves, with an apron and spectacles, stood by the fire + stirring something in a steaming pan. + </p> + <p> + “Whom do you want?” she asked severely, looking at him over her + spectacles. + </p> + <p> + Before Nekhludoff had time to answer, an expression of fright and joy + appeared on her face. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Prince!” she exclaimed, wiping her hands on her apron. “But why have + you come the back way? Our Benefactor! I am her mother. They have nearly + killed my little girl. You have saved us,” she said, catching hold of + Nekhludoff’s hand and trying to kiss it. + </p> + <p> + “I went to see you yesterday. My sister asked me to. She is here. This + way, this way, please,” said Shoustova’s mother, as she led the way + through a narrow door, and a dark passage, arranging her hair and pulling + at her tucked-up skirt. “My sister’s name is Kornilova. You must have + heard of her,” she added, stopping before a closed door. “She was mixed up + in a political affair. An extremely clever woman!” + </p> + <p> + Shoustova’s mother opened the door and showed Nekhludoff into a little + room where on a sofa with a table before it sat a plump, short girl with + fair hair that curled round her pale, round face, which was very like her + mother’s. She had a striped cotton blouse on. + </p> + <p> + Opposite her, in an armchair, leaning forward, so that he was nearly bent + double, sat a young fellow with a slight, black beard and moustaches. + </p> + <p> + “Lydia, Prince Nekhludoff!” he said. + </p> + <p> + The pale girl jumped up, nervously pushing back a lock of hair behind her + ear, and gazing at the newcomer with a frightened look in her large, grey + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “So you are that dangerous woman whom Vera Doukhova wished me to intercede + for?” Nekhludoff asked, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am,” said Lydia Shoustova, her broad, kind, child-like smile + disclosing a row of beautiful teeth. “It was aunt who was so anxious to + see you. Aunt!” she called out, in a pleasant, tender voice through a + door. + </p> + <p> + “Your imprisonment grieved Vera Doukhova very much,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Take a seat here, or better here,” said Shoustova, pointing to the + battered easy-chair from which the young man had just risen. + </p> + <p> + “My cousin, Zakharov,” she said, noticing that Nekhludoff looked at the + young man. + </p> + <p> + The young man greeted the visitor with a smile as kindly as Shoustova’s, + and when Nekhludoff sat down he brought himself another chair, and sat by + his side. A fair-haired schoolboy of about 10 also came into the room and + silently sat down on the window-sill. + </p> + <p> + “Vera Doukhova is a great friend of my aunt’s, but I hardly know her,” + said Shoustova. + </p> + <p> + Then a woman with a very pleasant face, with a white blouse and leather + belt, came in from the next room. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do? Thanks for coming,” she began as soon as she had taken the + place next Shoustova’s on the sofa. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and how is Vera. You have seen her? How does she bear her fate?” + </p> + <p> + “She does not complain,” said Nekhludoff. “She says she feels perfectly + happy.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that’s like Vera. I know her,” said the aunt, smiling and shaking her + head. “One must know her. She has a fine character. Everything for others; + nothing for herself.” + </p> + <p> + “No, she asked nothing for herself, but only seemed concerned about your + niece. What seemed to trouble her most was, as she said, that your niece + was imprisoned for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that’s true,” said the aunt. “It is a dreadful business. She + suffered, in reality, because of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, aunt. I should have taken the papers without you all the + same.” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to know better,” said the aunt. “You see,” she went on to + Nekhludoff, “it all happened because a certain person asked me to keep his + papers for a time, and I, having no house at the time, brought them to + her. And that very night the police searched her room and took her and the + papers, and have kept her up to now, demanding that she should say from + whom she had them.” + </p> + <p> + “But I never told them,” said Shoustova quickly, pulling nervously at a + lock that was not even out of place. + </p> + <p> + “I never said you did,” answered the aunt. + </p> + <p> + “If they took Mitin up it was certainly not through me,” said Shoustova, + blushing, and looking round uneasily. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t speak about it, Lydia dear,” said her mother. + </p> + <p> + “Why not? I should like to relate it,” said Shoustova, no longer smiling + nor pulling her lock, but twisting it round her finger and getting redder. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t forget what happened yesterday when you began talking about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all—-Leave me alone, mamma. I did not tell, I only kept + quiet. When he examined me about Mitin and about aunt, I said nothing, and + told him I would not answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Then this—Petrov—” + </p> + <p> + “Petrov is a spy, a gendarme, and a blackguard,” put in the aunt, to + explain her niece’s words to Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Then he began persuading,” continued Shoustova, excitedly and hurriedly. + “‘Anything you tell me,’ he said, ‘can harm no one; on the contrary, if + you tell me, we may be able to set free innocent people whom we may be + uselessly tormenting.’ Well, I still said I would not tell. Then he said, + ‘All right, don’t tell, but do not deny what I am going to say.’ And he + named Mitin.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t talk about it,” said the aunt. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, aunt, don’t interrupt,” and she went on pulling the lock of hair and + looking round. “And then, only fancy, the next day I hear—they let + me know by knocking at the wall—that Mitin is arrested. Well, I + think I have betrayed him, and this tormented me so—it tormented me + so that I nearly went mad.” + </p> + <p> + “And it turned out that it was not at all because of you he was taken up?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I didn’t know. I think, ‘There, now, I have betrayed him.’ I + walk and walk up and down from wall to wall, and cannot help thinking. I + think, ‘I have betrayed him.’ I lie down and cover myself up, and hear + something whispering, ‘Betrayed! betrayed Mitin! Mitin betrayed!’ I know + it is an hallucination, but cannot help listening. I wish to fall asleep, + I cannot. I wish not to think, and cannot cease. That is terrible!” and as + Shoustova spoke she got more and more excited, and twisted and untwisted + the lock of hair round her finger. + </p> + <p> + “Lydia, dear, be calm,” the mother said, touching her shoulder. + </p> + <p> + But Shoustova could not stop herself. + </p> + <p> + “It is all the more terrible—” she began again, but did not finish, + and jumping up with a cry rushed out of the room. + </p> + <p> + Her mother turned to follow her. + </p> + <p> + “They ought to be hanged, the rascals!” said the schoolboy who was sitting + on the window-sill. + </p> + <p> + “What’s that?” said the mother. + </p> + <p> + “I only said—Oh, it’s nothing,” the schoolboy answered, and taking a + cigarette that lay on the table, he began to smoke. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0085" id="link2HCH0085"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. LYDIA’S AUNT. + </h2> + <p> + “Yes, that solitary confinement is terrible for the young,” said the aunt, + shaking her head and also lighting a cigarette. + </p> + <p> + “I should say for every one,” Nekhludoff replied. + </p> + <p> + “No, not for all,” answered the aunt. “For the real revolutionists, I have + been told, it is rest and quiet. A man who is wanted by the police lives + in continual anxiety, material want, and fear for himself and others, and + for his cause, and at last, when he is taken up and it is all over, and + all responsibility is off his shoulders, he can sit and rest. I have been + told they actually feel joyful when taken up. But the young and innocent + (they always first arrest the innocent, like Lydia), for them the first + shock is terrible. It is not that they deprive you of freedom; and the bad + food and bad air—all that is nothing. Three times as many privations + would be easily borne if it were not for the moral shock when one is first + taken.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you experienced it?” + </p> + <p> + “I? I was twice in prison,” she answered, with a sad, gentle smile. “When + I was arrested for the first time I had done nothing. I was 22, had a + child, and was expecting another. Though the loss of freedom and the + parting with my child and husband were hard, they were nothing when + compared with what I felt when I found out that I had ceased being a human + creature and had become a thing. I wished to say good-bye to my little + daughter. I was told to go and get into the trap. I asked where I was + being taken to. The answer was that I should know when I got there. I + asked what I was accused of, but got no reply. After I had been examined, + and after they had undressed me and put numbered prison clothes on me, + they led me to a vault, opened a door, pushed me in, and left me alone; a + sentinel, with a loaded gun, paced up and down in front of my door, and + every now and then looked in through a crack—I felt terribly + depressed. What struck me most at the time was that the gendarme officer + who examined me offered me a cigarette. So he knew that people liked + smoking, and must know that they liked freedom and light; and that mothers + love their children, and children their mothers. Then how could they tear + me pitilessly from all that was dear to me, and lock me up in prison like + a wild animal? That sort of thing could not be borne without evil effects. + Any one who believes in God and men, and believes that men love one + another, will cease to believe it after all that. I have ceased to believe + in humanity since then, and have grown embittered,” she finished, with a + smile. + </p> + <p> + Shoustova’s mother came in at the door through which her daughter had gone + out, and said that Lydia was very much upset, and would not come in again. + </p> + <p> + “And what has this young life been ruined for?” said the aunt. “What is + especially painful to me is that I am the involuntary cause of it.” + </p> + <p> + “She will recover in the country, with God’s help,” said the mother. “We + shall send her to her father.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if it were not for you she would have perished altogether,” said the + aunt. “Thank you. But what I wished to see you for is this: I wished to + ask you to take a letter to Vera Doukhova,” and she got the letter out of + her pocket. + </p> + <p> + “The letter is not closed; you may read and tear it up, or hand it to her, + according to how far it coincides with your principles,” she said. “It + contains nothing compromising.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff took the letter, and, having promised to give it to Vera + Doukhova, he took his leave and went away. He sealed the letter without + reading it, meaning to take it to its destination. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0086" id="link2HCH0086"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. THE STATE CHURCH AND THE PEOPLE. + </h2> + <p> + The last thing that kept Nekhludoff in Petersburg was the case of the + sectarians, whose petition he intended to get his former fellow-officer, + Aide-de-camp Bogatyreff, to hand to the Tsar. He came to Bogatyreff in the + morning, and found him about to go out, though still at breakfast. + Bogatyreff was not tall, but firmly built and wonderfully strong (he could + bend a horseshoe), a kind, honest, straight, and even liberal man. In + spite of these qualities, he was intimate at Court, and very fond of the + Tsar and his family, and by some strange method he managed, while living + in that highest circle, to see nothing but the good in it and to take no + part in the evil and corruption. He never condemned anybody nor any + measure, and either kept silent or spoke in a bold, loud voice, almost + shouting what he had to say, and often laughing in the same boisterous + manner. And he did not do it for diplomatic reasons, but because such was + his character. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that’s right that you have come. Would you like some breakfast? Sit + down, the beefsteaks are fine! I always begin with something substantial—begin + and finish, too. Ha! ha! ha! Well, then, have a glass of wine,” he + shouted, pointing to a decanter of claret. “I have been thinking of you. I + will hand on the petition. I shall put it into his own hands. You may + count on that, only it occurred to me that it would be best for you to + call on Toporoff.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff made a wry face at the mention of Toporoff. + </p> + <p> + “It all depends on him. He will be consulted, anyhow. And perhaps he may + himself meet your wishes.” + </p> + <p> + “If you advise it I shall go.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s right. Well, and how does Petersburg agree with you?” shouted + Bogatyreff. “Tell me. Eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I feel myself getting hypnotised,” replied Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Hypnotised!” Bogatyreff repeated, and burst out laughing. “You won’t have + anything? Well, just as you please,” and he wiped his moustaches with his + napkin. “Then you’ll go? Eh? If he does not do it, give the petition to + me, and I shall hand it on to-morrow.” Shouting these words, he rose, + crossed himself just as naturally as he had wiped his mouth, and began + buckling on his sword. + </p> + <p> + “And now good-bye; I must go. We are both going out,” said Nekhludoff, and + shaking Bogatyreff’s strong, broad hand, and with the sense of pleasure + which the impression of something healthy and unconsciously fresh always + gave him, Nekhludoff parted from Bogatyreff on the door-steps. + </p> + <p> + Though he expected no good result from his visit, still Nekhludoff, + following Bogatyreff’s advice, went to see Toporoff, on whom the + sectarians’ fate depended. + </p> + <p> + The position occupied by Toporoff, involving as it did an incongruity of + purpose, could only be held by a dull man devoid of moral sensibility. + Toporoff possessed both these negative qualities. The incongruity of the + position he occupied was this. It was his duty to keep up and to defend, + by external measures, not excluding violence, that Church which, by its + own declaration, was established by God Himself and could not be shaken by + the gates of hell nor by anything human. This divine and immutable + God-established institution had to be sustained and defended by a human + institution—the Holy Synod, managed by Toporoff and his officials. + Toporoff did not see this contradiction, nor did he wish to see it, and he + was therefore much concerned lest some Romish priest, some pastor, or some + sectarian should destroy that Church which the gates of hell could not + conquer. + </p> + <p> + Toporoff, like all those who are quite destitute of the fundamental + religious feeling that recognises the equality and brotherhood of men, was + fully convinced that the common people were creatures entirely different + from himself, and that the people needed what he could very well do + without, for at the bottom of his heart he believed in nothing, and found + such a state very convenient and pleasant. Yet he feared lest the people + might also come to such a state, and looked upon it as his sacred duty, as + he called it, to save the people therefrom. + </p> + <p> + A certain cookery book declares that some crabs like to be boiled alive. + In the same way he thought and spoke as if the people liked being kept in + superstition; only he meant this in a literal sense, whereas the cookery + book did not mean its words literally. + </p> + <p> + His feelings towards the religion he was keeping up were the same as those + of the poultry-keeper towards the carrion he fed his fowls on. Carrion was + very disgusting, but the fowls liked it; therefore it was right to feed + the fowls on carrion. Of course all this worship of the images of the + Iberian, Kasan and Smolensk Mothers of God was a gross superstition, but + the people liked it and believed in it, and therefore the superstition + must be kept up. + </p> + <p> + Thus thought Toporoff, not considering that the people only liked + superstition because there always have been, and still are, men like + himself who, being enlightened, instead of using their light to help + others to struggle out of their dark ignorance, use it to plunge them + still deeper into it. + </p> + <p> + When Nekhludoff entered the reception-room Toporoff was in his study + talking with an abbess, a lively and aristocratic lady, who was spreading + the Greek orthodox faith in Western Russia among the Uniates (who + acknowledge the Pope of Rome), and who have the Greek religion enforced on + them. An official who was in the reception-room inquired what Nekhludoff + wanted, and when he heard that Nekhludoff meant to hand in a petition to + the Emperor, he asked him if he would allow the petition to be read first. + Nekhludoff gave it him, and the official took it into the study. The + abbess, with her hood and flowing veil and her long train trailing behind, + left the study and went out, her white hands (with their well-tended + nails) holding a topaz rosary. Nekhludoff was not immediately asked to + come in. Toporoff was reading the petition and shaking his head. He was + unpleasantly surprised by the clear and emphatic wording of it. + </p> + <p> + “If it gets into the hands of the Emperor it may cause misunderstandings, + and unpleasant questions may be asked,” he thought as he read. Then he put + the petition on the table, rang, and ordered Nekhludoff to be asked in. + </p> + <p> + He remembered the case of the sectarians; he had had a petition from them + before. The case was this: These Christians, fallen away from the Greek + Orthodox Church, were first exhorted and then tried by law, but were + acquitted. Then the Archdeacon and the Governor arranged, on the plea that + their marriages were illegal, to exile these sectarians, separating the + husbands, wives, and children. These fathers and wives were now + petitioning that they should not be parted. Toporoff recollected the first + time the case came to his notice: he had at that time hesitated whether he + had not better put a stop to it. But then he thought no harm could result + from his confirming the decision to separate and exile the different + members of the sectarian families, whereas allowing the peasant sect to + remain where it was might have a bad effect on the rest of the inhabitants + of the place and cause them to fall away from Orthodoxy. And then the + affair also proved the zeal of the Archdeacon, and so he let the case + proceed along the lines it had taken. But now that they had a defender + such as Nekhludoff, who had some influence in Petersburg, the case might + be specially pointed out to the Emperor as something cruel, or it might + get into the foreign papers. Therefore he at once took an unexpected + decision. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do?” he said, with the air of a very busy man, receiving + Nekhludoff standing, and at once starting on the business. “I know this + case. As soon as I saw the names I recollected this unfortunate business,” + he said, taking up the petition and showing it to Nekhludoff. “And I am + much indebted to you for reminding me of it. It is the over-zealousness of + the provincial authorities.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff stood silent, looking with no kindly feelings at the immovable, + pale mask of a face before him. + </p> + <p> + “And I shall give orders that these measures should be revoked and the + people reinstated in their homes.” + </p> + <p> + “So that I need not make use of this petition?” + </p> + <p> + “I promise you most assuredly,” answered Toporoff, laying a stress on the + word I, as if quite convinced that his honesty, his word was the best + guarantee. “It will be best if I write at once. Take a seat, please.” + </p> + <p> + He went up to the table and began to write. As Nekhludoff sat down he + looked at the narrow, bald skull, at the fat, blue-veined hand that was + swiftly guiding the pen, and wondered why this evidently indifferent man + was doing what he did and why he was doing it with such care. + </p> + <p> + “Well, here you are,” said Toporoff, sealing the envelope; “you may let + your clients know,” and he stretched his lips to imitate a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Then what did these people suffer for?” Nekhludoff asked, as he took the + envelope. + </p> + <p> + Toporoff raised his head and smiled, as if Nekhludoff’s question gave him + pleasure. “That I cannot tell. All I can say is that the interests of the + people guarded by us are so important that too great a zeal in matters of + religion is not so dangerous or so harmful as the indifference which is + now spreading—” + </p> + <p> + “But how is it that in the name of religion the very first demands of + righteousness are violated—families are separated?” + </p> + <p> + Toporoff continued to smile patronisingly, evidently thinking what + Nekhludoff said very pretty. Anything that Nekhludoff could say he would + have considered very pretty and very one-sided, from the height of what he + considered his far-reaching office in the State. + </p> + <p> + “It may seem so from the point of view of a private individual,” he said, + “but from an administrative point of view it appears in a rather different + light. However, I must bid you good-bye, now,” said Toporoff, bowing his + head and holding out his hand, which Nekhludoff pressed. + </p> + <p> + “The interests of the people! Your interests is what you mean!” thought + Nekhludoff as he went out. And he ran over in his mind the people in whom + is manifested the activity of the institutions that uphold religion and + educate the people. He began with the woman punished for the illicit sale + of spirits, the boy for theft, the tramp for tramping, the incendiary for + setting a house on fire, the banker for fraud, and that unfortunate Lydia + Shoustova imprisoned only because they hoped to get such information as + they required from her. Then he thought of the sectarians punished for + violating Orthodoxy, and Gourkevitch for wanting constitutional + government, and Nekhludoff clearly saw that all these people were + arrested, locked up, exiled, not really because they transgressed against + justice or behaved unlawfully, but only because they were an obstacle + hindering the officials and the rich from enjoying the property they had + taken away from the people. And the woman who sold wine without having a + license, and the thief knocking about the town, and Lydia Shoustova hiding + proclamations, and the sectarians upsetting superstitions, and Gourkevitch + desiring a constitution, were a real hindrance. It seemed perfectly clear + to Nekhludoff that all these officials, beginning with his aunt’s husband, + the Senators, and Toporoff, down to those clean and correct gentlemen who + sat at the tables in the Ministry Office, were not at all troubled by the + fact that that in such a state of things the innocent had to suffer, but + were only concerned how to get rid of the really dangerous, so that the + rule that ten guilty should escape rather than that one innocent should be + condemned was not observed, but, on the contrary, for the sake of getting + rid of one really dangerous person, ten who seemed dangerous were + punished, as, when cutting a rotten piece out of anything, one has to cut + away some that is good. + </p> + <p> + This explanation seemed very simple and clear to Nekhludoff; but its very + simplicity and clearness made him hesitate to accept it. Was it possible + that so complicated a phenomenon could have so simple and terrible an + explanation? Was it possible that all these words about justice, law, + religion, and God, and so on, were mere words, hiding the coarsest + cupidity and cruelty? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0087" id="link2HCH0087"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. THE MEANING OF MARIETTE’S ATTRACTION. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff would have left Petersburg on the evening of the same day, but + he had promised Mariette to meet her at the theatre, and though he knew + that he ought not to keep that promise, he deceived himself into the + belief that it would not be right to break his word. + </p> + <p> + “Am I capable of withstanding these temptations?” he asked himself not + quite honestly. “I shall try for the last time.” + </p> + <p> + He dressed in his evening clothes, and arrived at the theatre during the + second act of the eternal Dame aux Camelias, in which a foreign actress + once again, and in a novel manner, showed how women die of consumption. + </p> + <p> + The theatre was quite full. Mariette’s box was at once, and with great + deference, shown to Nekhludoff at his request. A liveried servant stood in + the corridor outside; he bowed to Nekhludoff as to one whom he knew, and + opened the door of the box. + </p> + <p> + All the people who sat and stood in the boxes on the opposite side, those + who sat near and those who were in the parterre, with their grey, grizzly, + bald, or curly heads—all were absorbed in watching the thin, bony + actress who, dressed in silks and laces, was wriggling before them, and + speaking in an unnatural voice. + </p> + <p> + Some one called “Hush!” when the door opened, and two streams, one of + cool, the other of hot, air touched Nekhludoff’s face. + </p> + <p> + Mariette and a lady whom he did not know, with a red cape and a big, heavy + head-dress, were in the box, and two men also, Mariette’s husband, the + General, a tall, handsome man with a severe, inscrutable countenance, a + Roman nose, and a uniform padded round the chest, and a fair man, with a + bit of shaved chin between pompous whiskers. + </p> + <p> + Mariette, graceful, slight, elegant, her low-necked dress showing her + firm, shapely, slanting shoulders, with a little black mole where they + joined her neck, immediately turned, and pointed with her face to a chair + behind her in an engaging manner, and smiled a smile that seemed full of + meaning to Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + The husband looked at him in the quiet way in which he did everything, and + bowed. In the look he exchanged with his wife, the master, the owner of a + beautiful woman, was to be seen at once. + </p> + <p> + When the monologue was over the theatre resounded with the clapping of + hands. Mariette rose, and holding up her rustling silk skirt, went into + the back of the box and introduced Nekhludoff to her husband. + </p> + <p> + The General, without ceasing to smile with his eyes, said he was very + pleased, and then sat inscrutably silent. + </p> + <p> + “I ought to have left to-day, had I not promised,” said Nekhludoff to + Mariette. + </p> + <p> + “If you do not care to see me,” said Mariette, in answer to what his words + implied, “you will see a wonderful actress. Was she not splendid in the + last scene?” she asked, turning to her husband. + </p> + <p> + The husband bowed his head. + </p> + <p> + “This sort of thing does not touch me,” said Nekhludoff. “I have seen so + much real suffering lately that—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sit down and tell me.” + </p> + <p> + The husband listened, his eyes smiling more and more ironically. “I have + been to see that woman whom they have set free, and who has been kept in + prison for so long; she is quite broken down.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the woman I spoke to you about,” Mariette said to her husband. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I was very pleased that she could be set free,” said the husband + quietly, nodding and smiling under his moustache with evident irony, so it + seemed to Nekhludoff. “I shall go and have a smoke.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff sat waiting to hear what the something was that Mariette had to + tell him. She said nothing, and did not even try to say anything, but + joked and spoke about the performance, which she thought ought to touch + Nekhludoff. Nekhludoff saw that she had nothing to tell, but only wished + to show herself to him in all the splendour of her evening toilet, with + her shoulders and little mole; and this was pleasant and yet repulsive to + him. + </p> + <p> + The charm that had veiled all this sort of thing from Nekhludoff was not + removed, but it was as if he could see what lay beneath. Looking at + Mariette, he admired her, and yet he knew that she was a liar, living with + a husband who was making his career by means of the tears and lives of + hundreds and hundreds of people, and that she was quite indifferent about + it, and that all she had said the day before was untrue. What she wanted—neither + he nor she knew why—was to make him fall in love with her. This both + attracted and disgusted him. Several times, on the point of going away, he + took up his hat, and then stayed on. + </p> + <p> + But at last, when the husband returned with a strong smell of tobacco in + his thick moustache, and looked at Nekhludoff with a patronising, + contemptuous air, as if not recognising him, Nekhludoff left the box + before the door was closed again, found his overcoat, and went out of the + theatre. As he was walking home along the Nevski, he could not help + noticing a well-shaped and aggressively finely-dressed woman, who was + quietly walking in front of him along the broad asphalt pavement. The + consciousness of her detestable power was noticeable in her face and the + whole of her figure. All who met or passed that woman looked at her. + Nekhludoff walked faster than she did and, involuntarily, also looked her + in the face. The face, which was probably painted, was handsome, and the + woman looked at him with a smile and her eyes sparkled. And, curiously + enough, Nekhludoff was suddenly reminded of Mariette, because he again + felt both attracted and disgusted just as when in the theatre. + </p> + <p> + Having hurriedly passed her, Nekhludoff turned off on to the Morskaya, and + passed on to the embankment, where, to the surprise of a policeman, he + began pacing up and down the pavement. + </p> + <p> + “The other one gave me just such a smile when I entered the theatre,” he + thought, “and the meaning of the smile was the same. The only difference + is, that this one said plainly, ‘If you want me, take me; if not, go your + way,’ and the other one pretended that she was not thinking of this, but + living in some high and refined state, while this was really at the root. + Besides, this one was driven to it by necessity, while the other amused + herself by playing with that enchanting, disgusting, frightful passion. + This woman of the street was like stagnant, smelling water offered to + those whose thirst was greater than their disgust; that other one in the + theatre was like the poison which, unnoticed, poisons everything it gets + into.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff recalled his liaison with the Marechal’s wife, and shameful + memories rose before him. + </p> + <p> + “The animalism of the brute nature in man is disgusting,” thought he, “but + as long as it remains in its naked form we observe it from the height of + our spiritual life and despise it; and—whether one has fallen or + resisted—one remains what one was before. But when that same + animalism hides under a cloak of poetry and aesthetic feeling and demands + our worship—then we are swallowed up by it completely, and worship + animalism, no longer distinguishing good from evil. Then it is awful.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff perceived all this now as clearly as he saw the palace, the + sentinels, the fortress, the river, the boats, and the Stock Exchange. And + just as on this northern summer night there was no restful darkness on the + earth, but only a dismal, dull light coming from an invisible source, so + in Nekhludoff’s soul there was no longer the restful darkness, ignorance. + Everything seemed clear. It was clear that everything considered important + and good was insignificant and repulsive, and that all the glamour and + luxury hid the old, well-known crimes, which not only remained unpunished + but were adorned with all the splendour which men were capable of + inventing. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff wished to forget all this, not to see it, but he could no + longer help seeing it. Though he could not see the source of the light + which revealed it to him any more than he could see the source of the + light which lay over Petersburg; and though the light appeared to him + dull, dismal, and unnatural, yet he could not help seeing what it + revealed, and he felt both joyful and anxious. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0088" id="link2HCH0088"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. FOR HER SAKE AND FOR GOD’S. + </h2> + <p> + On his return to Moscow Nekhludoff went at once to the prison hospital to + bring Maslova the sad news that the Senate had confirmed the decision of + the Court, and that she must prepare to go to Siberia. He had little hope + of the success of his petition to the Emperor, which the advocate had + written for him, and which he now brought with him for Maslova to sign. + And, strange to say, he did not at present even wish to succeed; he had + got used to the thought of going to Siberia and living among the exiled + and the convicts, and he could not easily picture to himself how his life + and Maslova’s would shape if she were acquitted. He remembered the thought + of the American writer, Thoreau, who at the time when slavery existed in + America said that “under a government that imprisons any unjustly the true + place for a just man is also a prison.” Nekhludoff, especially after his + visit to Petersburg and all he discovered there, thought in the same way. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the only place befitting an honest man in Russia at the present time + is a prison,” he thought, and even felt that this applied to him + personally, when he drove up to the prison and entered its walls. + </p> + <p> + The doorkeeper recognised Nekhludoff, and told him at once that Maslova + was no longer there. + </p> + <p> + “Where is she, then?” + </p> + <p> + “In the cell again.” + </p> + <p> + “Why has she been removed?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, your excellency, what are such people?” said the doorkeeper, + contemptuously. “She’s been carrying on with the medical assistant, so the + head doctor ordered her back.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff had had no idea how near Maslova and the state of her mind were + to him. He was stunned by the news. + </p> + <p> + He felt as one feels at the news of a great and unforeseen misfortune, and + his pain was very severe. His first feeling was one of shame. He, with his + joyful idea of the change that he imagined was going on in her soul, now + seemed ridiculous in his own eyes. He thought that all her pretence of not + wishing to accept his sacrifice, all the reproaches and tears, were only + the devices of a depraved woman, who wished to use him to the best + advantage. He seemed to remember having seen signs of obduracy at his last + interview with her. All this flashed through his mind as he instinctively + put on his hat and left the hospital. + </p> + <p> + “What am I to do now? Am I still bound to her? Has this action of hers not + set me free?” And as he put these questions to himself he knew at once + that if he considered himself free, and threw her up, he would be + punishing himself, and not her, which was what he wished to do, and he was + seized with fear. + </p> + <p> + “No, what has happened cannot alter—it can only strengthen my + resolve. Let her do what flows from the state her mind is in. If it is + carrying on with the medical assistant, let her carry on with the medical + assistant; that is her business. I must do what my conscience demands of + me. And my conscience expects me to sacrifice my freedom. My resolution to + marry her, if only in form, and to follow wherever she may be sent, + remains unalterable.” Nekhludoff said all this to himself with vicious + obstinacy as he left the hospital and walked with resolute steps towards + the big gates of the prison. He asked the warder on duty at the gate to + inform the inspector that he wished to see Maslova. The warder knew + Nekhludoff, and told him of an important change that had taken place in + the prison. The old inspector had been discharged, and a new, very severe + official appointed in his place. + </p> + <p> + “They are so strict nowadays, it’s just awful,” said the jailer. “He is in + here; they will let him know directly.” + </p> + <p> + The new inspector was in the prison and soon came to Nekhludoff. He was a + tall, angular man, with high cheek bones, morose, and very slow in his + movements. + </p> + <p> + “Interviews are allowed in the visiting room on the appointed days,” he + said, without looking at Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “But I have a petition to the Emperor, which I want signed.” + </p> + <p> + “You can give it to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I must see the prisoner myself. I was always allowed to before.” + </p> + <p> + “That was so, before,” said the inspector, with a furtive glance at + Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “I have a permission from the governor,” insisted Nekhludoff, and took out + his pocket-book. + </p> + <p> + “Allow me,” said the inspector, taking the paper from Nekhludoff with his + long, dry, white fingers, on the first of which was a gold ring, still + without looking him in the eyes. He read the paper slowly. “Step into the + office, please.” + </p> + <p> + This time the office was empty. The inspector sat down by the table and + began sorting some papers that lay on it, evidently intending to be + present at the interview. + </p> + <p> + When Nekhludoff asked whether he might see the political prisoner, + Doukhova, the inspector answered, shortly, that he could not. “Interviews + with political prisoners are not permitted,” he said, and again fixed his + attention on his papers. With a letter to Doukhova in his pocket, + Nekhludoff felt as if he had committed some offence, and his plans had + been discovered and frustrated. + </p> + <p> + When Maslova entered the room the inspector raised his head, and, without + looking at either her or Nekhludoff, remarked: “You may talk,” and went on + sorting his papers. Maslova had again the white jacket, petticoat and + kerchief on. When she came up to Nekhludoff and saw his cold, hard look, + she blushed scarlet, and crumbling the hem of her jacket with her hand, + she cast down her eyes. Her confusion, so it seemed to Nekhludoff, + confirmed the hospital doorkeeper’s words. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff had meant to treat her in the same way as before, but could not + bring himself to shake hands with her, so disgusting was she to him now. + </p> + <p> + “I have brought you bad news,” he said, in a monotonous voice, without + looking at her or taking her hand. “The Senate has refused.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew it would,” she said, in a strange tone, as if she were gasping for + breath. + </p> + <p> + Formerly Nekhludoff would have asked why she said she knew it would; now + he only looked at her. Her eyes were full of tears. But this did not + soften him; it roused his irritation against her even more. + </p> + <p> + The inspector rose and began pacing up and down the room. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the disgust Nekhludoff was feeling at the moment, he + considered it right to express his regret at the Senate’s decision. + </p> + <p> + “You must not despair,” he said. “The petition to the Emperor may meet + with success, and I hope—-” + </p> + <p> + “I’m not thinking of that,” she said, looking piteously at him with her + wet, squinting eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “You have been to the hospital, and they have most likely told you about + me—” + </p> + <p> + “What of that? That is your affair,” said Nekhludoff coldly, and frowned. + The cruel feeling of wounded pride that had quieted down rose with renewed + force when she mentioned the hospital. + </p> + <p> + “He, a man of the world, whom any girl of the best families would think it + happiness to marry, offered himself as a husband to this woman, and she + could not even wait, but began intriguing with the medical assistant,” + thought he, with a look of hatred. + </p> + <p> + “Here, sign this petition,” he said, taking a large envelope from his + pocket, and laying the paper on the table. She wiped the tears with a + corner of her kerchief, and asked what to write and where. + </p> + <p> + He showed her, and she sat down and arranged the cuff of her right sleeve + with her left hand; he stood behind her, and silently looked at her back, + which shook with suppressed emotion, and evil and good feelings were + fighting in his breast—feelings of wounded pride and of pity for her + who was suffering—and the last feeling was victorious. + </p> + <p> + He could not remember which came first; did the pity for her first enter + his heart, or did he first remember his own sins—his own repulsive + actions, the very same for which he was condemning her? Anyhow, he both + felt himself guilty and pitied her. + </p> + <p> + Having signed the petition and wiped her inky finger on her petticoat, she + got up and looked at him. + </p> + <p> + “Whatever happens, whatever comes of it, my resolve remains unchanged,” + said Nekhludoff. The thought that he had forgiven her heightened his + feeling of pity and tenderness for her, and he wished to comfort her. “I + will do what I have said; wherever they take you I shall be with you.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s the use?” she interrupted hurriedly, though her whole face lighted + up. + </p> + <p> + “Think what you will want on the way—” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know of anything in particular, thank you.” + </p> + <p> + The inspector came up, and without waiting for a remark from him + Nekhludoff took leave, and went out with peace, joy, and love towards + everybody in his heart such as he had never felt before. The certainty + that no action of Maslova could change his love for her filled him with + joy and raised him to a level which he had never before attained. Let her + intrigue with the medical assistant; that was her business. He loved her + not for his own but for her sake and for God’s. + </p> + <p> + And this intrigue, for which Maslova was turned out of the hospital, and + of which Nekhludoff believed she was really guilty, consisted of the + following: + </p> + <p> + Maslova was sent by the head nurse to get some herb tea from the + dispensary at the end of the corridor, and there, all alone, she found the + medical assistant, a tall man, with a blotchy face, who had for a long + time been bothering her. In trying to get away from him Maslova gave him + such a push that he knocked his head against a shelf, from which two + bottles fell and broke. The head doctor, who was passing at that moment, + heard the sound of breaking glass, and saw Maslova run out, quite red, and + shouted to her: + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my good woman, if you start intriguing here, I’ll send you about your + business. What is the meaning of it?” he went on, addressing the medical + assistant, and looking at him over his spectacles. + </p> + <p> + The assistant smiled, and began to justify himself. The doctor gave no + heed to him, but, lifting his head so that he now looked through his + spectacles, he entered the ward. He told the inspector the same day to + send another more sedate assistant-nurse in Maslova’s place. And this was + her “intrigue” with the medical assistant. + </p> + <p> + Being turned out for a love intrigue was particularly painful to Maslova, + because the relations with men, which had long been repulsive to her, had + become specially disgusting after meeting Nekhludoff. The thought that, + judging her by her past and present position, every man, the blotchy + assistant among them, considered he had a right to offend her, and was + surprised at her refusal, hurt her deeply, and made her pity herself and + brought tears to her eyes. + </p> + <p> + When she went out to Nekhludoff this time she wished to clear herself of + the false charge which she knew he would certainly have heard about. But + when she began to justify herself she felt he did not believe her, and + that her excuses would only strengthen his suspicions; tears choked her, + and she was silent. + </p> + <p> + Maslova still thought and continued to persuade herself that she had never + forgiven him, and hated him, as she told him at their second interview, + but in reality she loved him again, and loved him so that she did all he + wished her to do; left off drinking, smoking, coquetting, and entered the + hospital because she knew he wished it. And if every time he reminded her + of it, she refused so decidedly to accept his sacrifice and marry him, it + was because she liked repeating the proud words she had once uttered, and + because she knew that a marriage with her would be a misfortune for him. + </p> + <p> + She had resolutely made up her mind that she would not accept his + sacrifice, and yet the thought that he despised her and believed that she + still was what she had been, and did not notice the change that had taken + place in her, was very painful. That he could still think she had done + wrong while in the hospital tormented her more than the news that her + sentence was confirmed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0089" id="link2HCH0089"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. THE ASTONISHING INSTITUTION CALLED CRIMINAL LAW. + </h2> + <p> + Maslova might be sent off with the first gang of prisoners, therefore + Nekhludoff got ready for his departure. But there was so much to be done + that he felt that he could not finish it, however much time he might have. + It was quite different now from what it had been. Formerly he used to be + obliged to look for an occupation, the interest of which always centred in + one person, i.e., Dmitri Ivanovitch Nekhludoff, and yet, though every + interest of his life was thus centred, all these occupations were very + wearisome. Now all his occupations related to other people and not to + Dmitri Ivanovitch, and they were all interesting and attractive, and there + was no end to them. Nor was this all. Formerly Dmitri Ivanovitch + Nekhludoff’s occupations always made him feel vexed and irritable; now + they produced a joyful state of mind. The business at present occupying + Nekhludoff could be divided under three headings. He himself, with his + usual pedantry, divided it in that way, and accordingly kept the papers + referring to it in three different portfolios. The first referred to + Maslova, and was chiefly that of taking steps to get her petition to the + Emperor attended to, and preparing for her probable journey to Siberia. + </p> + <p> + The second was about his estates. In Panovo he had given the land to the + peasants on condition of their paying rent to be put to their own communal + use. But he had to confirm this transaction by a legal deed, and to make + his will, in accordance with it. In Kousminski the state of things was + still as he had first arranged it, i.e., he was to receive the rent; but + the terms had to be fixed, and also how much of the money he would use to + live on, and how much he would leave for the peasants’ use. As he did not + know what his journey to Siberia would cost him, he could not decide to + lose this revenue altogether, though he reduced the income from it by + half. + </p> + <p> + The third part of his business was to help the convicts, who applied more + and more often to him. At first when he came in contact with the + prisoners, and they appealed to him for help, he at once began interceding + for them, hoping to lighten their fate, but he soon had so many + applications that he felt the impossibility of attending to all of them, + and that naturally led him to take up another piece of work, which at last + roused his interest even more than the three first. This new part of his + business was finding an answer to the following questions: What was this + astonishing institution called criminal law, of which the results were + that in the prison, with some of the inmates of which he had lately become + acquainted, and in all those other places of confinement, from the Peter + and Paul Fortress in Petersburg to the island of Sakhalin, hundreds and + thousands of victims were pining? What did this strange criminal law exist + for? How had it originated? + </p> + <p> + From his personal relations with the prisoners, from notes by some of + those in confinement, and by questioning the advocate and the prison + priest, Nekhludoff came to the conclusion that the convicts, the so-called + criminals, could be divided into five classes. The first were quite + innocent people, condemned by judicial blunder. Such were the Menshoffs, + supposed to be incendiaries, Maslova, and others. There were not many of + these; according to the priest’s words, only seven per cent., but their + condition excited particular interest. + </p> + <p> + To the second class belong persons condemned for actions done under + peculiar circumstances, i.e., in a fit of passion, jealousy, or + drunkenness, circumstances under which those who judged them would surely + have committed the same actions. + </p> + <p> + The third class consisted of people punished for having committed actions + which, according to their understanding, were quite natural, and even + good, but which those other people, the men who made the laws, considered + to be crimes. Such were the persons who sold spirits without a license, + smugglers, those who gathered grass and wood on large estates and in the + forests belonging to the Crown; the thieving miners; and those unbelieving + people who robbed churches. + </p> + <p> + To the fourth class belonged those who were imprisoned only because they + stood morally higher than the average level of society. Such were the + Sectarians, the Poles, the Circassians rebelling in order to regain their + independence, the political prisoners, the Socialists, the strikers + condemned for withstanding the authorities. There was, according to + Nekhludoff’s observations, a very large percentage belonging to this + class; among them some of the best of men. + </p> + <p> + The fifth class consisted of persons who had been far more sinned against + by society than they had sinned against it. These were castaways, + stupefied by continual oppression and temptation, such as the boy who had + stolen the rugs, and hundreds of others whom Nekhludoff had seen in the + prison and out of it. The conditions under which they lived seemed to lead + on systematically to those actions which are termed crimes. A great many + thieves and murderers with whom he had lately come in contact, according + to Nekhludoff’s estimate, belonged to this class. To this class Nekhludoff + also reckoned those depraved, demoralised creatures whom the new school of + criminology classify as the criminal type, and the existence of which is + considered to be the chief proof of the necessity of criminal law and + punishment. This demoralised, depraved, abnormal type was, according to + Nekhludoff, exactly the same as that against whom society had sinned, only + here society had sinned not directly against them, but against their + parents and forefathers. + </p> + <p> + Among this latter class Nekhludoff was specially struck by one Okhotin, an + inveterate thief, the illegitimate son of a prostitute, brought up in a + doss-house, who, up to the age of 30, had apparently never met with any + one whose morality was above that of a policeman, and who had got into a + band of thieves when quite young. He was gifted with an extraordinary + sense of humour, by means of which he made himself very attractive. He + asked Nekhludoff for protection, at the same time making fun of himself, + the lawyers, the prison, and laws human and divine. + </p> + <p> + Another was the handsome Fedoroff, who, with a band of robbers, of whom he + was the chief, had robbed and murdered an old man, an official. Fedoroff + was a peasant, whose father had been unlawfully deprived of his house, and + who, later on, when serving as a soldier, had suffered much because he had + fallen in love with an officer’s mistress. He had a fascinating, + passionate nature, that longed for enjoyment at any cost. He had never met + anybody who restrained himself for any cause whatever, and had never heard + a word about any aim in life other than enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff distinctly saw that both these men were richly endowed by + nature, but had been neglected and crippled like uncared-for plants. + </p> + <p> + He had also met a tramp and a woman who had repelled him by their dulness + and seeming cruelty, but even in them he could find no trace of the + criminal type written about by the Italian school, but only saw in them + people who were repulsive to him personally, just in the same way as some + he had met outside the prison, in swallow-tail coats wearing epaulettes, + or bedecked with lace. And so the investigation of the reasons why all + these very different persons were put in prison, while others just like + them were going about free and even judging them, formed a fourth task for + Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + He hoped to find an answer to this question in books, and bought all that + referred to it. He got the works of Lombroso, Garofalo, Ferry, List, + Maudsley, Tard, and read them carefully. But as he read he became more and + more disappointed. It happened to him as it always happens to those who + turn to science not in order to play a part in it, nor to write, nor to + dispute, nor to teach, but simply for an answer to an every-day question + of life. Science answered thousands of different very subtle and ingenious + questions touching criminal law, but not the one he was trying to solve. + He asked a very simple question: “Why, and with what right, do some people + lock up, torment, exile, flog, and kill others, while they are themselves + just like those whom they torment, flog, and kill?” And in answer he got + deliberations as to whether human beings had free will or not. Whether + signs of criminality could be detected by measuring the skulls or not. + What part heredity played in crime. Whether immorality could be inherited. + What madness is, what degeneration is, and what temperament is. How + climate, food, ignorance, imitativeness, hypnotism, or passion act. What + society is. What are its duties, etc., etc. + </p> + <p> + These disquisitions reminded him of the answer he once got from a little + boy whom he met coming home from school. Nekhludoff asked him if he had + learned his spelling. + </p> + <p> + “I have,” answered the boy. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, tell me, how do you spell ‘leg’?” + </p> + <p> + “A dog’s leg, or what kind of leg?” the boy answered, with a sly look. + </p> + <p> + Answers in the form of new questions, like the boy’s, was all Nekhludoff + got in reply to his one primary question. He found much that was clever, + learned much that was interesting, but what he did not find was an answer + to the principal question: By what right some people punish others? + </p> + <p> + Not only did he not find any answer, but all the arguments were brought + forward in order to explain and vindicate punishment, the necessity of + which was taken as an axiom. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff read much, but only in snatches, and putting down his failure + to this superficial way of reading, hoped to find the answer later on. He + would not allow himself to believe in the truth of the answer which began, + more and more often, to present itself to him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0090" id="link2HCH0090"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI. NEKHLUDOFF’S SISTER AND HER HUSBAND. + </h2> + <p> + The gang of prisoners, with Maslova among them, was to start on the 5th + July. Nekhludoff arranged to start on the same day. + </p> + <p> + The day before, Nekhludoff’s sister and her husband came to town to see + him. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff’s sister, Nathalie Ivanovna Rogozhinsky, was 10 years older + than her brother. She had been very fond of him when he was a boy, and + later on, just before her marriage, they grew very close to each other, as + if they were equals, she being a young woman of 25, he a lad of 15. At + that time she was in love with his friend, Nikolenka Irtenieff, since + dead. They both loved Nikolenka, and loved in him and in themselves that + which is good, and which unites all men. Since then they had both been + depraved, he by military service and a vicious life, she by marriage with + a man whom she loved with a sensual love, who did not care for the things + that had once been so dear and holy to her and to her brother, nor even + understand the meaning of those aspirations towards moral perfection and + the service of mankind, which once constituted her life, and put them down + to ambition and the wish to show off; that being the only explanation + comprehensible to him. + </p> + <p> + Nathalie’s husband had been a man without a name and without means, but + cleverly steering towards Liberalism or Conservatism, according to which + best suited his purpose, he managed to make a comparatively brilliant + judicial career. Some peculiarity which made him attractive to women + assisted him when he was no longer in his first youth. While travelling + abroad he made Nekhludoff’s acquaintance, and managed to make Nathalie, + who was also no longer a girl, fall in love with him, rather against her + mother’s wishes who considered a marriage with him to be a misalliance for + her daughter. Nekhludoff, though he tried to hide it from himself, though + he fought against it, hated his brother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff had a strong antipathy towards him because of the vulgarity of + his feelings, his assurance and narrowness, but chiefly because of + Nathalie, who managed to love him in spite of the narrowness of his + nature, and loved him so selfishly, so sensually, and stifled for his sake + all the good that had been in her. + </p> + <p> + It always hurt Nekhludoff to think of Nathalie as the wife of that hairy, + self-assured man with the shiny, bald patch on his head. He could not even + master a feeling of revulsion towards their children, and when he heard + that she was again going to have a baby, he felt something like sorrow + that she had once more been infected with something bad by this man who + was so foreign to him. The Rogozhinskys had come to Moscow alone, having + left their two children—a boy and a girl—at home, and stopped + in the best rooms of the best hotel. Nathalie at once went to her mother’s + old house, but hearing from Agraphena Petrovna that her brother had left, + and was living in a lodging-house, she drove there. The dirty servant met + her in the stuffy passage, dark but for a lamp which burnt there all day. + He told her that the Prince was not in. + </p> + <p> + Nathalie asked to be shown into his rooms, as she wished to leave a note + for him, and the man took her up. + </p> + <p> + Nathalie carefully examined her brother’s two little rooms. She noticed in + everything the love of cleanliness and order she knew so well in him, and + was struck by the novel simplicity of the surroundings. On his + writing-table she saw the paper-weight with the bronze dog on the top + which she remembered; the tidy way in which his different portfolios and + writing utensils were placed on the table was also familiar, and so was + the large, crooked ivory paper knife which marked the place in a French + book by Tard, which lay with other volumes on punishment and a book in + English by Henry George. She sat down at the table and wrote a note asking + him to be sure to come that same day, and shaking her head in surprise at + what she saw, she returned to her hotel. + </p> + <p> + Two questions regarding her brother now interested Nathalie: his marriage + with Katusha, which she had heard spoken about in their town—for + everybody was speaking about it—and his giving away the land to the + peasants, which was also known, and struck many as something of a + political nature, and dangerous. The marriage with Katusha pleased her in + a way. She admired that resoluteness which was so like him and herself as + they used to be in those happy times before her marriage. And yet she was + horrified when she thought her brother was going to marry such a dreadful + woman. The latter was the stronger feeling of the two, and she decided to + use all her influence to prevent him from doing it, though she knew how + difficult this would be. + </p> + <p> + The other matter, the giving up of the land to the peasants, did not touch + her so nearly, but her husband was very indignant about it, and expected + her to influence her brother against it. + </p> + <p> + Rogozhinsky said that such an action was the height of inconsistency, + flightiness, and pride, the only possible explanation of which was the + desire to appear original, to brag, to make one’s self talked about. + </p> + <p> + “What sense could there be in letting the land to the peasants, on + condition that they pay the rent to themselves?” he said. “If he was + resolved to do such a thing, why not sell the land to them through the + Peasants’ Bank? There might have been some sense in that. In fact, this + act verges on insanity.” + </p> + <p> + And Rogozhinsky began seriously thinking about putting Nekhludoff under + guardianship, and demanded of his wife that she should speak seriously to + her brother about his curious intention. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0091" id="link2HCH0091"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII. NEKHLUDOFF’S ANARCHISM. + </h2> + <p> + As soon as Nekhludoff returned that evening and saw his sister’s note on + the table he started to go and see her. He found Nathalie alone, her + husband having gone to take a rest in the next room. She wore a + tightly-fitting black silk dress, with a red bow in front. Her black hair + was crimped and arranged according to the latest fashion. + </p> + <p> + The pains she took to appear young, for the sake of her husband, whose + equal she was in years, were very obvious. + </p> + <p> + When she saw her brother she jumped up and hurried towards him, with her + silk dress rustling. They kissed, and looked smilingly at each other. + There passed between them that mysterious exchange of looks, full of + meaning, in which all was true, and which cannot be expressed in words. + Then came words which were not true. They had not met since their mother’s + death. + </p> + <p> + “You have grown stouter and younger,” he said, and her lips puckered up + with pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “And you have grown thinner.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and how is your husband?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “He is taking a rest; he did not sleep all night.” There was much to say, + but it was not said in words; only their looks expressed what their words + failed to say. + </p> + <p> + “I went to see you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know. I moved because the house is too big for me. I was lonely + there, and dull. I want nothing of all that is there, so that you had + better take it all—the furniture, I mean, and things.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Agraphena Petrovna told me. I went there. Thanks, very much. But—” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the hotel waiter brought in a silver tea-set. While he set + the table they were silent. Then Nathalie sat down at the table and made + the tea, still in silence. Nekhludoff also said nothing. + </p> + <p> + At last Nathalie began resolutely. “Well, Dmitri, I know all about it.” + And she looked at him. + </p> + <p> + “What of that? l am glad you know.” + </p> + <p> + “How can you hope to reform her after the life she has led?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + He sat quite straight on a small chair, and listened attentively, trying + to understand her and to answer rightly. The state of mind called forth in + him by his last interview with Maslova still filled his soul with quiet + joy and good will to all men. + </p> + <p> + “It is not her but myself I wish to reform,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + Nathalie sighed. + </p> + <p> + “There are other means besides marriage to do that.” + </p> + <p> + “But I think it is the best. Besides, it leads me into that world in which + I can be of use.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot believe you will be happy,” said Nathalie. + </p> + <p> + “It’s not my happiness that is the point.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, but if she has a heart she cannot be happy—cannot even + wish it.” + </p> + <p> + “She does not wish it.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand; but life—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—life?” + </p> + <p> + “Demands something different.” + </p> + <p> + “It demands nothing but that we should do what is right,” said Nekhludoff, + looking into her face, still handsome, though slightly wrinkled round eyes + and mouth. + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand,” she said, and sighed. + </p> + <p> + “Poor darling; how could she change so?” he thought, calling back to his + mind Nathalie as she had been before her marriage, and feeling towards her + a tenderness woven out of innumerable memories of childhood. At that + moment Rogozhinsky entered the room, with head thrown back and expanded + chest, and stepping lightly and softly in his usual manner, his + spectacles, his bald patch, and his black beard all glistening. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do? How do you do?” he said, laying an unnatural and + intentional stress on his words. (Though, soon after the marriage, they + had tried to be more familiar with each other, they had never succeeded.) + </p> + <p> + They shook hands, and Rogozhinsky sank softly into an easy-chair. + </p> + <p> + “Am I not interrupting your conversation?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I do not wish to hide what I am saying or doing from any one.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as Nekhludoff saw the hairy hands, and heard the patronising, + self-assured tones, his meekness left him in a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we were talking about his intentions,” said Nathalie. “Shall I give + you a cup of tea?” she added, taking the teapot. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, please. What particular intentions do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “That of going to Siberia with the gang of prisoners, among whom is the + woman I consider myself to have wronged,” uttered Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “I hear not only to accompany her, but more than that.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and to marry her if she wishes it.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me! But if you do not object I should like to ask you to explain + your motives. I do not understand them.” + </p> + <p> + “My motives are that this woman—that this woman’s first step on her + way to degradation—” Nekhludoff got angry with himself, and was + unable to find the right expression. “My motives are that I am the guilty + one, and she gets the punishment.” + </p> + <p> + “If she is being punished she cannot be innocent, either.” + </p> + <p> + “She is quite innocent.” And Nekhludoff related the whole incident with + unnecessary warmth. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that was a case of carelessness on the part of the president, the + result of which was a thoughtless answer on the part of the jury; but + there is the Senate for cases like that.” + </p> + <p> + “The Senate has rejected the appeal.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if the Senate has rejected it, there cannot have been sufficient + reasons for an appeal,” said Rogozhinsky, evidently sharing the prevailing + opinion that truth is the product of judicial decrees. “The Senate cannot + enter into the question on its merits. If there is a real mistake, the + Emperor should be petitioned.” + </p> + <p> + “That has been done, but there is no probability of success. They will + apply to the Department of the Ministry, the Department will consult the + Senate, the Senate will repeat its decision, and, as usual, the innocent + will get punished.” + </p> + <p> + “In the first place, the Department of the Ministry won’t consult the + Senate,” said Rogozhinsky, with a condescending smile; “it will give + orders for the original deeds to be sent from the Law Court, and if it + discovers a mistake it will decide accordingly. And, secondly, the + innocent are never punished, or at least in very rare, exceptional cases. + It is the guilty who are punished,” Rogozhinsky said deliberately, and + smiled self-complacently. + </p> + <p> + “And I have become fully convinced that most of those condemned by law are + innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “How’s that?” + </p> + <p> + “Innocent in the literal sense. Just as this woman is innocent of + poisoning any one; as innocent as a peasant I have just come to know, of + the murder he never committed; as a mother and son who were on the point + of being condemned for incendiarism, which was committed by the owner of + the house that was set on fire.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, of course there always have been and always will be judicial + errors. Human institutions cannot be perfect.” + </p> + <p> + “And, besides, there are a great many people convicted who are innocent of + doing anything considered wrong by the society they have grown up in.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, this is not so; every thief knows that stealing is wrong, and + that we should not steal; that it is immoral,” said Rogozhinsky, with his + quiet, self-assured, slightly contemptuous smile, which specially + irritated Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “No, he does not know it; they say to him ‘don’t steal,’ and he knows that + the master of the factory steals his labour by keeping back his wages; + that the Government, with its officials, robs him continually by + taxation.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, this is anarchism,” Rogozhinsky said, quietly defining his + brother-in-law’s words. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know what it is; I am only telling you the truth,” Nekhludoff + continued. “He knows that the Government is robbing him, knows that we + landed proprietors have robbed him long since, robbed him of the land + which should be the common property of all, and then, if he picks up dry + wood to light his fire on that land stolen from him, we put him in jail, + and try to persuade him that he is a thief. Of course he knows that not he + but those who robbed him of the land are thieves, and that to get any + restitution of what has been robbed is his duty towards his family.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t understand, or if I do I cannot agree with it. The land must be + somebody’s property,” began Rogozhinsky quietly, and, convinced that + Nekhludoff was a Socialist, and that Socialism demands that all the land + should be divided equally, that such a division would be very foolish, and + that he could easily prove it to be so, he said. “If you divided it + equally to-day, it would to-morrow be again in the hands of the most + industrious and clever.” + </p> + <p> + “Nobody is thinking of dividing the land equally. The land must not be + anybody’s property; must not be a thing to be bought and sold or rented.” + </p> + <p> + “The rights of property are inborn in man; without them the cultivation of + land would present no interest. Destroy the rights of property and we + lapse into barbarism.” Rogozhinsky uttered this authoritatively, repeating + the usual argument in favour of private ownership of land which is + supposed to be irrefutable, based on the assumption that people’s desire + to possess land proves that they need it. + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, only when the land is nobody’s property will it cease to + lie idle, as it does now, while the landlords, like dogs in the manger, + unable themselves to put it to use, will not let those use it who are + able.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Dmitri Ivanovitch, what you are saying is sheer madness. Is it + possible to abolish property in land in our age? I know it is your old + hobby. But allow me to tell you straight,” and Rogozhinsky grew pale, and + his voice trembled. It was evident that this question touched him very + nearly. “I should advise you to consider this question well before + attempting to solve it practically.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you speaking of my personal affairs?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I hold that we who are placed in special circumstances should bear + the responsibilities which spring from those circumstances, should uphold + the conditions in which we were born, and which we have inherited from our + predecessors, and which we ought to pass on to our descendants.” + </p> + <p> + “I consider it my duty—” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a bit,” said Rogozhinsky, not permitting the interruption. “I am not + speaking for myself or my children. The position of my children is + assured, and I earn enough for us to live comfortably, and I expect my + children will live so too, so that my interest in your action—which, + if you will allow me to say so, is not well considered—is not based + on personal motives; it is on principle that I cannot agree with you. I + should advise you to think it well over, to read—-?” + </p> + <p> + “Please allow me to settle my affairs, and to choose what to read and what + not to read, myself,” said Nekhludoff, turning pale. Feeling his hands + grow cold, and that he was no longer master of himself, he stopped, and + began drinking his tea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0092" id="link2HCH0092"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII. THE AIM OF THE LAW. + </h2> + <p> + “Well, and how are the children?” Nekhludoff asked his sister when he was + calmer. The sister told him about the children. She said they were staying + with their grandmother (their father’s mother), and, pleased that his + dispute with her husband had come to an end, she began telling him how her + children played that they were travelling, just as he used to do with his + three dolls, one of them a negro and another which he called the French + lady. + </p> + <p> + “Can you really remember it all?” said Nekhludoff, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and just fancy, they play in the very same way.” + </p> + <p> + The unpleasant conversation had been brought to an end, and Nathalie was + quieter, but she did not care to talk in her husband’s presence of what + could be comprehensible only to her brother, so, wishing to start a + general conversation, she began talking about the sorrow of Kamenski’s + mother at losing her only son, who had fallen in a duel, for this + Petersburg topic of the day had now reached Moscow. Rogozhinsky expressed + disapproval at the state of things that excluded murder in a duel from the + ordinary criminal offences. This remark evoked a rejoinder from + Nekhludoff, and a new dispute arose on the subject. Nothing was fully + explained, neither of the antagonists expressed all he had in his mind, + each keeping to his conviction, which condemned the other. Rogozhinsky + felt that Nekhludoff condemned him and despised his activity, and he + wished to show him the injustice of his opinions. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff, on the other hand, felt provoked by his brother-in-law’s + interference in his affairs concerning the land. And knowing in his heart + of hearts that his sister, her husband, and their children, as his heirs, + had a right to do so, was indignant that this narrow-minded man persisted + with calm assurance to regard as just and lawful what Nekhludoff no longer + doubted was folly and crime. + </p> + <p> + This man’s arrogance annoyed Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “What could the law do?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “It could sentence one of the two duellists to the mines like an ordinary + murderer.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff’s hands grew cold. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and what good would that be?” he asked, hotly. + </p> + <p> + “It would be just.” + </p> + <p> + “As if justice were the aim of the law,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “What else?” + </p> + <p> + “The upholding of class interests! I think the law is only an instrument + for upholding the existing order of things beneficial to our class.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a perfectly new view,” said Rogozhinsky with a quiet smile; “the + law is generally supposed to have a totally different aim.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, so it has in theory but not in practice, as I have found out. The + law aims only at preserving the present state of things, and therefore it + persecutes and executes those who stand above the ordinary level and wish + to raise it—the so-called political prisoners, as well as those who + are below the average—the so-called criminal types.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not agree with you. In the first place, I cannot admit that the + criminals classed as political are punished because they are above the + average. In most cases they are the refuse of society, just as much + perverted, though in a different way, as the criminal types whom you + consider below the average.” + </p> + <p> + “But I happen to know men who are morally far above their judges; all the + sectarians are moral, from—” + </p> + <p> + But Rogozhinsky, a man not accustomed to be interrupted when he spoke, did + not listen to Nekhludoff, but went on talking at the same time, thereby + irritating him still more. + </p> + <p> + “Nor can I admit that the object of the law is the upholding of the + present state of things. The law aims at reforming—” + </p> + <p> + “A nice kind of reform, in a prison!” Nekhludoff put in. + </p> + <p> + “Or removing,” Rogozhinsky went on, persistently, “the perverted and + brutalised persons that threaten society.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just what it doesn’t do. Society has not the means of doing either + the one thing or the other.” + </p> + <p> + “How is that? I don’t understand,” said Rogozhinsky with a forced smile. + </p> + <p> + “I mean that only two reasonable kinds of punishment exist. Those used in + the old days: corporal and capital punishment, which, as human nature + gradually softens, come more and more into disuse,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “There, now, this is quite new and very strange to hear from your lips.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is reasonable to hurt a man so that he should not do in future + what he is hurt for doing, and it is also quite reasonable to cut a man’s + head off when he is injurious or dangerous to society. These punishments + have a reasonable meaning. But what sense is there in locking up in a + prison a man perverted by want of occupation and bad example; to place him + in a position where he is provided for, where laziness is imposed on him, + and where he is in company with the most perverted of men? What reason is + there to take a man at public cost (it comes to more than 500 roubles per + head) from the Toula to the Irkoatsk government, or from Koursk—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but all the same, people are afraid of those journeys at public + cost, and if it were not for such journeys and the prisons, you and I + would not be sitting here as we are.” + </p> + <p> + “The prisons cannot insure our safety, because these people do not stay + there for ever, but are set free again. On the contrary, in those + establishments men are brought to the greatest vice and degradation, so + that the danger is increased.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean to say that the penitentiary system should be improved.” + </p> + <p> + “It cannot be improved. Improved prisons would cost more than all that is + being now spent on the people’s education, and would lay a still heavier + burden on the people.” + </p> + <p> + “The shortcomings of the penitentiary system in nowise invalidate the law + itself,” Rogozhinsky continued again, without heeding his brother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + “There is no remedy for these shortcomings,” said Nekhludoff, raising his + voice. + </p> + <p> + “What of that? Shall we therefore go and kill, or, as a certain statesman + proposed, go putting out people’s eyes?” Rogozhinsky remarked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; that would be cruel, but it would be effective. What is done now is + cruel, and not only ineffective, but so stupid that one cannot understand + how people in their senses can take part in so absurd and cruel a business + as criminal law.” + </p> + <p> + “But I happen to take part in it,” said Rogozhinsky, growing pale. + </p> + <p> + “That is your business. But to me it is incomprehensible.” + </p> + <p> + “I think there are a good many things incomprehensible to you,” said + Rogozhinsky, with a trembling voice. + </p> + <p> + “I have seen how one public prosecutor did his very best to get an + unfortunate boy condemned, who could have evoked nothing but sympathy in + an unperverted mind. I know how another cross-examined a sectarian and put + down the reading of the Gospels as a criminal offence; in fact, the whole + business of the Law Courts consists in senseless and cruel actions of that + sort.” + </p> + <p> + “I should not serve if I thought so,” said Rogozhinsky, rising. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff noticed a peculiar glitter under his brother-in-law’s + spectacles. “Can it be tears?” he thought. And they were really tears of + injured pride. Rogozhinsky went up to the window, got out his + handkerchief, coughed and rubbed his spectacles, took them off, and wiped + his eyes. + </p> + <p> + When he returned to the sofa he lit a cigar, and did not speak any more. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff felt pained and ashamed of having offended his brother-in-law + and his sister to such a degree, especially as he was going away the next + day. + </p> + <p> + He parted with them in confusion, and drove home. + </p> + <p> + “All I have said may be true—anyhow he did not reply. But it was not + said in the right way. How little I must have changed if I could be + carried away by ill-feeling to such an extent as to hurt and wound poor + Nathalie in such a way!” he thought. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0093" id="link2HCH0093"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIV. THE PRISONERS START FOR SIBERIA. + </h2> + <p> + The gang of prisoners, among whom was Maslova, was to leave Moscow by rail + at 3 p.m.; therefore, in order to see the gang start, and walk to the + station with the prisoners Nekhludoff meant to reach the prison before 12 + o’clock. + </p> + <p> + The night before, as he was packing up and sorting his papers, he came + upon his diary, and read some bits here and there. The last bit written + before he left for Petersburg ran thus: “Katusha does not wish to accept + my sacrifice; she wishes to make a sacrifice herself. She has conquered, + and so have I. She makes me happy by the inner change, which seems to me, + though I fear to believe it, to be going on in her. I fear to believe it, + yet she seems to be coming back to life.” Then further on he read. “I have + lived through something very hard and very joyful. I learnt that she has + behaved very badly in the hospital, and I suddenly felt great pain. I + never expected that it could be so painful. I spoke to her with loathing + and hatred, then all of a sudden I called to mind how many times I have + been, and even still am, though but in thought, guilty of the thing that I + hated her for, and immediately I became disgusting to myself, and pitied + her and felt happy again. If only we could manage to see the beam in our + own eye in time, how kind we should be.” Then he wrote: “I have been to + see Nathalie, and again self-satisfaction made me unkind and spiteful, and + a heavy feeling remains. Well, what is to be done? Tomorrow a new life + will begin. A final good-bye to the old! Many new impressions have + accumulated, but I cannot yet bring them to unity.” + </p> + <p> + When he awoke the next morning Nekhludoff’s first feeling was regret about + the affair between him and his brother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot go away like this,” he thought. “I must go and make it up with + them.” But when he looked at his watch he saw that he had not time to go, + but must hurry so as not to be too late for the departure of the gang. He + hastily got everything ready, and sent the things to the station with a + servant and Taras, Theodosia’s husband, who was going with them. Then he + took the first isvostchik he could find and drove off to the prison. + </p> + <p> + The prisoners’ train started two hours before the train by which he was + going, so Nekhludoff paid his bill in the lodgings and left for good. + </p> + <p> + It was July, and the weather was unbearably hot. From the stones, the + walls, the iron of the roofs, which the sultry night had not cooled, the + heat streamed into the motionless air. When at rare intervals a slight + breeze did arise, it brought but a whiff of hot air filled with dust and + smelling of oil paint. + </p> + <p> + There were few people in the streets, and those who were out tried to keep + on the shady side. Only the sunburnt peasants, with their bronzed faces + and bark shoes on their feet, who were mending the road, sat hammering the + stones into the burning sand in the sun; while the policemen, in their + holland blouses, with revolvers fastened with orange cords, stood + melancholy and depressed in the middle of the road, changing from foot to + foot; and the tramcars, the horses of which wore holland hoods on their + heads, with slits for the ears, kept passing up and down the sunny road + with ringing bells. + </p> + <p> + When Nekhludoff drove up to the prison the gang had not left the yard. The + work of delivering and receiving the prisoners that had commenced at 4 + A.M. was still going on. The gang was to consist of 623 men and 64 women; + they had all to be received according to the registry lists. The sick and + the weak to be sorted out, and all to be delivered to the convoy. The new + inspector, with two assistants, the doctor and medical assistant, the + officer of the convoy, and the clerk, were sitting in the prison yard at a + table covered with writing materials and papers, which was placed in the + shade of a wall. They called the prisoners one by one, examined and + questioned them, and took notes. The rays of the sun had gradually reached + the table, and it was growing very hot and oppressive for want of air and + because of the breathing crowd of prisoners that stood close by. + </p> + <p> + “Good gracious, will this never come to an end!” the convoy officer, a + tall, fat, red-faced man with high shoulders, who kept puffing the smoke, + of his cigarette into his thick moustache, asked, as he drew in a long + puff. “You are killing me. From where have you got them all? Are there + many more?” the clerk inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-four men and the women.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you standing there for? Come on,” shouted the convoy officer to + the prisoners who had not yet passed the revision, and who stood crowded + one behind the other. The prisoners had been standing there more than + three hours, packed in rows in the full sunlight, waiting their turns. + </p> + <p> + While this was going on in the prison yard, outside the gate, besides the + sentinel who stood there as usual with a gun, were drawn up about 20 + carts, to carry the luggage of the prisoners and such prisoners as were + too weak to walk, and a group of relatives and friends waiting to see the + prisoners as they came out and to exchange a few words if a chance + presented itself and to give them a few things. Nekhludoff took his place + among the group. He had stood there about an hour when the clanking of + chains, the noise of footsteps, authoritative voices, the sound of + coughing, and the low murmur of a large crowd became audible. + </p> + <p> + This continued for about five minutes, during which several jailers went + in and out of the gateway. At last the word of command was given. The gate + opened with a thundering noise, the clattering of the chains became + louder, and the convoy soldiers, dressed in white blouses and carrying + guns, came out into the street and took their places in a large, exact + circle in front of the gate; this was evidently a usual, often-practised + manoeuvre. Then another command was given, and the prisoners began coming + out in couples, with flat, pancake-shaped caps on their shaved heads and + sacks over their shoulders, dragging their chained legs and swinging one + arm, while the other held up a sack. + </p> + <p> + First came the men condemned to hard labour, all dressed alike in grey + trousers and cloaks with marks on the back. All of them—young and + old, thin and fat, pale and red, dark and bearded and beardless, Russians, + Tartars, and Jews—came out, clattering with their chains and briskly + swinging their arms as if prepared to go a long distance, but stopped + after having taken ten steps, and obediently took their places behind each + other, four abreast. Then without interval streamed out more shaved men, + dressed in the same manner but with chains only on their legs. These were + condemned to exile. They came out as briskly and stopped as suddenly, + taking their places four in a row. Then came those exiled by their + Communes. Then the women in the same order, first those condemned to hard + labour, with grey cloaks and kerchiefs; then the exiled women, and those + following their husbands of their own free will, dressed in their own town + or village clothing. Some of the women were carrying babies wrapped in the + fronts of their grey cloaks. + </p> + <p> + With the women came the children, boys and girls, who, like colts in a + herd of horses, pressed in among the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + The men took their places silently, only coughing now and then, or making + short remarks. + </p> + <p> + The women talked without intermission. Nekhludoff thought he saw Maslova + as they were coming out, but she was at once lost in the large crowd, and + he could only see grey creatures, seemingly devoid of all that was human, + or at any rate of all that was womanly, with sacks on their backs and + children round them, taking their places behind the men. + </p> + <p> + Though all the prisoners had been counted inside the prison walls, the + convoy counted them again, comparing the numbers with the list. This took + very long, especially as some of the prisoners moved and changed places, + which confused the convoy. + </p> + <p> + The convoy soldiers shouted and pushed the prisoners (who complied + obediently, but angrily) and counted them over again. When all had been + counted, the convoy officer gave a command, and the crowd became agitated. + The weak men and women and children rushed, racing each other, towards the + carts, and began placing their bags on the carts and climbing up + themselves. Women with crying babies, merry children quarrelling for + places, and dull, careworn prisoners got into the carts. + </p> + <p> + Several of the prisoners took off their caps and came up to the convoy + officer with some request. Nekhludoff found out later that they were + asking for places on the carts. Nekhludoff saw how the officer, without + looking at the prisoners, drew in a whiff from his cigarette, and then + suddenly waved his short arm in front of one of the prisoners, who quickly + drew his shaved head back between his shoulders as if afraid of a blow, + and sprang back. + </p> + <p> + “I will give you a lift such that you’ll remember. You’ll get there on + foot right enough,” shouted the officer. Only one of the men was granted + his request—an old man with chains on his legs; and Nekhludoff saw + the old man take off his pancake-shaped cap, and go up to the cart + crossing himself. He could not manage to get up on the cart because of the + chains that prevented his lifting his old legs, and a woman who was + sitting in the cart at last pulled him in by the arm. + </p> + <p> + When all the sacks were in the carts, and those who were allowed to get in + were seated, the officer took off his cap, wiped his forehead, his bald + head and fat, red neck, and crossed himself. + </p> + <p> + “March,” commanded the officer. The soldiers’ guns gave a click; the + prisoners took off their caps and crossed themselves, those who were + seeing them off shouted something, the prisoners shouted in answer, a row + arose among the women, and the gang, surrounded by the soldiers in their + white blouses, moved forward, raising the dust with their chained feet. + The soldiers went in front; then came the convicts condemned to hard + labour, clattering with their chains; then the exiled and those exiled by + the Communes, chained in couples by their wrists; then the women. After + them, on the carts loaded with sacks, came the weak. High up on one of the + carts sat a woman closely wrapped up, and she kept shrieking and sobbing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0094" id="link2HCH0094"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV. NOT MEN BUT STRANGE AND TERRIBLE CREATURES? + </h2> + <p> + The procession was such a long one that the carts with the luggage and the + weak started only when those in front were already out of sight. When the + last of the carts moved, Nekhludoff got into the trap that stood waiting + for him and told the isvostchik to catch up the prisoners in front, so + that he could see if he knew any of the men in the gang, and then try and + find out Maslova among the women and ask her if she had received the + things he sent. + </p> + <p> + It was very hot, and a cloud of dust that was raised by a thousand + tramping feet stood all the time over the gang that was moving down the + middle of the street. The prisoners were walking quickly, and the + slow-going isvostchik’s horse was some time in catching them up. Row upon + row they passed, those strange and terrible-looking creatures, none of + whom Nekhludoff knew. + </p> + <p> + On they went, all dressed alike, moving a thousand feet all shod alike, + swinging their free arms as if to keep up their spirits. There were so + many of them, they all looked so much alike, and they were all placed in + such unusual, peculiar circumstances, that they seemed to Nekhludoff to be + not men but some sort of strange and terrible creatures. This impression + passed when he recognised in the crowd of convicts the murderer Federoff, + and among the exiles Okhotin the wit, and another tramp who had appealed + to him for assistance. Almost all the prisoners turned and looked at the + trap that was passing them and at the gentleman inside. Federoff tossed + his head backwards as a sign that he had recognised Nekhludoff, Okhotin + winked, but neither of them bowed, considering it not the thing. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Nekhludoff came up to the women he saw Maslova; she was in the + second row. The first in the row was a short-legged, black-eyed, hideous + woman, who had her cloak tucked up in her girdle. This was Koroshavka. The + next was a pregnant woman, who dragged herself along with difficulty. The + third was Maslova; she was carrying her sack on her shoulder, and looking + straight before her. Her face looked calm and determined. The fourth in + the row was a young, lovely woman who was walking along briskly, dressed + in a short cloak, her kerchief tied in peasant fashion. This was + Theodosia. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff got down and approached the women, meaning to ask Maslova if + she had got the things he had sent her, and how she was feeling, but the + convoy sergeant, who was walking on that side, noticed him at once, and + ran towards him. + </p> + <p> + “You must not do that, sir. It is against the regulations to approach the + gang,” shouted the sergeant as he came up. + </p> + <p> + But when he recognised Nekhludoff (every one in the prison knew + Nekhludoff) the sergeant raised his fingers to his cap, and, stopping in + front of Nekhludoff, said: “Not now; wait till we get to the railway + station; here it is not allowed. Don’t lag behind; march!” he shouted to + the convicts, and putting on a brisk air, he ran back to his place at a + trot, in spite of the heat and the elegant new boots on his feet. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff went on to the pavement and told the isvostchik to follow him; + himself walking, so as to keep the convicts in sight. Wherever the gang + passed it attracted attention mixed with horror and compassion. Those who + drove past leaned out of the vehicles and followed the prisoners with + their eyes. Those on foot stopped and looked with fear and surprise at the + terrible sight. Some came up and gave alms to the prisoners. The alms were + received by the convoy. Some, as if they were hypnotised, followed the + gang, but then stopped, shook their heads, and followed the prisoners only + with their eyes. Everywhere the people came out of the gates and doors, + and called others to come out, too, or leaned out of the windows looking, + silent and immovable, at the frightful procession. At a cross-road a fine + carriage was stopped by the gang. A fat coachman, with a shiny face and + two rows of buttons on his back, sat on the box; a married couple sat + facing the horses, the wife, a pale, thin woman, with a light-coloured + bonnet on her head and a bright sunshade in her hand, the husband with a + top-hat and a well-cut light-coloured overcoat. On the seat in front sat + their children—a well-dressed little girl, with loose, fair hair, + and as fresh as a flower, who also held a bright parasol, and an + eight-year-old boy, with a long, thin neck and sharp collarbones, a sailor + hat with long ribbons on his head. + </p> + <p> + The father was angrily scolding the coachman because he had not passed in + front of the gang when he had a chance, and the mother frowned and half + closed her eyes with a look of disgust, shielding herself from the dust + and the sun with her silk sunshade, which she held close to her face. + </p> + <p> + The fat coachman frowned angrily at the unjust rebukes of his master—who + had himself given the order to drive along that street—and with + difficulty held in the glossy, black horses, foaming under their harness + and impatient to go on. + </p> + <p> + The policeman wished with all his soul to please the owner of the fine + equipage by stopping the gang, yet felt that the dismal solemnity of the + procession could not be broken even for so rich a gentleman. He only + raised his fingers to his cap to show his respect for riches, and looked + severely at the prisoners as if promising in any case to protect the + owners of the carriage from them. So the carriage had to wait till the + whole of the procession had passed, and could only move on when the last + of the carts, laden with sacks and prisoners, rattled by. The hysterical + woman who sat on one of the carts, and had grown calm, again began + shrieking and sobbing when she saw the elegant carriage. Then the coachman + tightened the reins with a slight touch, and the black trotters, their + shoes ringing against the paving stones, drew the carriage, softly swaying + on its rubber tires, towards the country house where the husband, the + wife, the girl, and the boy with the sharp collar-bones were going to + amuse themselves. Neither the father nor the mother gave the girl and boy + any explanation of what they had seen, so that the children had themselves + to find out the meaning of this curious sight. The girl, taking the + expression of her father’s and mother’s faces into consideration, solved + the problem by assuming that these people were quite another kind of men + and women than her father and mother and their acquaintances, that they + were bad people, and that they had therefore to be treated in the manner + they were being treated. + </p> + <p> + Therefore the girl felt nothing but fear, and was glad when she could no + longer see those people. + </p> + <p> + But the boy with the long, thin neck, who looked at the procession of + prisoners without taking his eyes off them, solved the question + differently. + </p> + <p> + He still knew, firmly and without any doubt, for he had it from God, that + these people were just the same kind of people as he was, and like all + other people, and therefore some one had done these people some wrong, + something that ought not to have been done, and he was sorry for them, and + felt no horror either of those who were shaved and chained or of those who + had shaved and chained them. And so the boy’s lips pouted more and more, + and he made greater and greater efforts not to cry, thinking it a shame to + cry in such a case. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0095" id="link2HCH0095"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI. THE TENDER MERCIES OF THE LORD. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff kept up with the quick pace of the convicts. Though lightly + clothed he felt dreadfully hot, and it was hard to breathe in the + stifling, motionless, burning air filled with dust. + </p> + <p> + When he had walked about a quarter of a mile he again got into the trap, + but it felt still hotter in the middle of the street. He tried to recall + last night’s conversation with his brother-in-law, but the recollections + no longer excited him as they had done in the morning. They were dulled by + the impressions made by the starting and procession of the gang, and + chiefly by the intolerable heat. + </p> + <p> + On the pavement, in the shade of some trees overhanging a fence, he saw + two schoolboys standing over a kneeling man who sold ices. One of the boys + was already sucking a pink spoon and enjoying his ices, the other was + waiting for a glass that was being filled with something yellowish. + </p> + <p> + “Where could I get a drink?” Nekhludoff asked his isvostchik, feeling an + insurmountable desire for some refreshment. + </p> + <p> + “There is a good eating-house close by,” the isvostchik answered, and + turning a corner, drove up to a door with a large signboard. The plump + clerk in a Russian shirt, who stood behind the counter, and the waiters in + their once white clothing who sat at the tables (there being hardly any + customers) looked with curiosity at the unusual visitor and offered him + their services. Nekhludoff asked for a bottle of seltzer water and sat + down some way from the window at a small table covered with a dirty cloth. + Two men sat at another table with tea-things and a white bottle in front + of them, mopping their foreheads, and calculating something in a friendly + manner. One of them was dark and bald, and had just such a border of hair + at the back as Rogozhinsky. This sight again reminded Nekhludoff of + yesterday’s talk with his brother-in-law and his wish to see him and + Nathalie. + </p> + <p> + “I shall hardly be able to do it before the train starts,” he thought; + “I’d better write.” He asked for paper, an envelope, and a stamp, and as + he was sipping the cool, effervescent water he considered what he should + say. But his thoughts wandered, and he could not manage to compose a + letter. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Nathalie,—I cannot go away with the heavy impression that + yesterday’s talk with your husband has left,” he began. “What next? Shall + I ask him to forgive me what I said yesterday? But I only said what I + felt, and he will think that I am taking it back. Besides, this + interference of his in my private matters. . . . No, I cannot,” and again + he felt hatred rising in his heart towards that man so foreign to him. He + folded the unfinished letter and put it in his pocket, paid, went out, and + again got into the trap to catch up the gang. It had grown still hotter. + The stones and the walls seemed to be breathing out hot air. The pavement + seemed to scorch the feet, and Nekhludoff felt a burning sensation in his + hand when he touched the lacquered splashguard of his trap. + </p> + <p> + The horse was jogging along at a weary trot, beating the uneven, dusty + road monotonously with its hoofs, the isvostchik kept falling into a doze, + Nekhludoff sat without thinking of anything. + </p> + <p> + At the bottom of a street, in front of a large house, a group of people + had collected, and a convoy soldier stood by. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened?” Nekhludoff asked of a porter. + </p> + <p> + “Something the matter with a convict.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff got down and came up to the group. On the rough stones, where + the pavement slanted down to the gutter, lay a broadly-built, red-bearded, + elderly convict, with his head lower than his feet, and very red in the + face. He had a grey cloak and grey trousers on, and lay on his back with + the palms of his freckled hands downwards, and at long intervals his + broad, high chest heaved, and he groaned, while his bloodshot eyes were + fixed on the sky. By him stood a cross-looking policeman, a pedlar, a + postman, a clerk, an old woman with a parasol, and a short-haired boy with + an empty basket. + </p> + <p> + “They are weak. Having been locked up in prison they’ve got weak, and then + they lead them through the most broiling heat,” said the clerk, addressing + Nekhludoff, who had just come up. + </p> + <p> + “He’ll die, most likely,” said the woman with the parasol, in a doleful + tone. + </p> + <p> + “His shirt should be untied,” said the postman. + </p> + <p> + The policeman began, with his thick, trembling fingers, clumsily to untie + the tapes that fastened the shirt round the red, sinewy neck. He was + evidently excited and confused, but still thought it necessary to address + the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “What have you collected here for? It is hot enough without your keeping + the wind off.” + </p> + <p> + “They should have been examined by a doctor, and the weak ones left + behind,” said the clerk, showing off his knowledge of the law. + </p> + <p> + The policeman, having undone the tapes of the shirt, rose and looked + round. + </p> + <p> + “Move on, I tell you. It is not your business, is it? What’s there to + stare at?” he said, and turned to Nekhludoff for sympathy, but not finding + any in his face he turned to the convoy soldier. + </p> + <p> + But the soldier stood aside, examining the trodden-down heel of his boot, + and was quite indifferent to the policeman’s perplexity. + </p> + <p> + “Those whose business it is don’t care. Is it right to do men to death + like this? A convict is a convict, but still he is a man,” different + voices were heard saying in the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Put his head up higher, and give him some water,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Water has been sent for,” said the policeman, and taking the prisoner + under the arms he with difficulty pulled his body a little higher up. + </p> + <p> + “What’s this gathering here?” said a decided, authoritative voice, and a + police officer, with a wonderfully clean, shiny blouse, and still more + shiny top-boots, came up to the assembled crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Move on. No standing about here,” he shouted to the crowd, before he knew + what had attracted it. + </p> + <p> + When he came near and saw the dying convict, he made a sign of approval + with his head, just as if he had quite expected it, and, turning to the + policeman, said, “How is this?” + </p> + <p> + The policeman said that, as a gang of prisoners was passing, one of the + convicts had fallen down, and the convoy officer had ordered him to be + left behind. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s all right. He must be taken to the police station. Call an + isvostchik.” + </p> + <p> + “A porter has gone for one,” said the policeman, with his fingers raised + to his cap. + </p> + <p> + The shopman began something about the heat. + </p> + <p> + “Is it your business, eh? Move on,” said the police officer, and looked so + severely at him that the clerk was silenced. + </p> + <p> + “He ought to have a little water,” said Nekhludoff. The police officer + looked severely at Nekhludoff also, but said nothing. When the porter + brought a mug full of water, he told the policeman to offer some to the + convict. The policeman raised the drooping head, and tried to pour a + little water down the mouth; but the prisoner could not swallow it, and it + ran down his beard, wetting his jacket and his coarse, dirty linen shirt. + </p> + <p> + “Pour it on his head,” ordered the officer; and the policeman took off the + pancake-shaped cap and poured the water over the red curls and bald part + of the prisoner’s head. His eyes opened wide as if in fear, but his + position remained unchanged. + </p> + <p> + Streams of dirt trickled down his dusty face, but the mouth continued to + gasp in the same regular way, and his whole body shook. + </p> + <p> + “And what’s this? Take this one,” said the police officer, pointing to + Nekhludoff’s isvostchik. “You, there, drive up.” + </p> + <p> + “I am engaged,” said the isvostchik, dismally, and without looking up. + </p> + <p> + “It is my isvostchik; but take him. I will pay you,” said Nekhludoff, + turning to the isvostchik. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what are you waiting for?” shouted the officer. “Catch hold.” + </p> + <p> + The policeman, the porter, and the convoy soldier lifted the dying man and + carried him to the trap, and put him on the seat. But he could not sit up; + his head fell back, and the whole of his body glided off the seat. + </p> + <p> + “Make him lie down,” ordered the officer. + </p> + <p> + “It’s all right, your honour; I’ll manage him like this,” said the + policeman, sitting down by the dying man, and clasping his strong, right + arm round the body under the arms. The convoy soldier lifted the + stockingless feet, in prison shoes, and put them into the trap. + </p> + <p> + The police officer looked around, and noticing the pancake-shaped hat of + the convict lifted it up and put it on the wet, drooping head. + </p> + <p> + “Go on,” he ordered. + </p> + <p> + The isvostchik looked angrily round, shook his head, and, accompanied by + the convoy soldier, drove back to the police station. The policeman, + sitting beside the convict, kept dragging up the body that was continually + sliding down from the seat, while the head swung from side to side. + </p> + <p> + The convoy soldier, who was walking by the side of the trap, kept putting + the legs in their place. Nekhludoff followed the trap. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0096" id="link2HCH0096"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII. SPILLED LIKE WATER ON THE GROUND. + </h2> + <p> + The trap passed the fireman who stood sentinel at the entrance, [the + headquarters of the fire brigade and the police stations are generally + together in Moscow] drove into the yard of the police station, and stopped + at one of the doors. In the yard several firemen with their sleeves tucked + up were washing some kind of cart and talking loudly. When the trap + stopped, several policemen surrounded it, and taking the lifeless body of + the convict under the arms, took him out of the trap, which creaked under + him. The policeman who had brought the body got down, shook his numbed + arm, took off his cap, and crossed himself. The body was carried through + the door and up the stairs. Nekhludoff followed. In the small, dirty room + where the body was taken there stood four beds. On two of them sat a + couple of sick men in dressing-gowns, one with a crooked mouth, whose neck + was bandaged, the other one in consumption. Two of the beds were empty; + the convict was laid on one of them. A little man, with glistening eyes + and continually moving brows, with only his underclothes and stockings on, + came up with quick, soft steps, looked at the convict and then at + Nekhludoff, and burst into loud laughter. This was a madman who was being + kept in the police hospital. + </p> + <p> + “They wish to frighten me, but no, they won’t succeed,” he said. + </p> + <p> + The policemen who carried the corpse were followed by a police officer and + a medical assistant. The medical assistant came up to the body and touched + the freckled hand, already growing cold, which, though still soft, was + deadly pale. He held it for a moment, and then let it go. It fell + lifelessly on the stomach of the dead man. + </p> + <p> + “He’s ready,” said the medical assistant, but, evidently to be quite in + order, he undid the wet, brown shirt, and tossing back the curls from his + ear, put it to the yellowish, broad, immovable chest of the convict. All + were silent. The medical assistant raised himself again, shook his head, + and touched with his fingers first one and then the other lid over the + open, fixed blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I’m not frightened, I’m not frightened.” The madman kept repeating these + words, and spitting in the direction of the medical assistant. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked the police officer. + </p> + <p> + “Well! He must be put into the mortuary.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure? Mind,” said the police officer. + </p> + <p> + “It’s time I should know,” said the medical assistant, drawing the shirt + over the body’s chest. “However, I will send for Mathew Ivanovitch. Let + him have a look. Petrov, call him,” and the medical assistant stepped away + from the body. + </p> + <p> + “Take him to the mortuary,” said the police officer. “And then you must + come into the office and sign,” he added to the convoy soldier, who had + not left the convict for a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said the soldier. + </p> + <p> + The policemen lifted the body and carried it down again. Nekhludoff wished + to follow, but the madman kept him back. + </p> + <p> + “You are not in the plot! Well, then, give me a cigarette,” he said. + Nekhludoff got out his cigarette case and gave him one. + </p> + <p> + The madman, quickly moving his brows all the time, began relating how they + tormented him by thought suggestion. + </p> + <p> + “Why, they are all against me, and torment and torture me through their + mediums.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” said Nekhludoff, and without listening any further he + left the room and went out into the yard, wishing to know where the body + would be put. + </p> + <p> + The policemen with their burden had already crossed the yard, and were + coming to the door of a cellar. Nekhludoff wished to go up to them, but + the police officer stopped him. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing? Then go away.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff obeyed, and went back to his isvostchik, who was dozing. He + awoke him, and they drove back towards the railway station. + </p> + <p> + They had not made a hundred steps when they met a cart accompanied by a + convoy soldier with a gun. On the cart lay another convict, who was + already dead. The convict lay on his back in the cart, his shaved head, + from which the pancake-shaped cap had slid over the black-bearded face + down to the nose, shaking and thumping at every jolt. The driver, in his + heavy boots, walked by the side of the cart, holding the reins; a + policeman followed on foot. Nekhludoff touched his isvostchik’s shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Just look what they are doing,” said the isvostchik, stopping his horse. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff got down and, following the cart, again passed the sentinel and + entered the gate of the police station. By this time the firemen had + finished washing the cart, and a tall, bony man, the chief of the fire + brigade, with a coloured band round his cap, stood in their place, and, + with his hands in his pockets, was severely looking at a fat-necked, + well-fed, bay stallion that was being led up and down before him by a + fireman. The stallion was lame on one of his fore feet, and the chief of + the firemen was angrily saying something to a veterinary who stood by. + </p> + <p> + The police officer was also present. When he saw the cart he went up to + the convoy soldier. + </p> + <p> + “Where did you bring him from?” he asked, shaking his head disapprovingly. + </p> + <p> + “From the Gorbatovskaya,” answered the policeman. + </p> + <p> + “A prisoner?” asked the chief of the fire brigade. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. It’s the second to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I must say they’ve got some queer arrangements. Though of course + it’s a broiling day,” said the chief of the fire brigade; then, turning to + the fireman who was leading the lame stallion, he shouted: “Put him into + the corner stall. And as to you, you hound, I’ll teach you how to cripple + horses which are worth more than you are, you scoundrel.” + </p> + <p> + The dead man was taken from the cart by the policemen just in the same way + as the first had been, and carried upstairs into the hospital. Nekhludoff + followed them as if he were hypnotised. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want?” asked one of the policemen. But Nekhludoff did not + answer, and followed where the body was being carried. The madman, sitting + on a bed, was smoking greedily the cigarette Nekhludoff had given him. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you’ve come back,” he said, and laughed. When he saw the body he made + a face, and said, “Again! I am sick of it. I am not a boy, am I, eh?” and + he turned to Nekhludoff with a questioning smile. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was looking at the dead man, whose face, which had been hidden + by his cap, was now visible. This convict was as handsome in face and body + as the other was hideous. He was a man in the full bloom of life. + Notwithstanding that he was disfigured by the half of his head being + shaved, the straight, rather low forehead, raised a bit over the black, + lifeless eyes, was very fine, and so was the nose above the thin, black + moustaches. There was a smile on the lips that were already growing blue, + a small beard outlined the lower part of the face, and on the shaved side + of the head a firm, well-shaped ear was visible. + </p> + <p> + One could see what possibilities of a higher life had been destroyed in + this man. The fine bones of his hands and shackled feet, the strong + muscles of all his well-proportioned limbs, showed what a beautiful, + strong, agile human animal this had been. As an animal merely he had been + a far more perfect one of his kind than the bay stallion, about the laming + of which the fireman was so angry. + </p> + <p> + Yet he had been done to death, and no one was sorry for him as a man, nor + was any one sorry that so fine a working animal had perished. The only + feeling evinced was that of annoyance because of the bother caused by the + necessity of getting this body, threatening putrefaction, out of the way. + The doctor and his assistant entered the hospital, accompanied by the + inspector of the police station. The doctor was a thick-set man, dressed + in pongee silk coat and trousers of the same material, closely fitting his + muscular thighs. The inspector was a little fat fellow, with a red face, + round as a ball, which he made still broader by a habit he had of filling + his cheeks with air, and slowly letting it out again. The doctor sat down + on the bed by the side of the dead man, and touched the hands in the same + way as his assistant had done, put his ear to the heart, rose, and pulled + his trousers straight. “Could not be more dead,” he said. + </p> + <p> + The inspector filled his mouth with air and slowly blew it out again. + </p> + <p> + “Which prison is he from?” he asked the convoy soldier. + </p> + <p> + The soldier told him, and reminded him of the chains on the dead man’s + feet. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll have them taken off; we have got a smith about, the Lord be + thanked,” said the inspector, and blew up his cheeks again; he went + towards the door, slowly letting out the air. + </p> + <p> + “Why has this happened?” Nekhludoff asked the doctor. + </p> + <p> + The doctor looked at him through his spectacles. + </p> + <p> + “Why has what happened? Why they die of sunstroke, you mean? This is why: + They sit all through the winter without exercise and without light, and + suddenly they are taken out into the sunshine, and on a day like this, and + they march in a crowd so that they get no air, and sunstroke is the + result.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why are they sent out?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, as to that, go and ask those who send them. But may I ask who are + you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am a stranger.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, well, good-afternoon; I have no time.” The doctor was vexed; he gave + his trousers a downward pull, and went towards the beds of the sick. + </p> + <p> + “Well, how are you getting on?” he asked the pale man with the crooked + mouth and bandaged neck. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the madman sat on a bed, and having finished his cigarette, kept + spitting in the direction of the doctor. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff went down into the yard and out of the gate past the firemen’s + horses and the hens and the sentinel in his brass helmet, and got into the + trap, the driver of which had again fallen asleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0097" id="link2HCH0097"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE CONVICT TRAIN. + </h2> + <p> + When Nekhludoff came to the station, the prisoners were all seated in + railway carriages with grated windows. Several persons, come to see them + off, stood on the platform, but were not allowed to come up to the + carriages. + </p> + <p> + The convoy was much troubled that day. On the way from the prison to the + station, besides the two Nekhludoff had seen, three other prisoners had + fallen and died of sunstroke. One was taken to the nearest police station + like the first two, and the other two died at the railway station. [In + Moscow, in the beginning of the eighth decade of this century, five + convicts died of sunstroke in one day on their way from the Boutyrki + prison to the Nijni railway station.] The convoy men were not troubled + because five men who might have been alive died while in their charge. + This did not trouble them, but they were concerned lest anything that the + law required in such cases should be omitted. To convey the bodies to the + places appointed, to deliver up their papers, to take them off the lists + of those to be conveyed to Nijni—all this was very troublesome, + especially on so hot a day. + </p> + <p> + It was this that occupied the convoy men, and before it could all be + accomplished Nekhludoff and the others who asked for leave to go up to the + carriages were not allowed to do so. Nekhludoff, however, was soon allowed + to go up, because he tipped the convoy sergeant. The sergeant let + Nekhludoff pass, but asked him to be quick and get his talk over before + any of the authorities noticed. There were 15 carriages in all, and except + one carriage for the officials, they were full of prisoners. As Nekhludoff + passed the carriages he listened to what was going on in them. In all the + carriages was heard the clanging of chains, the sound of bustle, mixed + with loud and senseless language, but not a word was being said about + their dead fellow-prisoners. The talk was all about sacks, drinking water, + and the choice of seats. + </p> + <p> + Looking into one of the carriages, Nekhludoff saw convoy soldiers taking + the manacles off the hands of the prisoners. The prisoners held out their + arms, and one of the soldiers unlocked the manacles with a key and took + them off; the other collected them. + </p> + <p> + After he had passed all the other carriages, Nekhludoff came up to the + women’s carriages. From the second of these he heard a woman’s groans: + “Oh, oh, oh! O God! Oh, oh! O God!” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff passed this carriage and went up to a window of the third + carriage, which a soldier pointed out to him. When he approached his face + to the window, he felt the hot air, filled with the smell of perspiration, + coming out of it, and heard distinctly the shrill sound of women’s voices. + All the seats were filled with red, perspiring, loudly-talking women, + dressed in prison cloaks and white jackets. Nekhludoff’s face at the + window attracted their attention. Those nearest ceased talking and drew + closer. Maslova, in her white jacket and her head uncovered, sat by the + opposite window. The white-skinned, smiling Theodosia sat a little nearer. + When she recognised Nekhludoff, she nudged Maslova and pointed to the + window. Maslova rose hurriedly, threw her kerchief over her black hair, + and with a smile on her hot, red face came up to the window and took hold + of one of the bars. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it is hot,” she said, with a glad smile. + </p> + <p> + “Did you get the things?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there anything more you want?” asked Nekhludoff, while the air came + out of the hot carriage as out of an oven. + </p> + <p> + “I want nothing, thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “If we could get a drink?” said Theodosia. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if we could get a drink,” repeated Maslova. + </p> + <p> + “Why, have you not got any water?” + </p> + <p> + “They put some in, but it is all gone.” + </p> + <p> + “Directly, I will ask one of the convoy men. Now we shall not see each + other till we get to Nijni.” + </p> + <p> + “Why? Are you going?” said Maslova, as if she did not know it, and looked + joyfully at Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “I am going by the next train.” + </p> + <p> + Maslova said nothing, but only sighed deeply. + </p> + <p> + “Is it true, sir, that 12 convicts have been done to death?” said a + severe-looking old prisoner with a deep voice like a man’s. + </p> + <p> + It was Korableva. + </p> + <p> + “I did not hear of 12; I have seen two,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “They say there were 12 they killed. And will nothing be done to them? + Only think! The fiends!” + </p> + <p> + “And have none of the women fallen ill?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “Women are stronger,” said another of the prisoners—a short little + woman, and laughed; “only there’s one that has taken it into her head to + be delivered. There she goes,” she said, pointing to the next carriage, + whence proceeded the groans. + </p> + <p> + “You ask if we want anything,” said Maslova, trying to keep the smile of + joy from her lips; “could not this woman be left behind, suffering as she + is? There, now, if you would tell the authorities.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will.” + </p> + <p> + “And one thing more; could she not see her husband, Taras?” she added, + pointing with her eyes to the smiling Theodosia. + </p> + <p> + “He is going with you, is he not?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir, you must not talk,” said a convoy sergeant, not the one who had let + Nekhludoff come up. Nekhludoff left the carriage and went in search of an + official to whom he might speak for the woman in travail and about Taras, + but could not find him, nor get an answer from any of the convoy for a + long time. They were all in a bustle; some were leading a prisoner + somewhere or other, others running to get themselves provisions, some were + placing their things in the carriages or attending on a lady who was going + to accompany the convoy officer, and they answered Nekhludoff’s questions + unwillingly. Nekhludoff found the convoy officer only after the second + bell had been rung. The officer with his short arm was wiping the + moustaches that covered his mouth and shrugging his shoulders, reproving + the corporal for something or other. + </p> + <p> + “What is it you want?” he asked Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “You’ve got a woman there who is being confined, so I thought best—” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let her be confined; we shall see later on,” and briskly swinging + his short arms, he ran up to his carriage. At the moment the guard passed + with a whistle in his hand, and from the people on the platform and from + the women’s carriages there arose a sound of weeping and words of prayer. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff stood on the platform by the side of Taras, and looked how, one + after the other, the carriages glided past him, with the shaved heads of + the men at the grated windows. Then the first of the women’s carriages + came up, with women’s heads at the windows, some covered with kerchiefs + and some uncovered, then the second, whence proceeded the same groans, + then the carriage where Maslova was. She stood with the others at the + window, and looked at Nekhludoff with a pathetic smile. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0098" id="link2HCH0098"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX. BROTHER AND SISTER. + </h2> + <p> + There were still two hours before the passenger train by which Nekhludoff + was going would start. He had thought of using this interval to see his + sister again; but after the impressions of the morning he felt much + excited and so done up that, sitting down on a sofa in the first-class + refreshment-room, he suddenly grew so drowsy that he turned over on to his + side, and, laying his face on his hand, fell asleep at once. A waiter in a + dress coat with a napkin in his hand woke him. + </p> + <p> + “Sir, sir, are you not Prince Nekhludoff? There’s a lady looking for you.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff started up and recollected where he was and all that had + happened in the morning. + </p> + <p> + He saw in his imagination the procession of prisoners, the dead bodies, + the railway carriages with barred windows, and the women locked up in + them, one of whom was groaning in travail with no one to help her, and + another who was pathetically smiling at him through the bars. + </p> + <p> + The reality before his eyes was very different, i.e., a table with vases, + candlesticks and crockery, and agile waiters moving round the table, and + in the background a cupboard and a counter laden with fruit and bottles, + behind it a barman, and in front the backs of passengers who had come up + for refreshments. When Nekhludoff had risen and sat gradually collecting + his thoughts, he noticed that everybody in the room was inquisitively + looking at something that was passing by the open doors. + </p> + <p> + He also looked, and saw a group of people carrying a chair on which sat a + lady whose head was wrapped in a kind of airy fabric. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff thought he knew the footman who was supporting the chair in + front. And also the man behind, and a doorkeeper with gold cord on his + cap, seemed familiar. A lady’s maid with a fringe and an apron, who was + carrying a parcel, a parasol, and something round in a leather case, was + walking behind the chair. Then came Prince Korchagin, with his thick lips, + apoplectic neck, and a travelling cap on his head; behind him Missy, her + cousin Misha, and an acquaintance of Nekhludoff’s—the long-necked + diplomat Osten, with his protruding Adam’s apple and his unvarying merry + mood and expression. He was saying something very emphatically, though + jokingly, to the smiling Missy. The Korchagins were moving from their + estate near the city to the estate of the Princess’s sister on the Nijni + railway. The procession—the men carrying the chair, the maid, and + the doctor—vanished into the ladies’ waiting-room, evoking a feeling + of curiosity and respect in the onlookers. But the old Prince remained and + sat down at the table, called a waiter, and ordered food and drink. Missy + and Osten also remained in the refreshment-room and were about to sit + down, when they saw an acquaintance in the doorway, and went up to her. It + was Nathalie Rogozhinsky. Nathalie came into the refreshment-room + accompanied by Agraphena Petrovna, and both looked round the room. + Nathalie noticed at one and the same moment both her brother and Missy. + She first went up to Missy, only nodding to her brother; but, having + kissed her, at once turned to him. + </p> + <p> + “At last I have found you,” she said. Nekhludoff rose to greet Missy, + Misha, and Osten, and to say a few words to them. Missy told him about + their house in the country having been burnt down, which necessitated + their moving to her aunt’s. Osten began relating a funny story about a + fire. Nekhludoff paid no attention, and turned to his sister. + </p> + <p> + “How glad I am that you have come.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been here a long time,” she said. “Agraphena Petrovna is with me.” + And she pointed to Agraphena Petrovna, who, in a waterproof and with a + bonnet on her head, stood some way off, and bowed to him with kindly + dignity and some confusion, not wishing to intrude. + </p> + <p> + “We looked for you everywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “And I had fallen asleep here. How glad I am that you have come,” repeated + Nekhludoff. “I had begun to write to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Really?” she said, looking frightened. “What about?” + </p> + <p> + Missy and the gentleman, noticing that an intimate conversation was about + to commence between the brother and sister, went away. Nekhludoff and his + sister sat down by the window on a velvet-covered sofa, on which lay a + plaid, a box, and a few other things. + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday, after I left you, I felt inclined to return and express my + regret, but I did not know how he would take it,” said Nekhludoff. “I + spoke hastily to your husband, and this tormented me.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew,” said his sister, “that you did not mean to. Oh, you know!” and + the tears came to her eyes, and she touched his hand. The sentence was not + clear, but he understood it perfectly, and was touched by what it + expressed. Her words meant that, besides the love for her husband which + held her in its sway, she prized and considered important the love she had + for him, her brother, and that every misunderstanding between them caused + her deep suffering. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, thank you. Oh! what I have seen to-day!” he said, suddenly + recalling the second of the dead convicts. “Two prisoners have been done + to death.” + </p> + <p> + “Done to death? How?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, done to death. They led them in this heat, and two died of + sunstroke.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible! What, to-day? just now?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, just now. I have seen their bodies.” + </p> + <p> + “But why done to death? Who killed them?” asked Nathalie. + </p> + <p> + “They who forced them to go killed them,” said Nekhludoff, with + irritation, feeling that she looked at this, too, with her husband’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Lord!” said Agraphena Petrovna, who had come up to them. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we have not the slightest idea of what is being done to these + unfortunate beings. But it ought to be known,” added Nekhludoff, and + looked at old Korchagin, who sat with a napkin tied round him and a bottle + before him, and who looked round at Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Nekhludoff,” he called out, “won’t you join me and take some refreshment? + It is excellent before a journey.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff refused, and turned away. + </p> + <p> + “But what are you going to do?” Nathalie continued. + </p> + <p> + “What I can. I don’t know, but I feel I must do something. And I shall do + what I am able to.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I understand. And how about them?” she continued, with a smile and a + look towards Korchagin. “Is it possible that it is all over?” + </p> + <p> + “Completely, and I think without any regret on either side.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pity. I am sorry. I am fond of her. However, it’s all right. But + why do you wish to bind yourself?” she added shyly. “Why are you going?” + </p> + <p> + “I go because I must,” answered Nekhludoff, seriously and dryly, as if + wishing to stop this conversation. But he felt ashamed of his coldness + towards his sister at once. “Why not tell her all I am thinking?” he + thought, “and let Agraphena Petrovna also hear it,” he thought, with a + look at the old servant, whose presence made the wish to repeat his + decision to his sister even stronger. + </p> + <p> + “You mean my intention to marry Katusha? Well, you see, I made up my mind + to do it, but she refuses definitely and firmly,” he said, and his voice + shook, as it always did when he spoke of it. “She does not wish to accept + my sacrifice, but is herself sacrificing what in her position means much, + and I cannot accept this sacrifice, if it is only a momentary impulse. And + so I am going with her, and shall be where she is, and shall try to + lighten her fate as much as I can.” + </p> + <p> + Nathalie said nothing. Agraphena Petrovna looked at her with a questioning + look, and shook her head. At this moment the former procession issued from + the ladies’ room. The same handsome footman (Philip). and the doorkeeper + were carrying the Princess Korchagin. She stopped the men who were + carrying her, and motioned to Nekhludoff to approach, and, with a pitiful, + languishing air, she extended her white, ringed hand, expecting the firm + pressure of his hand with a sense of horror. + </p> + <p> + “Epouvantable!” she said, meaning the heat. “I cannot stand it! Ce climat + me tue!” And, after a short talk about the horrors of the Russian climate, + she gave the men a sign to go on. + </p> + <p> + “Be sure and come,” she added, turning her long face towards Nekhludoff as + she was borne away. + </p> + <p> + The procession with the Princess turned to the right towards the + first-class carriages. Nekhludoff, with the porter who was carrying his + things, and Taras with his bag, turned to the left. + </p> + <p> + “This is my companion,” said Nekhludoff to his sister, pointing to Taras, + whose story he had told her before. + </p> + <p> + “Surely not third class?” said Nathalie, when Nekhludoff stopped in front + of a third-class carriage, and Taras and the porter with the things went + in. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; it is more convenient for me to be with Taras,” he said. “One thing + more,” he added; “up to now I have not given the Kousminski land to the + peasants; so that, in case of my death, your children will inherit it.” + </p> + <p> + “Dmitri, don’t!” said Nathalie. + </p> + <p> + “If I do give it away, all I can say is that the rest will be theirs, as + it is not likely I shall marry; and if I do marry I shall have no + children, so that—” + </p> + <p> + “Dmitri, don’t talk like that!” said Nathalie. And yet Nekhludoff noticed + that she was glad to hear him say it. + </p> + <p> + Higher up, by the side of a first-class carriage, there stood a group of + people still looking at the carriage into which the Princess Korchagin had + been carried. Most of the passengers were already seated. Some of the late + comers hurriedly clattered along the boards of the platform, the guard was + closing the doors and asking the passengers to get in and those who were + seeing them off to come out. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff entered the hot, smelling carriage, but at once stepped out + again on to the small platform at the back of the carriage. Nathalie stood + opposite the carriage, with her fashionable bonnet and cape, by the side + of Agraphena Petrovna, and was evidently trying to find something to say. + </p> + <p> + She could not even say ecrivez, because they had long ago laughed at this + word, habitually spoken by those about to part. The short conversation + about money matters had in a moment destroyed the tender brotherly and + sisterly feelings that had taken hold of them. They felt estranged, so + that Nathalie was glad when the train moved; and she could only say, + nodding her head with a sad and tender look, “Goodbye, good-bye, Dmitri.” + But as soon as the carriage had passed her she thought of how she should + repeat her conversation with her brother to her husband, and her face + became serious and troubled. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff, too, though he had nothing but the kindest feelings for his + sister, and had hidden nothing from her, now felt depressed and + uncomfortable with her, and was glad to part. He felt that the Nathalie + who was once so near to him no longer existed, and in her place was only a + slave of that hairy, unpleasant husband, who was so foreign to him. He saw + it clearly when her face lit up with peculiar animation as he spoke of + what would peculiarly interest her husband, i.e., the giving up of the + land to the peasants and the inheritance. + </p> + <p> + And this made him sad. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0099" id="link2HCH0099"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL. THE FUNDAMENTAL LAW OF HUMAN LIFE. + </h2> + <p> + The heat in the large third-class carriage, which had been standing in the + burning sun all day, was so great that Nekhludoff did not go in, but + stopped on the little platform behind the carriage which formed a passage + to the next one. But there was not a breath of fresh air here either, and + Nekhludoff breathed freely only when the train had passed the buildings + and the draught blew across the platform. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, killed,” he repeated to himself, the words he had used to his + sister. And in his imagination in the midst of all other impressions there + arose with wonderful clearness the beautiful face of the second dead + convict, with the smile of the lips, the severe expression of the brows, + and the small, firm ear below the shaved bluish skull. + </p> + <p> + And what seemed terrible was that he had been murdered, and no one knew + who had murdered him. Yet he had been murdered. He was led out like all + the rest of the prisoners by Maslennikoff’s orders. Maslennikoff had + probably given the order in the usual manner, had signed with his stupid + flourish the paper with the printed heading, and most certainly would not + consider himself guilty. Still less would the careful doctor who examined + the convicts consider himself guilty. He had performed his duty + accurately, and had separated the weak. How could he have foreseen this + terrible heat, or the fact that they would start so late in the day and in + such crowds? The prison inspector? But the inspector had only carried into + execution the order that on a given day a certain number of exiles and + convicts—men and women—had to be sent off. The convoy officer + could not be guilty either, for his business was to receive a certain + number of persons in a certain place, and to deliver up the same number. + He conducted them in the usual manner, and could not foresee that two such + strong men as those Nekhludoff saw would not be able to stand it and would + die. No one is guilty, and yet the men have been murdered by these people + who are not guilty of their murder. + </p> + <p> + “All this comes,” Nekhludoff thought, “from the fact that all these + people, governors, inspectors, police officers, and men, consider that + there are circumstances in which human relations are not necessary between + human beings. All these men, Maslennikoff, and the inspector, and the + convoy officer, if they were not <i>governor, inspector, officer,</i> + would have considered twenty times before sending people in such heat in + such a mass—would have stopped twenty times on the way, and, seeing + that a man was growing weak, gasping for breath, would have led him into + the shade, would have given him water and let him rest, and if an accident + had still occurred they would have expressed pity. But they not only did + not do it, but hindered others from doing it, because they considered not + men and their duty towards them but only the office they themselves + filled, and held what that office demanded of them to be above human + relations. That’s what it is,” Nekhludoff went on in his thoughts. “If one + acknowledges but for a single hour that anything can be more important + than love for one’s fellowmen, even in some one exceptional case, any + crime can be committed without a feeling of guilt.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was so engrossed by his thoughts that he did not notice how the + weather changed. The sun was covered over by a low-hanging, ragged cloud. + A compact, light grey cloud was rapidly coming from the west, and was + already falling in heavy, driving rain on the fields and woods far in the + distance. Moisture, coming from the cloud, mixed with the air. Now and + then the cloud was rent by flashes of lightning, and peals of thunder + mingled more and more often with the rattling of the train. The cloud came + nearer and nearer, the rain-drops driven by the wind began to spot the + platform and Nekhludoff’s coat; and he stepped to the other side of the + little platform, and, inhaling the fresh, moist air—filled with the + smell of corn and wet earth that had long been waiting for rain—he + stood looking at the gardens, the woods, the yellow rye fields, the green + oatfields, the dark-green strips of potatoes in bloom, that glided past. + Everything looked as if covered over with varnish—the green turned + greener, the yellow yellower, the black blacker. + </p> + <p> + “More! more!” said Nekhludoff, gladdened by the sight of gardens and + fields revived by the beneficent shower. The shower did not last long. + Part of the cloud had come down in rain, part passed over, and the last + fine drops fell straight on to the earth. The sun reappeared, everything + began to glisten, and in the east—not very high above the horizon—appeared + a bright rainbow, with the violet tint very distinct and broken only at + one end. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what was I thinking about?” Nekhludoff asked himself when all these + changes in nature were over, and the train ran into a cutting between two + high banks. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I was thinking that all those people (inspector, convoy men—all + those in the service) are for the greater part kind people—cruel + only because they are serving.” He recalled Maslennikoff’s indifference + when he told him about what was being done in the prison, the inspector’s + severity, the cruelty of the convoy officer when he refused places on the + carts to those who asked for them, and paid no attention to the fact that + there was a woman in travail in the train. All these people were evidently + invulnerable and impregnable to the simplest feelings of compassion only + because they held offices. “As officials they were impermeable to the + feelings of humanity, as this paved ground is impermeable to the rain.” + Thus thought Nekhludoff as he looked at the railway embankment paved with + stones of different colours, down which the water was running in streams + instead of soaking into the earth. “Perhaps it is necessary to pave the + banks with stones, but it is sad to look at the ground, which might be + yielding corn, grass, bushes, or trees in the same way as the ground + visible up there is doing—deprived of vegetation, and so it is with + men,” thought Nekhludoff. “Perhaps these governors, inspectors, policemen, + are needed, but it is terrible to see men deprived of the chief human + attribute, that of love and sympathy for one another. The thing is,” he + continued, “that these people consider lawful what is not lawful, and do + not consider the eternal, immutable law, written in the hearts of men by + God, as law. That is why I feel so depressed when I am with these people. + I am simply afraid of them, and really they are terrible, more terrible + than robbers. A robber might, after all, feel pity, but they can feel no + pity, they are inured against pity as these stones are against vegetation. + That is what makes them terrible. It is said that the Pougatcheffs, the + Razins [leaders of rebellions in Russia: Stonka Razin in the 17th and + Pougatcheff in the 18th century] are terrible. These are a thousand times + more terrible,” he continued, in his thoughts. “If a psychological problem + were set to find means of making men of our time—Christian, humane, + simple, kind people—perform the most horrible crimes without feeling + guilty, only one solution could be devised: to go on doing what is being + done. It is only necessary that these people should he governors, + inspectors, policemen; that they should be fully convinced that there is a + kind of business, called government service, which allows men to treat + other men as things, without human brotherly relations with them, and also + that these people should be so linked together by this government service + that the responsibility for the results of their actions should not fall + on any one of them separately. Without these conditions, the terrible acts + I witnessed to-day would be impossible in our times. It all lies in the + fact that men think there are circumstances in which one may deal with + human beings without love; and there are no such circumstances. One may + deal with things without love. One may cut down trees, make bricks, hammer + iron without love; but you cannot deal with men without it, just as one + cannot deal with bees without being careful. If you deal carelessly with + bees you will injure them, and will yourself be injured. And so with men. + It cannot be otherwise, because natural love is the fundamental law of + human life. It is true that a man cannot force another to love him, as he + can force him to work for him; but it does not follow that a man may deal + with men without love, especially to demand anything from them. If you + feel no love, sit still,” Nekhludoff thought; “occupy yourself with + things, with yourself, with anything you like, only not with men. You can + only eat without injuring yourself when you feel inclined to eat, so you + can only deal with men usefully when you love. Only let yourself deal with + a man without love, as I did yesterday with my brother-in-law, and there + are no limits to the suffering you will bring on yourself, as all my life + proves. Yes, yes, it is so,” thought Nekhludoff; “it is good; yes, it is + good,” he repeated, enjoying the freshness after the torturing heat, and + conscious of having attained to the fullest clearness on a question that + had long occupied him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0100" id="link2HCH0100"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLI. TARAS’S STORY. + </h2> + <p> + The carriage in which Nekhludoff had taken his place was half filled with + people. There were in it servants, working men, factory hands, butchers, + Jews, shopmen, workmen’s wives, a soldier, two ladies, a young one and an + old one with bracelets on her arm, and a severe-looking gentleman with a + cockade on his black cap. All these people were sitting quietly; the + bustle of taking their places was long over; some sat cracking and eating + sunflower seeds, some smoking, some talking. + </p> + <p> + Taras sat, looking very happy, opposite the door, keeping a place for + Nekhludoff, and carrying on an animated conversation with a man in a cloth + coat who sat opposite to him, and who was, as Nekhludoff afterwards found + out, a gardener going to a new situation. Before reaching the place where + Taras sat Nekhludoff stopped between the seats near a reverend-looking old + man with a white beard and nankeen coat, who was talking with a young + woman in peasant dress. A little girl of about seven, dressed in a new + peasant costume, sat, her little legs dangling above the floor, by the + side of the woman, and kept cracking seeds. + </p> + <p> + The old man turned round, and, seeing Nekhludoff, he moved the lappets of + his coat off the varnished seat next to him, and said, in a friendly + manner: + </p> + <p> + “Please, here’s a seat.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff thanked him, and took the seat. As soon as he was seated the + woman continued the interrupted conversation. + </p> + <p> + She was returning to her village, and related how her husband, whom she + had been visiting, had received her in town. + </p> + <p> + “I was there during the carnival, and now, by the Lord’s help, I’ve been + again,” she said. “Then, God willing, at Christmas I’ll go again.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s right,” said the old man, with a look at Nekhludoff, “it’s the + best way to go and see him, else a young man can easily go to the bad, + living in a town.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, sir, mine is not such a man. No nonsense of any kind about him; + his life is as good as a young maiden’s. The money he earns he sends home + all to a copeck. And, as to our girl here, he was so glad to see her, + there are no words for it,” said the woman, and smiled. + </p> + <p> + The little girl, who sat cracking her seeds and spitting out the shells, + listened to her mother’s words, and, as if to confirm them, looked up with + calm, intelligent eyes into Nekhludoff’s and the old man’s faces. + </p> + <p> + “Well, if he’s good, that’s better still,” said the old man. “And none of + that sort of thing?” he added, with a look at a couple, evidently factory + hands, who sat at the other side of the carriage. The husband, with his + head thrown back, was pouring vodka down his throat out of a bottle, and + the wife sat holding a bag, out of which they had taken the bottle, and + watched him intently. + </p> + <p> + “No, mine neither drinks nor smokes,” said the woman who was conversing + with the old man, glad of the opportunity of praising her husband once + more. “No, sir, the earth does not hold many such.” And, turning to + Nekhludoff, she added, “That’s the sort of man he is.” + </p> + <p> + “What could be better,” said the old man, looking at the factory worker, + who had had his drink and had passed the bottle to his wife. The wife + laughed, shook her head, and also raised the bottle to her lips. + </p> + <p> + Noticing Nekhludoff’s and the old man’s look directed towards them, the + factory worker addressed the former. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, sir? That we are drinking? Ah, no one sees how we work, but + every one sees how we drink. I have earned it, and I am drinking and + treating my wife, and no one else.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said Nekhludoff, not knowing what to say. + </p> + <p> + “True, sir. My wife is a steady woman. I am satisfied with my wife, + because she can feel for me. Is it right what I’m saying, Mavra?” + </p> + <p> + “There you are, take it, I don’t want any more,” said the wife, returning + the bottle to him. “And what are you jawing for like that?” she added. + </p> + <p> + “There now! She’s good—that good; and suddenly she’ll begin + squeaking like a wheel that’s not greased. Mavra, is it right what I’m + saying?” + </p> + <p> + Mavra laughed and moved her hand with a tipsy gesture. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my, he’s at it again.” + </p> + <p> + “There now, she’s that good—that good; but let her get her tail over + the reins, and you can’t think what she’ll be up to. . . . Is it right + what I’m saying? You must excuse me, sir, I’ve had a drop! What’s to be + done?” said the factory worker, and, preparing to go to sleep, put his + head in his wife’s lap. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff sat a while with the old man, who told him all about himself. + The old man was a stove builder, who had been working for 53 years, and + had built so many stoves that he had lost count, and now he wanted to + rest, but had no time. He had been to town and found employment for the + young ones, and was now going to the country to see the people at home. + After hearing the old man’s story, Nekhludoff went to the place that Taras + was keeping for him. + </p> + <p> + “It’s all right, sir; sit down; we’ll put the bag here,” said the + gardener, who sat opposite Taras, in a friendly tone, looking up into + Nekhludoff’s face. + </p> + <p> + “Rather a tight fit, but no matter since we are friends,” said Taras, + smiling, and lifting the bag, which weighed more than five stone, as if it + were a feather, he carried it across to the window. + </p> + <p> + “Plenty of room; besides, we might stand up a bit; and even under the seat + it’s as comfortable as you could wish. What’s the good of humbugging?” he + said, beaming with friendliness and kindness. + </p> + <p> + Taras spoke of himself as being unable to utter a word when quite sober; + but drink, he said, helped him to find the right words, and then he could + express everything. And in reality, when he was sober Taras kept silent; + but when he had been drinking, which happened rarely and only on special + occasions, he became very pleasantly talkative. Then he spoke a great + deal, spoke well and very simply and truthfully, and especially with great + kindliness, which shone in his gentle, blue eyes and in the friendly smile + that never left his lips. He was in such a state to-day. Nekhludoff’s + approach interrupted the conversation; but when he had put the bag in its + place, Taras sat down again, and with his strong hands folded in his lap, + and looking straight into the gardener’s face, continued his story. He was + telling his new acquaintance about his wife and giving every detail: what + she was being sent to Siberia for, and why he was now following her. + Nekhludoff had never heard a detailed account of this affair, and so he + listened with interest. When he came up, the story had reached the point + when the attempt to poison was already an accomplished fact, and the + family had discovered that it was Theodosia’s doing. + </p> + <p> + “It’s about my troubles that I’m talking,” said Taras, addressing + Nekhludoff with cordial friendliness. “I have chanced to come across such + a hearty man, and we’ve got into conversation, and I’m telling him all.” + </p> + <p> + “I see,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then in this way, my friend, the business became known. Mother, she + takes that cake. ‘I’m going,’ says she, ‘to the police officer.’ My father + is a just old man. ‘Wait, wife,’ says he, ‘the little woman is a mere + child, and did not herself know what she was doing. We must have pity. She + may come to her senses.’ But, dear me, mother would not hear of it. ‘While + we keep her here,’ she says, ‘she may destroy us all like cockroaches.’ + Well, friend, so she goes off for the police officer. He bounces in upon + us at once. Calls for witnesses.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and you?” asked the gardener. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I, you see, friend, roll about with the pain in my stomach, and + vomit. All my inside is turned inside out; I can’t even speak. Well, so + father he goes and harnesses the mare, and puts Theodosia into the cart, + and is off to the police-station, and then to the magistrate’s. And she, + you know, just as she had done from the first, so also there, confesses + all to the magistrate—where she got the arsenic, and how she kneaded + the cake. ‘Why did you do it?’ says he. ‘Why,’ says she, ‘because he’s + hateful to me. I prefer Siberia to a life with him.’ That’s me,” and Taras + smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Well, so she confessed all. Then, naturally—the prison, and father + returns alone. And harvest time just coming, and mother the only woman at + home, and she no longer strong. So we think what we are to do. Could we + not bail her out? So father went to see an official. No go. Then another. + I think he went to five of them, and we thought of giving it up. Then we + happened to come across a clerk—such an artful one as you don’t + often find. ‘You give me five roubles, and I’ll get her out,’ says he. He + agreed to do it for three. Well, and what do you think, friend? I went and + pawned the linen she herself had woven, and gave him the money. As soon as + he had written that paper,” drawled out Taras, just as if he were speaking + of a shot being fired, “we succeeded at once. I went to fetch her myself. + Well, friend, so I got to town, put up the mare, took the paper, and went + to the prison. ‘What do you want?’ ‘This is what I want,’ say I, ‘you’ve + got my wife here in prison.’ ‘And have you got a paper?’ I gave him the + paper. He gave it a look. ‘Wait,’ says he. So I sat down on a bench. It + was already past noon by the sun. An official comes out. ‘You are + Vargoushoff?’ ‘I am.’ ‘Well, you may take her.’ The gates opened, and they + led her out in her own clothes quite all right. ‘Well, come along. Have + you come on foot?’ ‘No, I have the horse here.’ So I went and paid the + ostler, and harnessed, put in all the hay that was left, and covered it + with sacking for her to sit on. She got in and wrapped her shawl round + her, and off we drove. She says nothing and I say nothing. Just as we were + coming up to the house she says, ‘And how’s mother; is she alive?’ ‘Yes, + she’s alive.’ ‘And father; is he alive? ‘Yes, he is.’ ‘Forgive me, Taras,’ + she says, ‘for my folly. I did not myself know what I was doing.’ So I + say, ‘Words won’t mend matters. I have forgiven you long ago,’ and I said + no more. We got home, and she just fell at mother’s feet. Mother says, + ‘The Lord will forgive you.’ And father said, ‘How d’you do?’ and ‘What’s + past is past. Live as best you can. Now,’ says he, ‘is not the time for + all that; there’s the harvest to be gathered in down at Skorodino,’ he + says. ‘Down on the manured acre, by the Lord’s help, the ground has borne + such rye that the sickle can’t tackle it. It’s all interwoven and heavy, + and has sunk beneath its weight; that must be reaped. You and Taras had + better go and see to it to-morrow.’ Well, friend, from that moment she + took to the work and worked so that every one wondered. At that time we + rented three desiatins, and by God’s help we had a wonderful crop both of + oats and rye. I mow and she binds the sheaves, and sometimes we both of us + reap. I am good at work and not afraid of it, but she’s better still at + whatever she takes up. She’s a smart woman, young, and full of life; and + as to work, friend, she’d grown that eager that I had to stop her. We get + home, our fingers swollen, our arms aching, and she, instead of resting, + rushes off to the barn to make binders for the sheaves for next day. Such + a change!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and to you? Was she kinder, now?” asked the gardener. + </p> + <p> + “That’s beyond question. She clings to me as if we were one soul. Whatever + I think she understands. Even mother, angry as she was, could not help + saying: ‘It’s as if our Theodosia had been transformed; she’s quite a + different woman now!’ We were once going to cart the sheaves with two + carts. She and I were in the first, and I say, ‘How could you think of + doing that, Theodosia?’ and she says, ‘How could I think of it? just so, I + did not wish to live with you. I thought I’d rather die than live with + you!’ I say, ‘And now?’ and she says, ‘Now you’re in my heart!’” Taras + stopped, and smiled joyfully, shook his head as if surprised. “Hardly had + we got the harvest home when I went to soak the hemp, and when I got home + there was a summons, she must go to be tried, and we had forgotten all + about the matter that she was to be tried for.” + </p> + <p> + “It can only be the evil one,” said the gardener. “Could any man of + himself think of destroying a living soul? We had a fellow once—” + and the gardener was about to commence his tale when the train began to + stop. + </p> + <p> + “It seems we are coming to a station,” he said. “I’ll go and have a + drink.” + </p> + <p> + The conversation stopped, and Nekhludoff followed the gardener out of the + carriage onto the wet platform of the station. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0101" id="link2HCH0101"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XLII. LE VRAI GRAND MONDE. + </h2> + <p> + Before Nekhludoff got out he had noticed in the station yard several + elegant equipages, some with three, some with four, well-fed horses, with + tinkling bells on their harness. When he stepped out on the wet, + dark-coloured boards of the platform, he saw a group of people in front of + the first-class carriage, among whom were conspicuous a stout lady with + costly feathers on her hat, and a waterproof, and a tall, thin-legged + young man in a cycling suit. The young man had by his side an enormous, + well-fed dog, with a valuable collar. Behind them stood footmen, holding + wraps and umbrellas, and a coachman, who had also come to meet the train. + </p> + <p> + On the whole of the group, from the fat lady down to the coachman who + stood holding up his long coat, there lay the stamp of wealth and quiet + self-assurance. A curious and servile crowd rapidly gathered round this + group—the station-master, in his red cap, a gendarme, a thin young + lady in a Russian costume, with beads round her neck, who made a point of + seeing the trains come in all through the summer, a telegraph clerk, and + passengers, men and women. + </p> + <p> + In the young man with the dog Nekhludoff recognised young Korchagin, a + gymnasium student. The fat lady was the Princess’s sister, to whose estate + the Korchagins were now moving. The guard, with his gold cord and shiny + top-boots, opened the carriage door and stood holding it as a sign of + deference, while Philip and a porter with a white apron carefully carried + out the long-faced Princess in her folding chair. The sisters greeted each + other, and French sentences began flying about. Would the Princess go in a + closed or an open carriage? At last the procession started towards the + exit, the lady’s maid, with her curly fringe, parasol and leather case in + the rear. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff not wishing to meet them and to have to take leave over again, + stopped before he got to the door, waiting for the procession to pass. + </p> + <p> + The Princess, her son, Missy, the doctor, and the maid went out first, the + old Prince and his sister-in-law remained behind. Nekhludoff was too far + to catch anything but a few disconnected French sentences of their + conversation One of the sentences uttered by the Prince, as it often + happens, for some unaccountable reason remained in his memory with all its + intonations and the sound of the voice. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Oh, il est du vrai grand monde, du vrai grand monde</i>,” said the + Prince in his loud, self-assured tone as he went out of the station with + his sister-in-law, accompanied by the respectful guards and porters. + </p> + <p> + At this moment from behind the corner of the station suddenly appeared a + crowd of workmen in bark shoes, wearing sheepskin coats and carrying bags + on their backs. The workmen went up to the nearest carriage with soft yet + determined steps, and were about to get in, but were at once driven away + by a guard. Without stopping, the workmen passed on, hurrying and jostling + one another, to the next carriage and began getting in, catching their + bags against the corners and door of the carriage, but another guard + caught sight of them from the door of the station, and shouted at them + severely. The workmen, who had already got in, hurried out again and went + on, with the same soft and firm steps, still further towards Nekhludoff’s + carriage. A guard was again going to stop them, but Nekhludoff said there + was plenty of room inside, and that they had better get in. They obeyed + and got in, followed by Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + The workmen were about to take their seats, when the gentleman with the + cockade and the two ladies, looking at this attempt to settle in their + carriage as a personal insult to themselves, indignantly protested and + wanted to turn them out. The workmen—there were 20 of them, old men + and quite young ones, all of them wearied, sunburnt, with haggard faces—began + at once to move on through the carriage, catching the seats, the walls, + and the doors with their bags. They evidently felt they had offended in + some way, and seemed ready to go on indefinitely wherever they were + ordered to go. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you pushing to, you fiends? Sit down here,” shouted another + guard they met. + </p> + <p> + “Voila encore des nouvelles,” exclaimed the younger of the two ladies, + quite convinced that she would attract Nekhludoff’s notice by her good + French. + </p> + <p> + The other lady with the bracelets kept sniffing and making faces, and + remarked something about how pleasant it was to sit with smelly peasants. + </p> + <p> + The workmen, who felt the joy and calm experienced by people who have + escaped some kind of danger, threw off their heavy bags with a movement of + their shoulders and stowed them away under the seats. + </p> + <p> + The gardener had left his own seat to talk with Taras, and now went back, + so that there were two unoccupied seats opposite and one next to Taras. + Three of the workmen took these seats, but when Nekhludoff came up to + them, in his gentleman’s clothing, they got so confused that they rose to + go away, but Nekhludoff asked them to stay, and himself sat down on the + arm of the seat, by the passage down the middle of the carriage. + </p> + <p> + One of the workmen, a man of about 50, exchanged a surprised and even + frightened look with a young man. That Nekhludoff, instead of scolding and + driving them away, as was natural to a gentleman, should give up his seat + to them, astonished and perplexed them. They even feared that this might + have some evil result for them. + </p> + <p> + However, they soon noticed that there was no underlying plot when they + heard Nekhludoff talking quite simply with Taras, and they grew quiet and + told one of the lads to sit down on his bag and give his seat to + Nekhludoff. At first the elderly workman who sat opposite Nekhludoff + shrank and drew back his legs for fear of touching the gentleman, but + after a while he grew quite friendly, and in talking to him and Taras even + slapped Nekhludoff on the knee when he wanted to draw special attention to + what he was saying. + </p> + <p> + He told them all about his position and his work in the peat bogs, whence + he was now returning home. He had been working there for two and a half + months, and was bringing home his wages, which only came to 10 roubles, + since part had been paid beforehand when he was hired. They worked, as he + explained, up to their knees in water from sunrise to sunset, with two + hours’ interval for dinner. + </p> + <p> + “Those who are not used to it find it hard, of course,” he said; “but when + one’s hardened it doesn’t matter, if only the food is right. At first the + food was bad. Later the people complained, and they got good food, and it + was easy to work.” + </p> + <p> + Then he told them how, during 28 years he went out to work, and sent all + his earnings home. First to his father, then to his eldest brother, and + now to his nephew, who was at the head of the household. On himself he + spent only two or three roubles of the 50 or 60 he earned a year, just for + luxuries—tobacco and matches. + </p> + <p> + “I’m a sinner, when tired I even drink a little vodka sometimes,” he + added, with a guilty smile. + </p> + <p> + Then he told them how the women did the work at home, and how the + contractor had treated them to half a pail of vodka before they started + to-day, how one of them had died, and another was returning home ill. The + sick workman he was talking about was in a corner of the same carriage. He + was a young lad, with a pale, sallow face and bluish lips. He was + evidently tormented by intermittent fever. Nekhludoff went up to him, but + the lad looked up with such a severe and suffering expression that + Nekhludoff did not care to bother him with questions, but advised the + elder man to give him quinine, and wrote down the name of the medicine. He + wished to give him some money, but the old workman said he would pay for + it himself. + </p> + <p> + “Well, much as I have travelled, I have never met such a gentleman before. + Instead of punching your head, he actually gives up his place to you,” + said the old man to Taras. “It seems there are all sorts of gentlefolk, + too.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, this is quite a new and different world,” thought Nekhludoff, + looking at these spare, sinewy, limbs, coarse, home-made garments, and + sunburnt, kindly, though weary-looking faces, and feeling himself + surrounded on all sides with new people and the serious interests, joys, + and sufferings of a life of labour. + </p> + <p> + “Here is<i> le vrai grand monde</i>,” thought Nekhludoff, remembering the + words of Prince Korchagin and all that idle, luxurious world to which the + Korchagins belonged, with their petty, mean interests. And he felt the joy + of a traveller on discovering a new, unknown, and beautiful world. + </p> + <h3> + END OF BOOK II. + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0106" id="link2H_4_0106"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BOOK III. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0102" id="link2HCH0102"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. MASLOVA MAKES NEW FRIENDS. + </h2> + <p> + The gang of prisoners to which Maslova belonged had walked about three + thousand three hundred miles. She and the other prisoners condemned for + criminal offences had travelled by rail and by steamboats as far as the + town of Perm. It was only here that Nekhludoff succeeded in obtaining a + permission for her to continue the journey with the political prisoners, + as Vera Doukhova, who was among the latter, advised him to do. The journey + up to Perm had been very trying to Maslova both morally and physically. + Physically, because of the overcrowding, the dirt, and the disgusting + vermin, which gave her no peace; morally, because of the equally + disgusting men. The men, like the vermin, though they changed at each + halting-place, were everywhere alike importunate; they swarmed round her, + giving her no rest. Among the women prisoners and the men prisoners, the + jailers and the convoy soldiers, the habit of a kind of cynical debauch + was so firmly established that unless a female prisoner was willing to + utilise her position as a woman she had to be constantly on the watch. To + be continually in a state of fear and strife was very trying. And Maslova + was specially exposed to attacks, her appearance being attractive and her + past known to every one. The decided resistance with which she now met the + importunity of all the men seemed offensive to them, and awakened another + feeling, that of ill-will towards her. But her position was made a little + easier by her intimacy with Theodosia, and Theodosia’s husband, who, + having heard of the molestations his wife was subject to, had in Nijni + been arrested at his own desire in order to be able to protect her, and + was now travelling with the gang as a prisoner. Maslova’s position became + much more bearable when she was allowed to join the political prisoners, + who were provided with better accomodations, better food, and were treated + less rudely, but besides all this Maslova’s condition was much improved + because among the political prisoners she was no longer molested by the + men, and could live without being reminded of that past which she was so + anxious to forget. But the chief advantage of the change lay in the fact + that she made the acquaintance of several persons who exercised a decided + and most beneficial influence on her character. Maslova was allowed to + stop with the political prisoners at all the halting-places, but being a + strong and healthy woman she was obliged to march with the criminal + convicts. In this way she walked all the way from Tomsk. Two political + prisoners also marched with the gang, Mary Pavlovna Schetinina, the girl + with the hazel eyes who had attracted Nekhludoff’s attention when he had + been to visit Doukhova in prison, and one Simonson, who was on his way to + the Takoutsk district, the dishevelled dark young fellow with deep-lying + eyes, whom Nekhludoff had also noticed during that visit. Mary Pavlovna + was walking because she had given her place on the cart to one of the + criminals, a woman expecting to be confined, and Simonson because he did + not dare to avail himself of a class privilege. + </p> + <p> + These three always started early in the morning before the rest of the + political prisoners, who followed later on in the carts. + </p> + <p> + They were ready to start in this way just outside a large town, where a + new convoy officer had taken charge of the gang. + </p> + <p> + It was early on a dull September morning. It kept raining and snowing + alternately, and the cold wind blew in sudden gusts. The whole gang of + prisoners, consisting of four hundred men and fifty women, was already + assembled in the court of the halting station. Some of them were crowding + round the chief of the convoy, who was giving to specially appointed + prisoners money for two days’ keep to distribute among the rest, while + others were purchasing food from women who had been let into the + courtyard. One could hear the voices of the prisoners counting their money + and making their purchases, and the shrill voices of the women with the + food. + </p> + <p> + Simonson, in his rubber jacket and rubber overshoes fastened with a string + over his worsted stockings (he was a vegetarian and would not wear the + skin of slaughtered animals), was also in the courtyard waiting for the + gang to start. He stood by the porch and jotted down in his notebook a + thought that had occurred to him. This was what he wrote: “If a bacteria + watched and examined a human nail it would pronounce it inorganic matter, + and thus we, examining our globe and watching its crust, pronounce it to + be inorganic. This is incorrect.” + </p> + <p> + Katusha and Mary Pavlovna, both wearing top-boots and with shawls tied + round their heads, came out of the building into the courtyard where the + women sat sheltered from the wind by the northern wall of the court, and + vied with one another, offering their goods, hot meat pie, fish, + vermicelli, buckwheat porridge, liver, beef, eggs, milk. One had even a + roast pig to offer. + </p> + <p> + Having bought some eggs, bread, fish, and some rusks, Maslova was putting + them into her bag, while Mary Pavlovna was paying the women, when a + movement arose among the convicts. All were silent and took their places. + The officer came out and began giving the last orders before starting. + Everything was done in the usual manner. The prisoners were counted, the + chains on their legs examined, and those who were to march in couples + linked together with manacles. But suddenly the angry, authoritative voice + of the officer shouting something was heard, also the sound of a blow and + the crying of a child. All was silent for a moment and then came a hollow + murmur from the crowd. Maslova and Mary Pavlovna advanced towards the spot + whence the noise proceeded. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0103" id="link2HCH0103"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. AN INCIDENT OF THE MARCH. + </h2> + <p> + This is what Mary Pavlovna and Katusha saw when they came up to the scene + whence the noise proceeded. The officer, a sturdy fellow, with fair + moustaches, stood uttering words of foul and coarse abuse, and rubbing + with his left the palm of his right hand, which he had hurt in hitting a + prisoner on the face. In front of him a thin, tall convict, with half his + head shaved and dressed in a cloak too short for him and trousers much too + short, stood wiping his bleeding face with one hand, and holding a little + shrieking girl wrapped in a shawl with the other. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll give it you” (foul abuse); “I’ll teach you to reason” (more abuse); + “you’re to give her to the women!” shouted the officer. “Now, then, on + with them.” + </p> + <p> + The convict, who was exiled by the Commune, had been carrying his little + daughter all the way from Tomsk, where his wife had died of typhus, and + now the officer ordered him to be manacled. The exile’s explanation that + he could not carry the child if he was manacled irritated the officer, who + happened to be in a bad temper, and he gave the troublesome prisoner a + beating. [A fact described by Lineff in his “Transportation”.] Before the + injured convict stood a convoy soldier, and a black-bearded prisoner with + manacles on one hand and a look of gloom on his face, which he turned now + to the officer, now to the prisoner with the little girl. + </p> + <p> + The officer repeated his orders for the soldiers to take away the girl. + The murmur among the prisoners grew louder. + </p> + <p> + “All the way from Tomsk they were not put on,” came a hoarse voice from + some one in the rear. “It’s a child, and not a puppy.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s he to do with the lassie? That’s not the law,” said some one else. + </p> + <p> + “Who’s that?” shouted the officer as if he had been stung, and rushed into + the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll teach you the law. Who spoke. You? You?” + </p> + <p> + “Everybody says so, because-” said a short, broad-faced prisoner. + </p> + <p> + Before he had finished speaking the officer hit him in the face. + </p> + <p> + “Mutiny, is it? I’ll show you what mutiny means. I’ll have you all shot + like dogs, and the authorities will be only too thankful. Take the girl.” + </p> + <p> + The crowd was silent. One convoy soldier pulled away the girl, who was + screaming desperately, while another manacled the prisoner, who now + submissively held out his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Take her to the women,” shouted the officer, arranging his sword belt. + </p> + <p> + The little girl, whose face had grown quite red, was trying to disengage + her arms from under the shawl, and screamed unceasingly. Mary Pavlovna + stepped out from among the crowd and came up to the officer. + </p> + <p> + “Will you allow me to carry the little girl?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” asked the officer. + </p> + <p> + “A political prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + Mary Pavlovna’s handsome face, with the beautiful prominent eyes (he had + noticed her before when the prisoners were given into his charge), + evidently produced an effect on the officer. He looked at her in silence + as if considering, then said: “I don’t care; carry her if you like. It is + easy for you to show pity; if he ran away who would have to answer?” + </p> + <p> + “How could he run away with the child in his arms?” said Mary Pavlovna. + </p> + <p> + “I have no time to talk with you. Take her if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I give her?” asked the soldier. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, give her.” + </p> + <p> + “Come to me,” said Mary Pavlovna, trying to coax the child to come to her. + </p> + <p> + But the child in the soldier’s arms stretched herself towards her father + and continued to scream, and would not go to Mary Pavlovna. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a bit, Mary Pavlovna,” said Maslova, getting a rusk out of her bag; + “she will come to me.” + </p> + <p> + The little girl knew Maslova, and when she saw her face and the rusk she + let her take her. All was quiet. The gates were opened, and the gang + stepped out, the convoy counted the prisoners over again, the bags were + packed and tied on to the carts, the weak seated on the top. Maslova with + the child in her arms took her place among the women next to Theodosia. + Simonson, who had all the time been watching what was going on, stepped + with large, determined strides up to the officer, who, having given his + orders, was just getting into a trap, and said, “You have behaved badly.” + </p> + <p> + “Get to your place; it is no business of yours.” + </p> + <p> + “It is my business to tell you that you have behaved badly and I have said + it,” said Simonson, looking intently into the officer’s face from under + his bushy eyebrows. + </p> + <p> + “Ready? March!” the officer called out, paying no heed to Simonson, and, + taking hold of the driver’s shoulder, he got into the trap. The gang + started and spread out as it stepped on to the muddy high road with + ditches on each side, which passed through a dense forest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0104" id="link2HCH0104"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. MARY PAVLOVNA. + </h2> + <p> + In spite of the hard conditions in which they were placed, life among the + political prisoners seemed very good to Katusha after the depraved, + luxurious and effeminate life she had led in town for the last six years, + and after two months’ imprisonment with criminal prisoners. The fifteen to + twenty miles they did per day, with one day’s rest after two days’ + marching, strengthened her physically, and the fellowship with her new + companions opened out to her a life full of interests such as she had + never dreamed of. People so wonderful (as she expressed it) as those whom + she was now going with she had not only never met but could not even have + imagined. + </p> + <p> + “There now, and I cried when I was sentenced,” she said. “Why, I must + thank God for it all the days of my life. I have learned to know what I + never should have found out else.” + </p> + <p> + The motives she understood easily and without effort that guided these + people, and, being of the people, fully sympathised with them. She + understood that these persons were for the people and against the upper + classes, and though themselves belonging to the upper classes had + sacrificed their privileges, their liberty and their lives for the people. + This especially made her value and admire them. She was charmed with all + the new companions, but particularly with Mary Pavlovna, and she was not + only charmed with her, but loved her with a peculiar, respectful and + rapturous love. She was struck by the fact that this beautiful girl, the + daughter of a rich general, who could speak three languages, gave away all + that her rich brother sent her, and lived like the simplest working girl, + and dressed not only simply, but poorly, paying no heed to her appearance. + This trait and a complete absence of coquetry was particularly surprising + and therefore attractive to Maslova. Maslova could see that Mary Pavlovna + knew, and was even pleased to know, that she was handsome, and yet the + effect her appearance had on men was not at all pleasing to her; she was + even afraid of it, and felt an absolute disgust to all love affairs. Her + men companions knew it, and if they felt attracted by her never permitted + themselves to show it to her, but treated her as they would a man; but + with strangers, who often molested her, the great physical strength on + which she prided herself stood her in good stead. + </p> + <p> + “It happened once,” she said to Katusha, “that a man followed me in the + street and would not leave me on any account. At last I gave him such a + shaking that he was frightened and ran away.” + </p> + <p> + She became a revolutionary, as she said, because she felt a dislike to the + life of the well-to-do from childhood up, and loved the life of the common + people, and she was always being scolded for spending her time in the + servants’ hall, in the kitchen or the stables instead of the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + “And I found it amusing to be with cooks and the coachmen, and dull with + our gentlemen and ladies,” she said. “Then when I came to understand + things I saw that our life was altogether wrong; I had no mother and I did + not care for my father, and so when I was nineteen I left home, and went + with a girl friend to work as a factory hand.” + </p> + <p> + After she left the factory she lived in the country, then returned to town + and lived in a lodging, where they had a secret printing press. There she + was arrested and sentenced to hard labour. Mary Pavlovna said nothing + about it herself, but Katusha heard from others that Mary Pavlovna was + sentenced because, when the lodging was searched by the police and one of + the revolutionists fired a shot in the dark, she pleaded guilty. + </p> + <p> + As soon as she had learned to know Mary Pavlovna, Katusha noticed that, + whatever the conditions she found herself in, Mary Pavlovna never thought + of herself, but was always anxious to serve, to help some one, in matters + small or great. One of her present companions, Novodvoroff, said of her + that she devoted herself to philanthropic amusements. And this was true. + The interest of her whole life lay in the search for opportunities of + serving others. This kind of amusement had become the habit, the business + of her life. And she did it all so naturally that those who knew her no + longer valued but simply expected it of her. + </p> + <p> + When Maslova first came among them, Mary Pavlovna felt repulsed and + disgusted. Katusha noticed this, but she also noticed that, having made an + effort to overcome these feelings, Mary Pavlovna became particularly + tender and kind to her. The tenderness and kindness of so uncommon a being + touched Maslova so much that she gave her whole heart, and unconsciously + accepting her views, could not help imitating her in everything. + </p> + <p> + This devoted love of Katusha touched Mary Pavlovna in her turn, and she + learned to love Katusha. + </p> + <p> + These women were also united by the repulsion they both felt to sexual + love. The one loathed that kind of love, having experienced all its + horrors, the other, never having experienced it, looked on it as something + incomprehensible and at the same time as something repugnant and offensive + to human dignity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0105" id="link2HCH0105"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. SIMONSON. + </h2> + <p> + Mary Pavlovna’s influence was one that Maslova submitted to because she + loved Mary Pavlovna. Simonson influenced her because he loved her. + </p> + <p> + Everybody lives and acts partly according to his own, partly according to + other people’s, ideas. This is what constitutes one of the great + differences among men. To some, thinking is a kind of mental game; they + treat their reason as if it were a fly-wheel without a connecting strap, + and are guided in their actions by other people’s ideas, by custom or + laws; while others look upon their own ideas as the chief motive power of + all their actions, and always listen to the dictates of their own reason + and submit to it, accepting other people’s opinions only on rare occasions + and after weighing them critically. Simonson was a man of the latter sort; + he settled and verified everything according to his own reason and acted + on the decisions he arrived at. When a schoolboy he made up his mind that + his father’s income, made as a paymaster in government office was + dishonestly gained, and he told his father that it ought to be given to + the people. When his father, instead of listening to him, gave him a + scolding, he left his father’s house and would not make use of his + father’s means. Having come to the conclusion that all the existing misery + was a result of the people’s ignorance, he joined the socialists, who + carried on propaganda among the people, as soon as he left the university + and got a place as a village schoolmaster. He taught and explained to his + pupils and to the peasants what he considered to be just, and openly + blamed what he thought unjust. He was arrested and tried. During his trial + he determined to tell his judges that his was a just cause, for which he + ought not to be tried or punished. When the judges paid no heed to his + words, but went on with the trial, he decided not to answer them and kept + resolutely silent when they questioned him. He was exiled to the + Government of Archangel. There he formulated a religious teaching which + was founded on the theory that everything in the world was alive, that + nothing is lifeless, and that all the objects we consider to be without + life or inorganic are only parts of an enormous organic body which we + cannot compass. A man’s task is to sustain the life of that huge organism + and all its animate parts. Therefore he was against war, capital + punishment and every kind of killing, not only of human beings, but also + of animals. Concerning marriage, too, he had a peculiar idea of his own; + he thought that increase was a lower function of man, the highest function + being to serve the already existing lives. He found a confirmation of his + theory in the fact that there were phacocytes in the blood. Celibates, + according to his opinion, were the same as phacocytes, their function + being to help the weak and the sickly particles of the organism. From the + moment he came to this conclusion he began to consider himself as well as + Mary Pavlovna as phacocytes, and to live accordingly, though as a youth he + had been addicted to vice. His love for Katusha did not infringe this + conception, because he loved her platonically, and such love he considered + could not hinder his activity as a phacocytes, but acted, on the contrary, + as an inspiration. + </p> + <p> + Not only moral, but also most practical questions he decided in his own + way. He applied a theory of his own to all practical business, had rules + relating to the number of hours for rest and for work, to the kind of food + to eat, the way to dress, to heat and light up the rooms. With all this + Simonson was very shy and modest; and yet when he had once made up his + mind nothing could make him waver. And this man had a decided influence on + Maslova through his love for her. With a woman’s instinct Maslova very + soon found out that he loved her. And the fact that she could awaken love + in a man of that kind raised her in her own estimation. It was + Nekhludoff’s magnanimity and what had been in the past that made him offer + to marry her, but Simonson loved her such as she was now, loved her simply + because of the love he bore her. And she felt that Simonson considered her + to be an exceptional woman, having peculiarly high moral qualities. She + did not quite know what the qualities he attributed to her were, but in + order to be on the safe side and that he should not be disappointed in + her, she tried with all her might to awaken in herself all the highest + qualities she could conceive, and she tried to be as good as possible. + This had begun while they were still in prison, when on a common visiting + day she had noticed his kindly dark blue eyes gazing fixedly at her from + under his projecting brow. Even then she had noticed that this was a + peculiar man, and that he was looking at her in a peculiar manner, and had + also noticed the striking combination of sternness—the unruly hair + and the frowning forehead gave him this appearance—with the + child-like kindness and innocence of his look. She saw him again in Tomsk, + where she joined the political prisoners. Though they had not uttered a + word, their looks told plainly that they had understood one another. Even + after that they had had no serious conversation with each other, but + Maslova felt that when he spoke in her presence his words were addressed + to her, and that he spoke for her sake, trying to express himself as + plainly as he could; but it was when he started walking with the criminal + prisoners that they grew specially near to one another. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0106" id="link2HCH0106"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE POLITICAL PRISONERS. + </h2> + <p> + Until they left Perm Nekhludoff only twice managed to see Katusha, once in + Nijni, before the prisoners were embarked on a barge surrounded with a + wire netting, and again in Perm in the prison office. At both these + interviews he found her reserved and unkind. She answered his questions as + to whether she was in want of anything, and whether she was comfortable, + evasively and bashfully, and, as he thought, with the same feeling of + hostile reproach which she had shown several times before. Her depressed + state of mind, which was only the result of the molestations from the men + that she was undergoing at the time, tormented Nekhludoff. He feared lest, + influenced by the hard and degrading circumstances in which she was placed + on the journey, she should again get into that state of despair and + discord with her own self which formerly made her irritable with him, and + which had caused her to drink and smoke excessively to gain oblivion. But + he was unable to help her in any way during this part of the journey, as + it was impossible for him to be with her. It was only when she joined the + political prisoners that he saw how unfounded his fears were, and at each + interview he noticed that inner change he so strongly desired to see in + her becoming more and more marked. The first time they met in Tomsk she + was again just as she had been when leaving Moscow. She did not frown or + become confused when she saw him, but met him joyfully and simply, + thanking him for what he had done for her, especially for bringing her + among the people with whom she now was. + </p> + <p> + After two months’ marching with the gang, the change that had taken place + within her became noticeable in her appearance. She grew sunburned and + thinner, and seemed older; wrinkles appeared on her temples and round her + mouth. She had no ringlets on her forehead now, and her hair was covered + with the kerchief; in the way it was arranged, as well as in her dress and + her manners, there was no trace of coquetry left. And this change, which + had taken place and was still progressing in her, made Nekhludoff very + happy. + </p> + <p> + He felt for her something he had never experienced before. This feeling + had nothing in common with his first poetic love for her, and even less + with the sensual love that had followed, nor even with the satisfaction of + a duty fulfilled, not unmixed with self-admiration, with which he decided + to marry her after the trial. The present feeling was simply one of pity + and tenderness. He had felt it when he met her in prison for the first + time, and then again when, after conquering his repugnance, he forgave her + the imagined intrigue with the medical assistant in the hospital (the + injustice done her had since been discovered); it was the same feeling he + now had, only with this difference, that formerly it was momentary, and + that now it had become permanent. Whatever he was doing, whatever he was + thinking now, a feeling of pity and tenderness dwelt with him, and not + only pity and tenderness for her, but for everybody. This feeling seemed + to have opened the floodgates of love, which had found no outlet in + Nekhludoff’s soul, and the love now flowed out to every one he met. + </p> + <p> + During this journey Nekhludoff’s feelings were so stimulated that he could + not help being attentive and considerate to everybody, from the coachman + and the convoy soldiers to the prison inspectors and governors whom he had + to deal with. Now that Maslova was among the political prisoners, + Nekhludoff could not help becoming acquainted with many of them, first in + Ekaterinburg, where they had a good deal of freedom and were kept + altogether in a large cell, and then on the road when Maslova was marching + with three of the men and four of the women. Coming in contact with + political exiles in this way made Nekhludoff completely change his mind + concerning them. + </p> + <p> + From the very beginning of the revolutionary movement in Russia, but + especially since that first of March, when Alexander II was murdered, + Nekhludoff regarded the revolutionists with dislike and contempt. He was + repulsed by the cruelty and secrecy of the methods they employed in their + struggles against the government, especially the cruel murders they + committed, and their arrogance also disgusted him. But having learned more + intimately to know them and all they had suffered at the hands of the + government, he saw that they could not be other than they were. + </p> + <p> + Terrible and endless as were the torments which were inflicted on the + criminals, there was at least some semblance of justice shown them before + and after they were sentenced, but in the case of the political prisoners + there was not even that semblance, as Nekhludoff saw in the case of + Sholostova and that of many and many of his new acquaintances. These + people were dealt with like fish caught with a net; everything that gets + into the nets is pulled ashore, and then the big fish which are required + are sorted out and the little ones are left to perish unheeded on the + shore. Having captured hundreds that were evidently guiltless, and that + could not be dangerous to the government, they left them imprisoned for + years, where they became consumptive, went out of their minds or committed + suicide, and kept them only because they had no inducement to set them + free, while they might be of use to elucidate some question at a judicial + inquiry, safe in prison. The fate of these persons, often innocent even + from the government point of view, depended on the whim, the humour of, or + the amount of leisure at the disposal of some police officer or spy, or + public prosecutor, or magistrate, or governor, or minister. Some one of + these officials feels dull, or inclined to distinguish himself, and makes + a number of arrests, and imprisons or sets free, according to his own + fancy or that of the higher authorities. And the higher official, actuated + by like motives, according to whether he is inclined to distinguish + himself, or to what his relations to the minister are, exiles men to the + other side of the world or keeps them in solitary confinement, condemns + them to Siberia, to hard labour, to death, or sets them free at the + request of some lady. + </p> + <p> + They were dealt with as in war, and they naturally employed the means that + were used against them. And as the military men live in an atmosphere of + public opinion that not only conceals from them the guilt of their + actions, but sets these actions up as feats of heroism, so these political + offenders were also constantly surrounded by an atmosphere of public + opinion which made the cruel actions they committed, in the face of danger + and at the risk of liberty and life, and all that is dear to men, seem not + wicked but glorious actions. Nekhludoff found in this the explanation of + the surprising phenomenon that men, with the mildest characters, who + seemed incapable of witnessing the sufferings of any living creature, much + less of inflicting pain, quietly prepared to murder men, nearly all of + them considering murder lawful and just on certain occasions as a means + for self-defence, for the attainment of higher aims or for the general + welfare. + </p> + <p> + The importance they attribute to their cause, and consequently to + themselves, flowed naturally from the importance the government attached + to their actions, and the cruelty of the punishments it inflicted on them. + When Nekhludoff came to know them better he became convinced that they + were not the right-down villains that some imagined them to be, nor the + complete heroes that others thought them, but ordinary people, just the + same as others, among whom there were some good and some bad, and some + mediocre, as there are everywhere. + </p> + <p> + There were some among them who had turned revolutionists because they + honestly considered it their duty to fight the existing evils, but there + were also those who chose this work for selfish, ambitious motives; the + majority, however, was attracted to the revolutionary idea by the desire + for danger, for risks, the enjoyment of playing with one’s life, which, as + Nekhludoff knew from his military experiences, is quite common to the most + ordinary people while they are young and full of energy. But wherein they + differed from ordinary people was that their moral standard was a higher + one than that of ordinary men. They considered not only self-control, hard + living, truthfulness, but also the readiness to sacrifice everything, even + life, for the common welfare as their duty. Therefore the best among them + stood on a moral level that is not often reached, while the worst were far + below the ordinary level, many of them being untruthful, hypocritical and + at the same time self-satisfied and proud. So that Nekhludoff learned not + only to respect but to love some of his new acquaintances, while he + remained more than indifferent to others. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0107" id="link2HCH0107"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. KRYLTZOFF’S STORY. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff grew especially fond of Kryltzoff, a consumptive young man + condemned to hard labour, who was going with the same gang as Katusha. + Nekhludoff had made his acquaintance already in Ekaterinburg, and talked + with him several times on the road after that. Once, in summer, Nekhludoff + spent nearly the whole of a day with him at a halting station, and + Kryltzoff, having once started talking, told him his story and how he had + become a revolutionist. Up to the time of his imprisonment his story was + soon told. He lost his father, a rich landed proprietor in the south of + Russia, when still a child. He was the only son, and his mother brought + him up. He learned easily in the university, as well as the gymnasium, and + was first in the mathematical faculty in his year. He was offered a choice + of remaining in the university or going abroad. He hesitated. He loved a + girl and was thinking of marriage, and taking part in the rural + administration. He did not like giving up either offer, and could not make + up his mind. At this time his fellow-students at the university asked him + for money for a common cause. He did not know that this common cause was + revolutionary, which he was not interested in at that time, but gave the + money from a sense of comradeship and vanity, so that it should not be + said that he was afraid. Those who received the money were caught, a note + was found which proved that the money had been given by Kryltzoff, he was + arrested, and first kept at the police station, then imprisoned. + </p> + <p> + “The prison where I was put,” Kryltzoff went on to relate (he was sitting + on the high shelf bedstead, his elbows on his knees, with sunken chest, + the beautiful, intelligent eyes with which he looked at Nekhludoff + glistening feverishly)—“they were not specially strict in that + prison. We managed to converse, not only by tapping the wall, but could + walk about the corridors, share our provisions and our tobacco, and in the + evenings we even sang in chorus. I had a fine voice—yes, if it had + not been for mother it would have been all right, even pleasant and + interesting. Here I made the acquaintance of the famous Petroff—he + afterwards killed himself with a piece of glass at the fortress—and + also of others. But I was not yet a revolutionary. I also became + acquainted with my neighbours in the cells next to mine. They were both + caught with Polish proclamations and arrested in the same cause, and were + tried for an attempt to escape from the convoy when they were being taken + to the railway station. One was a Pole, Lozinsky; the other a Jew, + Rozovsky. Yes. Well, this Rozovsky was quite a boy. He said he was + seventeen, but he looked fifteen—thin, small, active, with black, + sparkling eyes, and, like most Jews, very musical. His voice was still + breaking, and yet he sang beautifully. Yes. I saw them both taken to be + tried. They were taken in the morning. They returned in the evening, and + said they were condemned to death. No one had expected it. Their case was + so unimportant; they only tried to get away from the convoy, and had not + even wounded any one. And then it was so unnatural to execute such a child + as Rozovsky. And we in prison all came to the conclusion that it was only + done to frighten them, and would not be confirmed. At first we were + excited, and then we comforted ourselves, and life went on as before. Yes. + Well, one evening, a watchman comes to my door and mysteriously announces + to me that carpenters had arrived, and were putting up the gallows. At + first I did not understand. What’s that? What gallows? But the watchman + was so excited that I saw at once it was for our two. I wished to tap and + communicate with my comrades, but was afraid those two would hear. The + comrades were also silent. Evidently everybody knew. In the corridors and + in the cells everything was as still as death all that evening. They did + not tap the wall nor sing. At ten the watchman came again and announced + that a hangman had arrived from Moscow. He said it and went away. I began + calling him back. Suddenly I hear Rozovsky shouting to me across the + corridor: ‘What’s the matter? Why do you call him?’ I answered something + about asking him to get me some tobacco, but he seemed to guess, and asked + me: ‘Why did we not sing to-night, why did we not tap the walls?’ I do not + remember what I said, but I went away so as not to speak to him. Yes. It + was a terrible night. I listened to every sound all night. Suddenly, + towards morning, I hear doors opening and somebody walking—many + persons. I went up to my window. There was a lamp burning in the corridor. + The first to pass was the inspector. He was stout, and seemed a resolute, + self-satisfied man, but he looked ghastly pale, downcast, and seemed + frightened; then his assistant, frowning but resolute; behind them the + watchman. They passed my door and stopped at the next, and I hear the + assistant calling out in a strange voice: ‘Lozinsky, get up and put on + clean linen.’ Yes. Then I hear the creaking of the door; they entered into + his cell. Then I hear Lozinsky’s steps going to the opposite side of the + corridor. I could only see the inspector. He stood quite pale, and + buttoned and unbuttoned his coat, shrugging his shoulders. Yes. Then, as + if frightened of something, he moved out of the way. It was Lozinsky, who + passed him and came up to my door. A handsome young fellow he was, you + know, of that nice Polish type: broad shouldered, his head covered with + fine, fair, curly hair as with a cap, and with beautiful blue eyes. So + blooming, so fresh, so healthy. He stopped in front of my window, so that + I could see the whole of his face. A dreadful, gaunt, livid face. + ‘Kryltzoff, have you any cigarettes?’ I wished to pass him some, but the + assistant hurriedly pulled out his cigarette case and passed it to him. He + took out one, the assistant struck a match, and he lit the cigarette and + began to smoke and seemed to be thinking. Then, as if he had remembered + something, he began to speak. ‘It is cruel and unjust. I have committed no + crime. I—’ I saw something quiver in his white young throat, from + which I could not take my eyes, and he stopped. Yes. At that moment I hear + Rozovsky shouting in his fine, Jewish voice. Lozinsky threw away the + cigarette and stepped from the door. And Rozovsky appeared at the window. + His childish face, with the limpid black eyes, was red and moist. He also + had clean linen on, the trousers were too wide, and he kept pulling them + up and trembled all over. He approached his pitiful face to my window. + ‘Kryltzoff, it’s true that the doctor has prescribed cough mixture for me, + is it not? I am not well. I’ll take some more of the mixture.’ No one + answered, and he looked inquiringly, now at me, now at the inspector. What + he meant to say I never made out. Yes. Suddenly the assistant again put on + a stern expression, and called out in a kind of squeaking tone: ‘Now, + then, no nonsense. Let us go.’ Rozovsky seemed incapable of understanding + what awaited him, and hurried, almost ran, in front of him all along the + corridor. But then he drew back, and I could hear his shrill voice and his + cries, then the trampling of feet, and general hubbub. He was shrieking + and sobbing. The sounds came fainter and fainter, and at last the door + rattled and all was quiet. Yes. And so they hanged them. Throttled them + both with a rope. A watchman, another one, saw it done, and told me that + Lozinsky did not resist, but Rozovsky struggled for a long time, so that + they had to pull him up on to the scaffold and to force his head into the + noose. Yes. This watchman was a stupid fellow. He said: ‘They told me, + sir, that it would be frightful, but it was not at all frightful. After + they were hanged they only shrugged their shoulders twice, like this.’ He + showed how the shoulders convulsively rose and fell. ‘Then the hangman + pulled a bit so as to tighten the noose, and it was all up, and they never + budged.”’ And Kryltzoff repeated the watchman’s words, “Not at all + frightful,” and tried to smile, but burst into sobs instead. + </p> + <p> + For a long time after that he kept silent, breathing heavily, and + repressing the sobs that were choking him. + </p> + <p> + “From that time I became a revolutionist. Yes,” he said, when he was + quieter and finished his story in a few words. He belonged to the + Narodovoltzy party, and was even at the head of the disorganising group, + whose object was to terrorise the government so that it should give up its + power of its own accord. With this object he travelled to Petersburg, to + Kiev, to Odessa and abroad, and was everywhere successful. A man in whom + he had full confidence betrayed him. He was arrested, tried, kept in + prison for two years, and condemned to death, but the sentence was + mitigated to one of hard labour for life. + </p> + <p> + He went into consumption while in prison, and in the conditions he was now + placed he had scarcely more than a few months longer to live. This he + knew, but did not repent of his action, but said that if he had another + life he would use it in the same way to destroy the conditions in which + such things as he had seen were possible. + </p> + <p> + This man’s story and his intimacy with him explained to Nekhludoff much + that he had not previously understood. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0108" id="link2HCH0108"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. NEKHLUDOFF SEEKS AN INTERVIEW WITH MASLOVA. + </h2> + <p> + On the day when the convoy officer had the encounter with the prisoners at + the halting station about the child, Nekhludoff, who had spent the night + at the village inn, woke up late, and was some time writing letters to + post at the next Government town, so that he left the inn later than + usual, and did not catch up with the gang on the road as he had done + previously, but came to the village where the next halting station was as + it was growing dusk. + </p> + <p> + Having dried himself at the inn, which was kept by an elderly woman who + had an extraordinarily fat, white neck, he had his tea in a clean room + decorated with a great number of icons and pictures and then hurried away + to the halting station to ask the officer for an interview with Katusha. + At the last six halting stations he could not get the permission for an + interview from any of the officers. Though they had been changed several + times, not one of them would allow Nekhludoff inside the halting stations, + so that he had not seen Katusha for more than a week. This strictness was + occasioned by the fact that an important prison official was expected to + pass that way. Now this official had passed without looking in at the + gang, after all, and Nekhludoff hoped that the officer who had taken + charge of the gang in the morning would allow him an interview with the + prisoners, as former officers had done. + </p> + <p> + The landlady offered Nekhludoff a trap to drive him to the halting + station, situated at the farther end of the village, but Nekhludoff + preferred to walk. A young labourer, a broad-shouldered young fellow of + herculean dimensions, with enormous top-boots freshly blackened with + strongly smelling tar, offered himself as a guide. + </p> + <p> + A dense mist obscured the sky, and it was so dark that when the young + fellow was three steps in advance of him Nekhludoff could not see him + unless the light of some window happened to fall on the spot, but he could + hear the heavy boots wading through the deep, sticky slush. After passing + the open place in front of the church and the long street, with its rows + of windows shining brightly in the darkness, Nekhludoff followed his guide + to the outskirts of the village, where it was pitch dark. But soon here, + too, rays of light, streaming through the mist from the lamps in the front + of the halting station, became discernible through the darkness. The + reddish spots of light grew bigger and bigger; at last the stakes of the + palisade, the moving figure of the sentinel, a post painted with white and + black stripes and the sentinel’s box became visible. + </p> + <p> + The sentinel called his usual “Who goes there?” as they approached, and + seeing they were strangers treated them with such severity that he would + not allow them to wait by the palisade; but Nekhludoff’s guide was not + abashed by this severity. + </p> + <p> + “Hallo, lad! why so fierce? You go and rouse your boss while we wait + here?” + </p> + <p> + The sentinel gave no answer, but shouted something in at the gate and + stood looking at the broad-shouldered young labourer scraping the mud off + Nekhludoff’s boots with a chip of wood by the light of the lamp. From + behind the palisade came the hum of male and female voices. In about three + minutes more something rattled, the gate opened, and a sergeant, with his + cloak thrown over his shoulders, stepped out of the darkness into the + lamplight. + </p> + <p> + The sergeant was not as strict as the sentinel, but he was extremely + inquisitive. He insisted on knowing what Nekhludoff wanted the officer + for, and who he was, evidently scenting his booty and anxious not to let + it escape. Nekhludoff said he had come on special business, and would show + his gratitude, and would the sergeant take a note for him to the officer. + The sergeant took the note, nodded, and went away. Some time after the + gate rattled again, and women carrying baskets, boxes, jugs and sacks came + out, loudly chattering in their peculiar Siberian dialect as they stepped + over the threshold of the gate. None of them wore peasant costumes, but + were dressed town fashion, wearing jackets and fur-lined cloaks. Their + skirts were tucked up high, and their heads wrapped up in shawls. They + examined Nekhludoff and his guide curiously by the light of the lamp. One + of them showed evident pleasure at the sight of the broad-shouldered + fellow, and affectionately administered to him a dose of Siberian abuse. + </p> + <p> + “You demon, what are you doing here? The devil take you,” she said, + addressing him. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve been showing this traveller here the way,” answered the young + fellow. “And what have you been bringing here?” + </p> + <p> + “Dairy produce, and I am to bring more in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + The guide said something in answer that made not only the women but even + the sentinel laugh, and, turning to Nekhludoff, he said: + </p> + <p> + “You’ll find your way alone? Won’t get lost, will you?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall find it all right.” + </p> + <p> + “When you have passed the church it’s the second from the two-storied + house. Oh, and here, take my staff,” he said, handing the stick he was + carrying, and which was longer than himself, to Nekhludoff; and splashing + through the mud with his enormous boots, he disappeared in the darkness, + together with the women. + </p> + <p> + His voice mingling with the voices of the women was still audible through + the fog, when the gate again rattled, and the sergeant appeared and asked + Nekhludoff to follow him to the officer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0109" id="link2HCH0109"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. NEKHLUDOFF AND THE OFFICER. + </h2> + <p> + This halting station, like all such stations along the Siberian road, was + surrounded by a courtyard, fenced in with a palisade of sharp-pointed + stakes, and consisted of three one-storied houses. One of them, the + largest, with grated windows, was for the prisoners, another for the + convoy soldiers, and the third, in which the office was, for the officers. + </p> + <p> + There were lights in the windows of all the three houses, and, like all + such lights, they promised, here in a specially deceptive manner, + something cosy inside the walls. Lamps were burning before the porches of + the houses and about five lamps more along the walls lit up the yard. + </p> + <p> + The sergeant led Nekhludoff along a plank which lay across the yard up to + the porch of the smallest of the houses. + </p> + <p> + When he had gone up the three steps of the porch he let Nekhludoff pass + before him into the ante-room, in which a small lamp was burning, and + which was filled with smoky fumes. By the stove a soldier in a coarse + shirt with a necktie and black trousers, and with one top-boot on, stood + blowing the charcoal in a somovar, using the other boot as bellows. [The + long boots worn in Russia have concertina-like sides, and when held to the + chimney of the somovar can be used instead of bellows to make the charcoal + inside burn up.] When he saw Nekhludoff, the soldier left the somovar and + helped him off with his waterproof; then went into the inner room. + </p> + <p> + “He has come, your honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, ask him in,” came an angry voice. + </p> + <p> + “Go in at the door,” said the soldier, and went back to the somovar. + </p> + <p> + In the next room an officer with fair moustaches and a very red face, + dressed in an Austrian jacket that closely fitted his broad chest and + shoulders, sat at a covered table, on which were the remains of his dinner + and two bottles; there was a strong smell of tobacco and some very strong, + cheap scent in the warm room. On seeing Nekhludoff the officer rose and + gazed ironically and suspiciously, as it seemed, at the newcomer. + </p> + <p> + “What is it you want?” he asked, and, not waiting for a reply, he shouted + through the open door: + </p> + <p> + “Bernoff, the somovar! What are you about?” + </p> + <p> + “Coming at once.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll get it ‘at once’ so that you’ll remember it,” shouted the officer, + and his eyes flashed. + </p> + <p> + “I’m coming,” shouted the soldier, and brought in the somovar. Nekhludoff + waited while the soldier placed the somovar on the table. When the officer + had followed the soldier out of the room with his cruel little eyes + looking as if they were aiming where best to hit him, he made the tea, got + the four-cornered decanter out of his travelling case and some Albert + biscuits, and having placed all this on the cloth he again turned to + Nekhludoff. “Well, how can I be of service to you?” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to be allowed to visit a prisoner,” said Nekhludoff, + without sitting down. + </p> + <p> + “A political one? That’s forbidden by the law,” said the officer. + </p> + <p> + “The woman I mean is not a political prisoner,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. But pray take a scat,” said the officer. Nekhludoff sat down. + </p> + <p> + “She is not a political one, but at my request she has been allowed by the + higher authorities to join the political prisoners—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I know,” interrupted the other; “a little dark one? Well, yes, + that can be managed. Won’t you smoke?” He moved a box of cigarettes + towards Nekhludoff, and, having carefully poured out two tumblers of tea, + he passed one to Nekhludoff. “If you please,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you; I should like to see—” + </p> + <p> + “The night is long. You’ll have plenty of time. I shall order her to be + sent out to you.” + </p> + <p> + “But could I not see her where she is? Why need she be sent for?” + Nekhludoff said. + </p> + <p> + “In to the political prisoners? It is against the law.” + </p> + <p> + “I have been allowed to go in several times. If there is any danger of my + passing anything in to them I could do it through her just as well.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no; she would be searched,” said the officer, and laughed in an + unpleasant manner. + </p> + <p> + “Well, why not search me?” + </p> + <p> + “All right; we’ll manage without that,” said the officer, opening the + decanter, and holding it out towards Nekhludoff’s tumbler of tea. “May I? + No? Well, just as you like. When you are living here in Siberia you are + too glad to meet an educated person. Our work, as you know, is the + saddest, and when one is used to better things it is very hard. The idea + they have of us is that convoy officers are coarse, uneducated men, and no + one seems to remember that we may have been born for a very different + position.” + </p> + <p> + This officer’s red face, his scents, his rings, and especially his + unpleasant laughter disgusted Nekhludoff very much, but to-day, as during + the whole of his journey, he was in that serious, attentive state which + did not allow him to behave slightingly or disdainfully towards any man, + but made him feel the necessity of speaking to every one “entirely,” as he + expressed to himself, this relation to men. When he had heard the officer + and understood his state of mind, he said in a serious manner: + </p> + <p> + “I think that in your position, too, some comfort could be found in + helping the suffering people,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “What are their sufferings? You don’t know what these people are.” + </p> + <p> + “They are not special people,” said Nekhludoff; “they are just such people + as others, and some of them are quite innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, there are all sorts among them, and naturally one pities them. + Others won’t let anything off, but I try to lighten their condition where + I can. It’s better that I should suffer, but not they. Others keep to the + law in every detail, even as far as to shoot, but I show pity. May I?—Take + another,” he said, and poured out another tumbler of tea for Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “And who is she, this woman that you want to see?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “It is an unfortunate woman who got into a brothel, and was there falsely + accused of poisoning, and she is a very good woman,” Nekhludoff answered. + </p> + <p> + The officer shook his head. “Yes, it does happen. I can tell you about a + certain Emma who lived in Kasan. She was a Hungarian by birth, but she had + quite Persian eyes,” he continued, unable to restrain a smile at the + recollection; “there was so much chic about her that a countess—” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff interrupted the officer and returned to the former topic of + conversation. + </p> + <p> + “I think that you could lighten the condition of the people while they are + in your charge. And in acting that way I am sure you would find great + joy!” said Nekhludoff, trying to pronounce as distinctly as possible, as + he might if talking to a foreigner or a child. + </p> + <p> + The officer looked at Nekhludoff impatiently, waiting for him to stop so + as to continue the tale about the Hungarian with Persian eyes, who + evidently presented herself very vividly to his imagination and quite + absorbed his attention. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course, this is all quite true,” he said, “and I do pity them; + but I should like to tell you about Emma. What do you think she did—?” + </p> + <p> + “It does not interest me,” said Nekhludoff, “and I will tell you straight, + that though I was myself very different at one time, I now hate that kind + of relation to women.” + </p> + <p> + The officer gave Nekhludoff a frightened look. + </p> + <p> + “Won’t you take some more tea?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “Bernoff!” the officer called, “take the gentleman to Vakouloff. Tell him + to let him into the separate political room. He may remain there till the + inspection.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0110" id="link2HCH0110"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE POLITICAL PRISONERS. + </h2> + <p> + Accompanied by the orderly, Nekhludoff went out into the courtyard, which + was dimly lit up by the red light of the lamps. + </p> + <p> + “Where to?” asked the convoy sergeant, addressing the orderly. + </p> + <p> + “Into the separate cell, No. 5.” + </p> + <p> + “You can’t pass here; the boss has gone to the village and taken the + keys.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, pass this way.” + </p> + <p> + The soldier led Nekhludoff along a board to another entrance. While still + in the yard Nekhludoff could hear the din of voices and general commotion + going on inside as in a beehive when the bees are preparing to swarm; but + when he came nearer and the door opened the din grew louder, and changed + into distinct sounds of shouting, abuse and laughter. He heard the clatter + of chairs and smelt the well-known foul air. This din of voices and the + clatter of the chairs, together with the close smell, always flowed into + one tormenting sensation, and produced in Nekhludoff a feeling of moral + nausea which grew into physical sickness, the two feelings mingling with + and heightening each other. + </p> + <p> + The first thing Nekhludoff saw, on entering, was a large, stinking tub. A + corridor into which several doors opened led from the entrance. The first + was the family room, then the bachelors’ room, and at the very end two + small rooms were set apart for the political prisoners. + </p> + <p> + The buildings, which were arranged to hold one hundred and fifty + prisoners, now that there were four hundred and fifty inside, were so + crowded that the prisoners could not all get into the rooms, but filled + the passage, too. Some were sitting or lying on the floor, some were going + out with empty teapots, or bringing them back filled with boiling water. + Among the latter was Taras. He overtook Nekhludoff and greeted him + affectionately. The kind face of Taras was disfigured by dark bruises on + his nose and under his eye. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened to you?” asked Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, something did happen,” Taras said, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “All because of the woman,” added a prisoner, who followed Taras; “he’s + had a row with Blind Fedka.” + </p> + <p> + “And how’s Theodosia?” + </p> + <p> + “She’s all right. Here I am bringing her the water for her tea,” Taras + answered, and went into the family room. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff looked in at the door. The room was crowded with women and men, + some of whom were on and some under the bedsteads; it was full of steam + from the wet clothes that were drying, and the chatter of women’s voices + was unceasing. The next door led into the bachelors’ room. This room was + still more crowded; even the doorway and the passage in front of it were + blocked by a noisy crowd of men, in wet garments, busy doing or deciding + something or other. + </p> + <p> + The convoy sergeant explained that it was the prisoner appointed to buy + provisions, paying off out of the food money what was owing to a sharper + who had won from or lent money to the prisoners, and receiving back little + tickets made of playing cards. When they saw the convoy soldier and a + gentleman, those who were nearest became silent, and followed them with + looks of ill-will. Among them Nekhludoff noticed the criminal Fedoroff, + whom he knew, and who always kept a miserable lad with a swelled + appearance and raised eyebrows beside him, and also a disgusting, + noseless, pock-marked tramp, who was notorious among the prisoners because + he killed his comrade in the marshes while trying to escape, and had, as + it was rumoured, fed on his flesh. The tramp stood in the passage with his + wet cloak thrown over one shoulder, looking mockingly and boldly at + Nekhludoff, and did not move out of the way. Nekhludoff passed him by. + </p> + <p> + Though this kind of scene had now become quite familiar to him, though he + had during the last three months seen these four hundred criminal + prisoners over and over again in many different circumstances; in the + heat, enveloped in clouds of dust which they raised as they dragged their + chained feet along the road, and at the resting places by the way, where + the most horrible scenes of barefaced debauchery had occurred, yet every + time he came among them, and felt their attention fixed upon him as it was + now, shame and consciousness of his sin against them tormented him. To + this sense of shame and guilt was added an unconquerable feeling of + loathing and horror. He knew that, placed in a position such as theirs, + they could not be other than they were, and yet he was unable to stifle + his disgust. + </p> + <p> + “It’s well for them do-nothings,” Nekhludoff heard some one say in a + hoarse voice as he approached the room of the political prisoners. Then + followed a word of obscene abuse, and spiteful, mocking laughter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0111" id="link2HCH0111"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. MAKAR DEVKIN. + </h2> + <p> + When they had passed the bachelors’ room the sergeant who accompanied + Nekhludoff left him, promising to come for him before the inspection would + take place. As soon as the sergeant was gone a prisoner, quickly stepping + with his bare feet and holding up the chains, came close up to Nekhludoff, + enveloping him in the strong, acid smell of perspiration, and said in a + mysterious whisper: + </p> + <p> + “Help the lad, sir; he’s got into an awful mess. Been drinking. To-day + he’s given his name as Karmanoff at the inspection. Take his part, sir. We + dare not, or they’ll kill us,” and looking uneasily round he turned away. + </p> + <p> + This is what had happened. The criminal Kalmanoff had persuaded a young + fellow who resembled him in appearance and was sentenced to exile to + change names with him and go to the mines instead of him, while he only + went to exile. Nekhludoff knew all this. Some convict had told him about + this exchange the week before. He nodded as a sign that he understood and + would do what was in his power, and continued his way without looking + round. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff knew this convict, and was surprised by his action. When in + Ekaterinburg the convict had asked Nekhludoff to get a permission for his + wife to follow him. The convict was a man of medium size and of the most + ordinary peasant type, about thirty years old. He was condemned to hard + labour for an attempt to murder and rob. His name was Makar Devkin. His + crime was a very curious one. In the account he gave of it to Nekhludoff, + he said it was not his but his devil’s doing. He said that a traveller had + come to his father’s house and hired his sledge to drive him to a village + thirty miles off for two roubles. Makar’s father told him to drive the + stranger. Makar harnessed the horse, dressed, and sat down to drink tea + with the stranger. The stranger related at the tea-table that he was going + to be married and had five hundred roubles, which he had earned in Moscow, + with him. When he had heard this, Makar went out into the yard and put an + axe into the sledge under the straw. “And I did not myself know why I was + taking the axe,” he said. “‘Take the axe,’ says <i>he</i>, and I took it. + We got in and started. We drove along all right; I even forgot about the + axe. Well, we were getting near the village; only about four miles more to + go. The way from the cross-road to the high road was up hill, and I got + out. I walked behind the sledge and <i>he</i> whispers to me, ‘What are + you thinking about? When you get to the top of the hill you will meet + people along the highway, and then there will be the village. He will + carry the money away. If you mean to do it, now’s the time.’ I stooped + over the sledge as if to arrange the straw, and the axe seemed to jump + into my hand of itself. The man turned round. ‘What are you doing?’ I + lifted the axe and tried to knock him down, but he was quick, jumped out, + and took hold of my hands. ‘What are you doing, you villain?’ He threw me + down into the snow, and I did not even struggle, but gave in at once. He + bound my arms with his girdle, and threw me into the sledge, and took me + straight to the police station. I was imprisoned and tried. The commune + gave me a good character, said that I was a good man, and that nothing + wrong had been noticed about me. The masters for whom I worked also spoke + well of me, but we had no money to engage a lawyer, and so I was condemned + to four years’ hard labour.” + </p> + <p> + It was this man who, wishing to save a fellow-villager, knowing that he + was risking his life thereby, told Nekhludoff the prisoner’s secret, for + doing which (if found out) he should certainly be throttled. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0112" id="link2HCH0112"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. MASLOVA AND HER COMPANIONS. + </h2> + <p> + The political prisoners were kept in two small rooms, the doors of which + opened into a part of the passage partitioned off from the rest. The first + person Nekhludoff saw on entering into this part of the passage was + Simonson in his rubber jacket and with a log of pine wood in his hands, + crouching in front of a stove, the door of which trembled, drawn in by the + heat inside. + </p> + <p> + When he saw Nekhludoff he looked up at him from under his protruding brow, + and gave him his hand without rising. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you have come; I want to speak to you,” he said, looking + Nekhludoff straight in the eyes with an expression of importance. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; what is it?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “It will do later on; I am busy just now,” and Simonson turned again + towards the stove, which he was heating according to a theory of his own, + so as to lose as little heat energy as possible. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was going to enter in at the first door, when Maslova, stooping + and pushing a large heap of rubbish and dust towards the stove with a + handleless birch broom, came out of the other. She had a white jacket on, + her skirt was tucked up, and a kerchief, drawn down to her eyebrows, + protected her hair from the dust. When she saw Nekhludoff, she drew + herself up, flushing and animated, put down the broom, wiped her hands on + her skirt, and stopped right in front of him. “You are tidying up the + apartments, I see,” said Nekhludoff, shaking hands. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; my old occupation,” and she smiled. “But the dirt! You can’t imagine + what it is. We have been cleaning and cleaning. Well, is the plaid dry?” + she asked, turning to Simonson. + </p> + <p> + “Almost,” Simonson answered, giving her a strange look, which struck + Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “All right, I’ll come for it, and will bring the cloaks to dry. Our people + are all in here,” she said to Nekhludoff, pointing to the first door as + she went out of the second. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff opened the door and entered a small room dimly lit by a little + metal lamp, which was standing low down on the shelf bedstead. It was cold + in the room, and there was a smell of the dust, which had not had time to + settle, damp and tobacco smoke. + </p> + <p> + Only those who were close to the lamp were clearly visible, the bedsteads + were in the shade and wavering shadows glided over the walls. Two men, + appointed as caterers, who had gone to fetch boiling water and provisions, + were away; most of the political prisoners were gathered together in the + small room. There was Nekhludoff’s old acquaintance, Vera Doukhova, with + her large, frightened eyes, and the swollen vein on her forehead, in a + grey jacket with short hair, and thinner and yellower than ever.. She had + a newspaper spread out in front of her, and sat rolling cigarettes with a + jerky movement of her hands. + </p> + <p> + Emily Rintzeva, whom Nekhludoff considered to be the pleasantest of the + political prisoners, was also here. She looked after the housekeeping, and + managed to spread a feeling of home comfort even in the midst of the most + trying surroundings. She sat beside the lamp, with her sleeves rolled up, + wiping cups and mugs, and placing them, with her deft, red and sunburnt + hands, on a cloth that was spread on the bedstead. Rintzeva was a + plain-looking young woman, with a clever and mild expression of face, + which, when she smiled, had a way of suddenly becoming merry, animated and + captivating. It was with such a smile that she now welcomed Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Why, we thought you had gone back to Russia,” she said. + </p> + <p> + Here in a dark corner was also Mary Pavlovna, busy with a little, + fair-haired girl, who kept prattling in her sweet, childish accents. + </p> + <p> + “How nice that you have come,” she said to Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen Katusha? And we have a visitor here,” and she pointed to + the little girl. + </p> + <p> + Here was also Anatole Kryltzoff with felt boots on, sitting in a far + corner with his feet under him, doubled up and shivering, his arms folded + in the sleeves of his cloak, and looking at Nekhludoff with feverish eyes. + Nekhludoff was going up to him, but to the right of the door a man with + spectacles and reddish curls, dressed in a rubber jacket, sat talking to + the pretty, smiling Grabetz. This was the celebrated revolutionist + Novodvoroff. Nekhludoff hastened to greet him. He was in a particular + hurry about it, because this man was the only one among all the political + prisoners whom he disliked. Novodvoroff’s eyes glistened through his + spectacles as he looked at Nekhludoff and held his narrow hand out to him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, are you having a pleasant journey?” he asked, with apparent irony. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there is much that is interesting,” Nekhludoff answered, as if he + did not notice the irony, but took the question for politeness, and passed + on to Kryltzoff. + </p> + <p> + Though Nekhludoff appeared indifferent, he was really far from + indifferent, and these words of Novodvoroff, showing his evident desire to + say or do something unpleasant, interfered with the state of kindness in + which Nekhludoff found himself, and he felt depressed and sad. + </p> + <p> + “Well, how are you?” he asked, pressing Kryltzoff’s cold and trembling + hand. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty well, only I cannot get warm; I got wet through,” Kryltzoff + answered, quickly replacing his hands into the sleeves of his cloak. “And + here it is also beastly cold. There, look, the window-panes are broken,” + and he pointed to the broken panes behind the iron bars. “And how are you? + Why did you not come?” + </p> + <p> + “I was not allowed to, the authorities were so strict, but to-day the + officer is lenient.” + </p> + <p> + “Lenient indeed!” Kryltzoff remarked. “Ask Mary what she did this + morning.” + </p> + <p> + Mary Pavlovna from her place in the corner related what had happened about + the little girl that morning when they left the halting station. + </p> + <p> + “I think it is absolutely necessary to make a collective protest,” said + Vera Doukhova, in a determined tone, and yet looking now at one, now at + another, with a frightened, undecided look. “Valdemar Simonson did + protest, but that is not sufficient.” + </p> + <p> + “What protest!” muttered Kryltzoff, cross and frowning. Her want of + simplicity, artificial tone and nervousness had evidently been irritating + him for a long time. + </p> + <p> + “Are you looking for Katusha?” he asked, addressing Nekhludoff. “She is + working all the time. She has cleaned this, the men’s room, and now she + has gone to clean the women’s! Only it is not possible to clean away the + fleas. And what is Mary doing there?” he asked, nodding towards the corner + where Mary Pavlovna sat. + </p> + <p> + “She is combing out her adopted daughter’s hair,” replied Rintzeva. + </p> + <p> + “But won’t she let the insects loose on us?” asked Kryltzoff. + </p> + <p> + “No, no; I am very careful. She is a clean little girl now. You take her,” + said Mary, turning to Rintzeva, “while I go and help Katusha, and I will + also bring him his plaid.” + </p> + <p> + Rintzeva took the little girl on her lap, pressing her plump, bare, little + arms to her bosom with a mother’s tenderness, and gave her a bit of sugar. + As Mary Pavlovna left the room, two men came in with boiling water and + provisions. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0113" id="link2HCH0113"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. NABATOFF AND MARKEL. + </h2> + <p> + One of the men who came in was a short, thin, young man, who had a + cloth-covered sheepskin coat on, and high top-boots. He stepped lightly + and quickly, carrying two steaming teapots, and holding a loaf wrapped in + a cloth under his arm. + </p> + <p> + “Well, so our prince has put in an appearance again,” he said, as he + placed the teapot beside the cups, and handed the bread to Rintzeva. “We + have bought wonderful things,” he continued, as he took off his sheepskin, + and flung it over the heads of the others into the corner of the bedstead. + “Markel has bought milk and eggs. Why, we’ll have a regular ball to-day. + And Rintzeva is spreading out her aesthetic cleanliness,” he said, and + looked with a smile at Rintzeva, “and now she will make the tea.” + </p> + <p> + The whole presence of this man—his motion, his voice, his look—seemed + to breathe vigour and merriment. The other newcomer was just the reverse + of the first. He looked despondent and sad. He was short, bony, had very + prominent cheek bones, a sallow complexion, thin lips and beautiful, + greenish eyes, rather far apart. He wore an old wadded coat, top-boots and + goloshes, and was carrying two pots of milk and two round boxes made of + birch bark, which he placed in front of Rintzeva. He bowed to Nekhludoff, + bending only his neck, and with his eyes fixed on him. Then, having + reluctantly given him his damp hand to shake, he began to take out the + provisions. + </p> + <p> + Both these political prisoners were of the people; the first was Nabatoff, + a peasant; the second, Markel Kondratieff, a factory hand. Markel did not + come among the revolutionists till he was quite a man, Nabatoff only + eighteen. After leaving the village school, owing to his exceptional + talents Nabatoff entered the gymnasium, and maintained himself by giving + lessons all the time he studied there, and obtained the gold medal. He did + not go to the university because, while still in the seventh class of the + gymnasium, he made up his mind to go among the people and enlighten his + neglected brethren. This he did, first getting the place of a Government + clerk in a large village. He was soon arrested because he read to the + peasants and arranged a co-operative industrial association among them. + They kept him imprisoned for eight months and then set him free, but he + remained under police supervision. As soon as he was liberated he went to + another village, got a place as schoolmaster, and did the same as he had + done in the first village. He was again taken up and kept fourteen months + in prison, where his convictions became yet stronger. After that he was + exiled to the Perm Government, from where he escaped. Then he was put to + prison for seven months and after that exiled to Archangel. There he + refused to take the oath of allegiance that was required of them and was + condemned to be exiled to the Takoutsk Government, so that half his life + since he reached manhood was passed in prison and exile. All these + adventures did not embitter him nor weaken his energy, but rather + stimulated it. He was a lively young fellow, with a splendid digestion, + always active, gay and vigorous. He never repented of anything, never + looked far ahead, and used all his powers, his cleverness, his practical + knowledge to act in the present. When free he worked towards the aim he + had set himself, the enlightening and the uniting of the working men, + especially the country labourers. When in prison he was just as energetic + and practical in finding means to come in contact with the outer world, + and in arranging his own life and the life of his group as comfortably as + the conditions would allow. Above all things he was a communist. He + wanted, as it seemed to him, nothing for himself and contented himself + with very little, but demanded very much for the group of his comrades, + and could work for it either physically or mentally day and night, without + sleep or food. As a peasant he had been industrious, observant, clever at + his work, and naturally self-controlled, polite without any effort, and + attentive not only to the wishes but also the opinions of others. His + widowed mother, an illiterate, superstitious, old peasant woman, was still + living, and Nabatoff helped her and went to see her while he was free. + During the time he spent at home he entered into all the interests of his + mother’s life, helped her in her work, and continued his intercourse with + former playfellows; smoked cheap tobacco with them in so-called “dog’s + feet,” [a kind of cigarette that the peasants smoke, made of a bit of + paper and bent at one end into a hook] took part in their fist fights, and + explained to them how they were all being deceived by the State, and how + they ought to disentangle themselves out of the deception they were kept + in. When he thought or spoke of what a revolution would do for the people + he always imagined this people from whom he had sprung himself left in + very nearly the same conditions as they were in, only with sufficient land + and without the gentry and without officials. The revolution, according to + him, and in this he differed from Novodvoroff and Novodvoroff’s follower, + Markel Kondratieff, should not alter the elementary forms of the life of + the people, should not break down the whole edifice, but should only alter + the inner walls of the beautiful, strong, enormous old structure he loved + so dearly. He was also a typical peasant in his views on religion, never + thinking about metaphysical questions, about the origin of all origin, or + the future life. God was to him, as also to Arago, an hypothesis, which he + had had no need of up to now. He had no business with the origin of the + world, whether Moses or Darwin was right. Darwinism, which seemed so + important to his fellows, was only the same kind of plaything of the mind + as the creation in six days. The question how the world had originated did + not interest him, just because the question how it would be best to live + in this world was ever before him. He never thought about future life, + always bearing in the depth of his soul the firm and quiet conviction + inherited from his forefathers, and common to all labourers on the land, + that just as in the world of plants and animals nothing ceases to exist, + but continually changes its form, the manure into grain, the grain into a + food, the tadpole into a frog, the caterpillar into a butterfly, the acorn + into an oak, so man also does not perish, but only undergoes a change. He + believed in this, and therefore always looked death straight in the face, + and bravely bore the sufferings that lead towards it, but did not care and + did not know how to speak about it. He loved work, was always employed in + some practical business, and put his comrades in the way of the same kind + of practical work. + </p> + <p> + The other political prisoner from among the people, Markel Kondratieff, + was a very different kind of man. He began to work at the age of fifteen, + and took to smoking and drinking in order to stifle a dense sense of being + wronged. He first realised he was wronged one Christmas when they, the + factory children, were invited to a Christmas tree, got up by the + employer’s wife, where he received a farthing whistle, an apple, a gilt + walnut and a fig, while the employer’s children had presents given them + which seemed gifts from fairyland, and had cost more than fifty roubles, + as he afterwards heard. + </p> + <p> + When he was twenty a celebrated revolutionist came to their factory to + work as a working girl, and noticing his superior qualities began giving + books and pamphlets to Kondratieff and to talk and explain his position to + him, and how to remedy it. When the possibility of freeing himself and + others from their oppressed state rose clearly in his mind, the injustice + of this state appeared more cruel and more terrible than before, and he + longed passionately not only for freedom, but also for the punishment of + those who had arranged and who kept up this cruel injustice. Kondratieff + devoted himself with passion to the acquirement of knowledge. It was not + clear to him how knowledge should bring about the realisation of the + social ideal, but he believed that the knowledge that had shown him the + injustice of the state in which he lived would also abolish that injustice + itself. Besides knowledge would, in his opinion, raise him above others. + Therefore he left off drinking and smoking, and devoted all his leisure + time to study. The revolutionist gave him lessons, and his thirst for + every kind of knowledge, and the facility with which he took it in, + surprised her. In two years he had mastered algebra, geometry, history—which + he was specially fond of—and made acquaintance with artistic and + critical, and especially socialistic literature. The revolutionist was + arrested, and Kondratieff with her, forbidden books having been found in + their possession, and they were imprisoned and then exiled to the Vologda + Government. There Kondratieff became acquainted with Novodvoroff, and read + a great deal more revolutionary literature, remembered it all, and became + still firmer in his socialistic views. While in exile he became leader in + a large strike, which ended in the destruction of a factory and the murder + of the director. He was again arrested and condemned to Siberia. + </p> + <p> + His religious views were of the same negative nature as his views of the + existing economic conditions. Having seen the absurdity of the religion in + which he was brought up, and having gained with great effort, and at first + with fear, but later with rapture, freedom from it, he did not tire of + viciously and with venom ridiculing priests and religious dogmas, as if + wishing to revenge himself for the deception that had been practised on + him. + </p> + <p> + He was ascetic through habit, contented himself with very little, and, + like all those used to work from childhood and whose muscles have been + developed, he could work much and easily, and was quick at any manual + labour; but what he valued most was the leisure in prisons and halting + stations, which enabled him to continue his studies. He was now studying + the first volume of Karl Marks’s, and carefully hid the book in his sack + as if it were a great treasure. He behaved with reserve and indifference + to all his comrades, except Novodvoroff, to whom he was greatly attached, + and whose arguments on all subjects he accepted as unanswerable truths. + </p> + <p> + He had an indefinite contempt for women, whom he looked upon as a + hindrance in all necessary business. But he pitied Maslova and was gentle + with her, for he considered her an example of the way the lower are + exploited by the upper classes. The same reason made him dislike + Nekhludoff, so that he talked little with him, and never pressed + Nekhludoff’s hand, but only held out his own to be pressed when greeting + him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0114" id="link2HCH0114"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. LOVE AFFAIRS OF THE EXILES. + </h2> + <p> + The stove had burned up and got warm, the tea was made and poured out into + mugs and cups, and milk was added to it; rusks, fresh rye and wheat bread, + hard-boiled eggs, butter, and calf’s head and feet were placed on the + cloth. Everybody moved towards the part of the shelf beds which took the + place of the table and sat eating and talking. Rintzeva sat on a box + pouring out the tea. The rest crowded round her, only Kryltzoff, who had + taken off his wet cloak and wrapped himself in his dry plaid and lay in + his own place talking to Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + After the cold and damp march and the dirt and disorder they had found + here, and after the pains they had taken to get it tidy, after having + drunk hot tea and eaten, they were all in the best and brightest of + spirits. + </p> + <p> + The fact that the tramp of feet, the screams and abuse of the criminals, + reached them through the wall, reminding them of their surroundings, + seemed only to increase the sense of coziness. As on an island in the + midst of the sea, these people felt themselves for a brief interval not + swamped by the degradation and sufferings which surrounded them; this made + their spirits rise, and excited them. They talked about everything except + their present position and that which awaited them. Then, as it generally + happens among young men, and women especially, if they are forced to + remain together, as these people were, all sorts of agreements and + disagreements and attractions, curiously blended, had sprung up among + them. Almost all of them were in love. Novodvoroff was in love with the + pretty, smiling Grabetz. This Grabetz was a young, thoughtless girl who + had gone in for a course of study, perfectly indifferent to revolutionary + questions, but succumbing to the influence of the day, she compromised + herself in some way and was exiled. The chief interest of her life during + the time of her trial in prison and in exile was her success with men, + just as it had been when she was free. Now on the way she comforted + herself with the fact that Novodvoroff had taken a fancy to her, and she + fell in love with him. Vera Doukhova, who was very prone to fall in love + herself, but did not awaken love in others, though she was always hoping + for mutual love, was sometimes drawn to Nabatoff, then to Novodvoroff. + Kryltzoff felt something like love for Mary Pavlovna. He loved her with a + man’s love, but knowing how she regarded this sort of love, hid his + feelings under the guise of friendship and gratitude for the tenderness + with which she attended to his wants. Nabatoff and Rintzeva were attached + to each other by very complicated ties. Just as Mary Pavlovna was a + perfectly chaste maiden, in the same way Rintzeva was perfectly chaste as + her own husband’s wife. When only a schoolgirl of sixteen she fell in love + with Rintzeff, a student of the Petersburg University, and married him + before he left the university, when she was only nineteen years old. + During his fourth year at the university her husband had become involved + in the students’ rows, was exiled from Petersburg, and turned + revolutionist. She left the medical courses she was attending, followed + him, and also turned revolutionist. If she had not considered her husband + the cleverest and best of men she would not have fallen in love with him; + and if she had not fallen in love would not have married; but having + fallen in love and married him whom she thought the best and cleverest of + men, she naturally looked upon life and its aims in the way the best and + cleverest of men looked at them. At first he thought the aim of life was + to learn, and she looked upon study as the aim of life. He became a + revolutionist, and so did she. She could demonstrate very clearly that the + existing state of things could not go on, and that it was everybody’s duty + to fight this state of things and to try to bring about conditions in + which the individual could develop freely, etc. And she imagined that she + really thought and felt all this, but in reality she only regarded + everything her husband thought as absolute truth, and only sought for + perfect agreement, perfect identification of her own soul with his which + alone could give her full moral satisfaction. The parting with her husband + and their child, whom her mother had taken, was very hard to bear; but she + bore it firmly and quietly, since it was for her husband’s sake and for + that cause which she had not the slightest doubt was true, since he served + it. She was always with her husband in thoughts, and did not love and + could not love any other any more than she had done before. But Nabatoff’s + devoted and pure love touched and excited her. This moral, firm man, her + husband’s friend, tried to treat her as a sister, but something more + appeared in his behaviour to her, and this something frightened them both, + and yet gave colour to their life of hardship. + </p> + <p> + So that in all this circle only Mary Pavlovna and Kondratieff were quite + free from love affairs. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0115" id="link2HCH0115"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. CONVERSATIONS IN PRISON. + </h2> + <p> + Expecting to have a private talk with Katusha, as usual, after tea, + Nekhludoff sat by the side of Kryltzoff, conversing with him. Among other + things he told him the story of Makar’s crime and about his request to + him. Kryltzoff listened attentively, gazing at Nekhludoff with glistening + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Kryltzoff suddenly, “I often think that here we are going side + by side with them, and who are they? The same for whose sake we are going, + and yet we not only do not know them, but do not even wish to know them. + And they, even worse than that, they hate us and look upon us as enemies. + This is terrible.” + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing terrible about it,” broke in Novodvoroff. “The masses + always worship power only. The government is in power, and they worship it + and hate us. To-morrow we shall have the power, and they will worship us,” + he said with his grating voice. At that moment a volley of abuse and the + rattle of chains sounded from behind the wall, something was heard + thumping against it and screaming and shrieking, some one was being + beaten, and some one was calling out, “Murder! help!” + </p> + <p> + “Hear them, the beasts! What intercourse can there be between us and such + as them?” quietly remarked Novodvoroff. + </p> + <p> + “You call them beasts, and Nekhludoff was just telling me about such an + action!” irritably retorted Kryltzoff, and went on to say how Makar was + risking his life to save a fellow-villager. “That is not the action of a + beast, it is heroism.” + </p> + <p> + “Sentimentality!” Novodvoroff ejaculated ironically; “it is difficult for + us to understand the emotions of these people and the motives on which + they act. You see generosity in the act, and it may be simply jealousy of + that other criminal.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it that you never wish to see anything good in another?” Mary + Pavlovna said suddenly, flaring up. + </p> + <p> + “How can one see what does not exist!” + </p> + <p> + “How does it not exist, when a man risks dying a terrible death?” + </p> + <p> + “I think,” said Novodvoroff, “that if we mean to do our work, the first + condition is that” (here Kondratieff put down the book he was reading by + the lamplight and began to listen attentively to his master’s words) “we + should not give way to fancy, but look at things as they are. We should do + all in our power for the masses, and expect nothing in return. The masses + can only be the object of our activity, but cannot be our fellow-workers + as long as they remain in that state of inertia they are in at present,” + he went on, as if delivering a lecture. “Therefore, to expect help from + them before the process of development—that process which we are + preparing them for—has taken place is an illusion.” + </p> + <p> + “What process of development?” Kryltzoff began, flushing all over. “We say + that we are against arbitrary rule and despotism, and is this not the most + awful despotism?” + </p> + <p> + “No despotism whatever,” quietly rejoined Novodvoroff. “I am only saying + that I know the path that the people must travel, and can show them that + path.” + </p> + <p> + “But how can you be sure that the path you show is the true path? Is this + not the same kind of despotism that lay at the bottom of the Inquisition, + all persecutions, and the great revolution? They, too, knew the one true + way, by means of their science.” + </p> + <p> + “Their having erred is no proof of my going to err; besides, there is a + great difference between the ravings of idealogues and the facts based on + sound, economic science.” Novodvoroff’s voice filled the room; he alone + was speaking, all the rest were silent. + </p> + <p> + “They are always disputing,” Mary Pavlovna said, when there was a moment’s + silence. + </p> + <p> + “And you yourself, what do you think about it?” Nekhludoff asked her. + </p> + <p> + “I think Kryltzoff is right when he says we should not force our views on + the people.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, Katusha?” asked Nekhludoff with a smile, waiting anxiously for + her answer, fearing she would say something awkward. + </p> + <p> + “I think the common people are wronged,” she said, and blushed scarlet. “I + think they are dreadfully wronged.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s right, Maslova, quite right,” cried Nabatoff. “They are terribly + wronged, the people, and they must not be wronged, and therein lies the + whole of our task.” + </p> + <p> + “A curious idea of the object of revolution,” Novodvoroff remarked + crossly, and began to smoke. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot talk to him,” said Kryltzoff in a whisper, and was silent. + </p> + <p> + “And it is much better not to talk,” Nekhludoff said. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0116" id="link2HCH0116"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. NOVODVOROFF. + </h2> + <p> + Although Novodvoroff was highly esteemed of all the revolutionists, though + he was very learned, and considered very wise, Nekhludoff reckoned him + among those of the revolutionists who, being below the average moral + level, were very far below it. His inner life was of a nature directly + opposite to that of Simonson’s. Simonson was one of those people (of an + essentially masculine type) whose actions follow the dictates of their + reason, and are determined by it. Novodvoroff belonged, on the contrary, + to the class of people of a feminine type, whose reason is directed partly + towards the attainment of aims set by their feelings, partly to the + justification of acts suggested by their feelings. The whole of + Novodvoroff’s revolutionary activity, though he could explain it very + eloquently and very convincingly, appeared to Nekhludoff to be founded on + nothing but ambition and the desire for supremacy. At first his capacity + for assimilating the thoughts of others, and of expressing them correctly, + had given him a position of supremacy among pupils and teachers in the + gymnasium and the university, where qualities such as his are highly + prized, and he was satisfied. When he had finished his studies and + received his diploma he suddenly altered his views, and from a modern + liberal he turned into a rabid Narodovoletz, in order (so Kryltzoff, who + did not like him, said) to gain supremacy in another sphere. + </p> + <p> + As he was devoid of those moral and aesthetic qualities which call forth + doubts and hesitation, he very soon acquired a position in the + revolutionary world which satisfied him—that of the leader of a + party. Having once chosen a direction, he never doubted or hesitated, and + was therefore certain that he never made a mistake. Everything seemed + quite simple, clear and certain. And the narrowness and one-sidedness of + his views did make everything seem simple and clear. One only had to be + logical, as he said. His self-assurance was so great that it either + repelled people or made them submit to him. As he carried on his work + among very young people, his boundless self-assurance led them to believe + him very profound and wise; the majority did submit to him, and he had a + great success in revolutionary circles. His activity was directed to the + preparation of a rising in which he was to usurp the power and call + together a council. A programme, composed by him, should be proposed + before the council, and he felt sure that this programme of his solved + every problem, and that it would be impossible not to carry it out. + </p> + <p> + His comrades respected but did not love him. He did not love any one, + looked upon all men of note as upon rivals, and would have willingly + treated them as old male monkeys treat young ones if he could have done + it. He would have torn all mental power, every capacity, from other men, + so that they should not interfere with the display of his talents. He + behaved well only to those who bowed before him. Now, on the journey he + behaved well to Kondratieff, who was influenced by his propaganda; to Vera + Doukhova and pretty little Grabetz, who were both in love with him. + Although in principle he was in favour of the woman’s movement, yet in the + depth of his soul he considered all women stupid and insignificant except + those whom he was sentimentally in love with (as he was now in love with + Grabetz), and such women he considered to be exceptions, whose merits he + alone was capable of discerning. + </p> + <p> + The question of the relations of the sexes he also looked upon as + thoroughly solved by accepting free union. He had one nominal and one real + wife, from both of whom he was separated, having come to the conclusion + that there was no real love between them, and now he thought of entering + on a free union with Grabetz. He despised Nekhludoff for “playing the + fool,” as Novodvoroff termed it, with Maslova, but especially for the + freedom Nekhludoff took of considering the defects of the existing system + and the methods of correcting those defects in a manner which was not only + not exactly the same as Novodvoroff’s, but was Nekhludoff’s own—a + prince’s, that is, a fool’s manner. Nekhludoff felt this relation of + Novodvoroff’s towards him, and knew to his sorrow that in spite of the + state of good will in which he found himself on this journey he could not + help paying this man in his own coin, and could not stifle the strong + antipathy he felt for him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0117" id="link2HCH0117"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. SIMONSON SPEAKS TO NEKHLUDOFF. + </h2> + <p> + The voices of officials sounded from the next room. All the prisoners were + silent, and a sergeant, followed by two convoy soldiers, entered. The time + of the inspection had come. The sergeant counted every one, and when + Nekhludoff’s turn came he addressed him with kindly familiarity. + </p> + <p> + “You must not stay any longer, Prince, after the inspection; you must go + now.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff knew what this meant, went up to the sergeant and shoved a + three-rouble note into his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, well, what is one to do with you; stay a bit longer, if you like.” + The sergeant was about to go when another sergeant, followed by a convict, + a spare man with a thin beard and a bruise under his eye, came in. + </p> + <p> + “It’s about the girl I have come,” said the convict. + </p> + <p> + “Here’s daddy come,” came the ringing accents of a child’s voice, and a + flaxen head appeared from behind Rintzeva, who, with Katusha’s and Mary + Pavlovna’s help, was making a new garment for the child out of one of + Rintzeva’s own petticoats. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, daughter, it’s me,” Bousovkin, the prisoner, said softly. + </p> + <p> + “She is quite comfortable here,” said Mary Pavlovna, looking with pity at + Bousovkin’s bruised face. “Leave her with us.” + </p> + <p> + “The ladies are making me new clothes,” said the girl, pointing to + Rintzeva’s sewing—“nice red ones,” she went on, prattling. + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish to sleep with us?” asked Rintzeva, caressing the child. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I wish. And daddy, too.” + </p> + <p> + “No, daddy can’t. Well, leave her then,” she said, turning to the father. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you may leave her,” said the first sergeant, and went out with the + other. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they were out of the room Nabatoff went up to Bousovkin, + slapped him on the shoulder, and said: “I say, old fellow, is it true that + Karmanoff wishes to exchange?” + </p> + <p> + Bousovkin’s kindly, gentle face turned suddenly sad and a veil seemed to + dim his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “We have heard nothing—hardly,” he said, and with the same dimness + still over his eyes he turned to the child. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Aksutka, it seems you’re to make yourself comfortable with the + ladies,” and he hurried away. + </p> + <p> + “It’s true about the exchange, and he knows it very well,” said Nabatoff. + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall tell the authorities in the next town. I know both prisoners by + sight,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + All were silent, fearing a recommencement of the dispute. + </p> + <p> + Simonson, who had been lying with his arms thrown back behind his head, + and not speaking, rose, and determinately walked up to Nekhludoff, + carefully passing round those who were sitting. + </p> + <p> + “Could you listen to me now?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” and Nekhludoff rose and followed him. + </p> + <p> + Katusha looked up with an expression of suspense, and meeting Nekhludoff’s + eyes, she blushed and shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “What I want to speak to you about is this,” Simonson began, when they had + come out into the passage. In the passage the din of the criminal’s voices + and shouts sounded louder. Nekhludoff made a face, but Simonson did not + seem to take any notice. + </p> + <p> + “Knowing of your relations to Katerina Maslova,” he began seriously and + frankly, with his kind eyes looking straight into Nekhludoff’s face, “I + consider it my duty”—He was obliged to stop because two voices were + heard disputing and shouting, both at once, close to the door. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, blockhead, they are not mine,” one voice shouted. + </p> + <p> + “May you choke, you devil,” snorted the other. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Mary Pavlovna came out into the passage. + </p> + <p> + “How can one talk here?” she said; “go in, Vera is alone there,” and she + went in at the second door, and entered a tiny room, evidently meant for a + solitary cell, which was now placed at the disposal of the political women + prisoners, Vera Doukhova lay covered up, head and all, on the bed. + </p> + <p> + “She has got a headache, and is asleep, so she cannot hear you, and I will + go away,” said Mary Pavlovna. + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, stay here,” said Simonson; “I have no secrets from any + one, certainly none from you.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Mary Pavlovna, and moving her whole body from side to + side, like a child, so as to get farther back on to the bed, she settled + down to listen, her beautiful hazel eyes seeming to look somewhere far + away. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, this is my business,” Simonson repeated. “Knowing of your + relations to Katerina Maslova, I consider myself bound to explain to you + my relations to her.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff could not help admiring the simplicity and truthfulness with + which Simonson spoke to him. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean that I should like to marry Katerina Maslova—” + </p> + <p> + “How strange!” said Mary Pavlovna, fixing her eyes on Simonson. + </p> + <p> + “—And so I made up my mind to ask her to be my wife,” Simonson + continued. + </p> + <p> + “What can I do? It depends on her,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but she will not come to any decision without you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because as long as your relations with her are unsettled she cannot make + up her mind.” + </p> + <p> + “As far as I am concerned, it is finally settled. I should like to do what + I consider to be my duty and also to lighten her fate, but on no account + would I wish to put any restraint on her.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but she does not wish to accept your sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + “It is no sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + “And I know that this decision of hers is final.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, there is no need to speak to me,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “She wants you to acknowledge that you think as she does.” + </p> + <p> + “How can I acknowledge that I must not do what I consider to be my duty? + All I can say is that I am not free, but she is.” + </p> + <p> + Simonson was silent; then, after thinking a little, he said: “Very well, + then, I’ll tell her. You must not think I am in love with her,” he + continued; “I love her as a splendid, unique, human being who has suffered + much. I want nothing from her. I have only an awful longing to help her, + to lighten her posi—” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was surprised to hear the trembling in Simonson’s voice. + </p> + <p> + “—To lighten her position,” Simonson continued. “If she does not + wish to accept your help, let her accept mine. If she consents, I shall + ask to be sent to the place where she will be imprisoned. Four years are + not an eternity. I would live near her, and perhaps might lighten her fate—” + and he again stopped, too agitated to continue. + </p> + <p> + “What am I to say?” said Nekhludoff. “I am very glad she has found such a + protector as you—” + </p> + <p> + “That’s what I wanted to know,” Simonson interrupted. + </p> + <p> + “I wanted to know if, loving her and wishing her happiness, you would + consider it good for her to marry me?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” said Nekhludoff decidedly. + </p> + <p> + “It all depends on her; I only wish that this suffering soul should find + rest,” said Simonson, with such childlike tenderness as no one could have + expected from so morose-looking a man. + </p> + <p> + Simonson rose, and stretching his lips out to Nekhludoff, smiled shyly and + kissed him. + </p> + <p> + “So I shall tell her,” and he went away. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0118" id="link2HCH0118"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. “I HAVE NOTHING MORE TO SAY.” + </h2> + <p> + “What do you think of that?” said Mary Pavlovna. “In love—quite in + love. Now, that’s a thing I never should have expected, that Valdemar + Simonson should be in love, and in the silliest, most boyish manner. It is + strange, and, to say the truth, it is sad,” and she sighed. + </p> + <p> + “But she? Katusha? How does she look at it, do you think?” Nekhludoff + asked. + </p> + <p> + “She?” Mary Pavlovna waited, evidently wishing to give as exact an answer + as possible. “She? Well, you see, in spite of her past she has one of the + most moral natures—and such fine feelings. She loves you—loves + you well, and is happy to be able to do you even the negative good of not + letting you get entangled with her. Marriage with you would be a terrible + fall for her, worse than all that’s past, and therefore she will never + consent to it. And yet your presence troubles her.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what am I to do? Ought I to vanish?” + </p> + <p> + Mary Pavlovna smiled her sweet, childlike smile, and said, “Yes, partly.” + </p> + <p> + “How is one to vanish partly?” + </p> + <p> + “I am talking nonsense. But as for her, I should like to tell you that she + probably sees the silliness of this rapturous kind of love (he has not + spoken to her), and is both flattered and afraid of it. I am not competent + to judge in such affairs, you know, still I believe that on his part it is + the most ordinary man’s feeling, though it is masked. He says that this + love arouses his energy and is Platonic, but I know that even if it is + exceptional, still at the bottom it is degrading.” + </p> + <p> + Mary Pavlovna had wandered from the subject, having started on her + favourite theme. + </p> + <p> + “Well, but what am I to do?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “I think you should tell her everything; it is always best that everything + should be clear. Have a talk with her; I shall call her. Shall I?” said + Mary Pavlovna. + </p> + <p> + “If you please,” said Nekhludoff, and Mary Pavlovna went. + </p> + <p> + A strange feeling overcame Nekhludoff when he was alone in the little room + with the sleeping Vera Doukhova, listening to her soft breathing, broken + now and then by moans, and to the incessant dirt that came through the two + doors that separated him from the criminals. What Simonson had told him + freed him from the self-imposed duty, which had seemed hard and strange to + him in his weak moments, and yet now he felt something that was not merely + unpleasant but painful. + </p> + <p> + He had a feeling that this offer of Simonson’s destroyed the exceptional + character of his sacrifice, and thereby lessened its value in his own and + others’ eyes; if so good a man who was not bound to her by any kind of tie + wanted to join his fate to hers, then this sacrifice was not so great. + There may have also been an admixture of ordinary jealousy. He had got so + used to her love that he did not like to admit that she loved another. + </p> + <p> + Then it also upset the plans he had formed of living near her while she + was doing her term. If she married Simonson his presence would be + unnecessary, and he would have to form new plans. + </p> + <p> + Before he had time to analyse his feelings the loud din of the prisoners’ + voices came in with a rush (something special was going on among them + to-day) as the door opened to let Katusha in. + </p> + <p> + She stepped briskly close up to him and said, “Mary Pavlovna has sent me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I must have a talk with you. Sit down. Valdemar Simonson has been + speaking to me.” + </p> + <p> + She sat down and folded her hands in her lap and seemed quite calm, but + hardly had Nekhludoff uttered Simonson’s name when she flushed crimson. + </p> + <p> + “What did he say?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “He told me he wanted to marry you.” + </p> + <p> + Her face suddenly puckered up with pain, but she said nothing and only + cast down her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “He is asking for my consent or my advice. I told him that it all depends + entirely on you—that you must decide.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, what does it all mean? Why?” she muttered, and looked in his eyes + with that peculiar squint that always strangely affected Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + They sat silent for a few minutes looking into each other’s eyes, and this + look told much to both of them. + </p> + <p> + “You must decide,” Nekhludoff repeated. + </p> + <p> + “What am I to decide? Everything has long been decided.” + </p> + <p> + “No; you must decide whether you will accept Mr. Simonson’s offer,” said + Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “What sort of a wife can I be—I, a convict? Why should I ruin Mr. + Simonson, too?” she said, with a frown. + </p> + <p> + “Well, but if the sentence should be mitigated.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, leave me alone. I have nothing more to say,” she said, and rose to + leave the room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0119" id="link2HCH0119"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. NEVEROFF’S FATE. + </h2> + <p> + When, following Katusha, Nekhludoff returned to the men’s room, he found + every one there in agitation. Nabatoff, who went about all over the place, + and who got to know everybody, and noticed everything, had just brought + news which staggered them all. The news was that he had discovered a note + on a wall, written by the revolutionist Petlin, who had been sentenced to + hard labour, and who, every one thought, had long since reached the Kara; + and now it turned out that he had passed this way quite recently, the only + political prisoner among criminal convicts. + </p> + <p> + “On the 17th of August,” so ran the note, “I was sent off alone with the + criminals. Neveroff was with me, but hanged himself in the lunatic asylum + in Kasan. I am well and in good spirits and hope for the best.” + </p> + <p> + All were discussing Petlin’s position and the possible reasons of + Neveroff’s suicide. Only Kryltzoff sat silent and preoccupied, his + glistening eyes gazing fixedly in front of him. + </p> + <p> + “My husband told me that Neveroff had a vision while still in the + Petropavlovski prison,” said Rintzeva. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he was a poet, a dreamer; this sort of people cannot stand solitary + confinement,” said Novodvoroff. “Now, I never gave my imagination vent + when in solitary confinement, but arranged my days most systematically, + and in this way always bore it very well.” + </p> + <p> + “What is there unbearable about it? Why, I used to be glad when they + locked me up,” said Nabatoff cheerfully, wishing to dispel the general + depression. + </p> + <p> + “A fellow’s afraid of everything; of being arrested himself and entangling + others, and of spoiling the whole business, and then he gets locked up, + and all responsibility is at an end, and he can rest; he can just sit and + smoke.” + </p> + <p> + “You knew him well?” asked Mary Pavlovna, glancing anxiously at the + altered, haggard expression of Kryltzoff’s face. + </p> + <p> + “Neveroff a dreamer?” Kryltzoff suddenly began, panting for breath as if + he had been shouting or singing for a long time. “Neveroff was a man ‘such + as the earth bears few of,’ as our doorkeeper used to express it. Yes, he + had a nature like crystal, you could see him right through; he could not + lie, he could not dissemble; not simply thin skinned, but with all his + nerves laid bare, as if he were flayed. Yes, his was a complicated, rich + nature, not such a— But where is the use of talking?” he added, with + a vicious frown. “Shall we first educate the people and then change the + forms of life, or first change the forms and then struggle, using peaceful + propaganda or terrorism? So we go on disputing while <i>they</i> kill; <i>they</i> + do not dispute—they know their business; they don’t care whether + dozens, hundreds of men perish—and what men! No; that the best + should perish is just what they want. Yes, Herzen said that when the + Decembrists were withdrawn from circulation the average level of our + society sank. I should think so, indeed. Then Herzen himself and his + fellows were withdrawn; now is the turn of the Neveroffs.” + </p> + <p> + “They can’t all be got rid off,” said Nabatoff, in his cheerful tones. + “There will always be left enough to continue the breed. No, there won’t, + if we show any pity to <i>them</i> there,” Nabatoff said, raising his + voice; and not letting himself be interrupted, “Give me a cigarette.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Anatole, it is not good for you,” said Mary Pavlovna. “Please do not + smoke.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, leave me alone,” he said angrily, and lit a cigarette, but at once + began to cough and to retch, as if he were going to be sick. Having + cleared his throat though, he went on: + </p> + <p> + “What we have been doing is not the thing at all. Not to argue, but for + all to unite—to destroy them—that’s it.” + </p> + <p> + “But <i>they</i> are also human beings,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “No, <i>they</i> are not human, they who can do what they are doing—No—There, + now, I heard that some kind of bombs and balloons have been invented. + Well, one ought to go up in such a balloon and sprinkle bombs down on <i>them</i> + as if <i>they</i> were bugs, until <i>they</i> are all exterminated—Yes. + Because—” he was going to continue, but, flushing all over, he began + coughing worse than before, and a stream of blood rushed from his mouth. + </p> + <p> + Nabatoff ran to get ice. Mary Pavlovna brought valerian drops and offered + them to him, but he, breathing quickly and heavily, pushed her away with + his thin, white hand, and kept his eyes closed. When the ice and cold + water had eased Kryltzoff a little, and he had been put to bed, + Nekhludoff, having said good-night to everybody, went out with the + sergeant, who had been waiting for him some time. + </p> + <p> + The criminals were now quiet, and most of them were asleep. Though the + people were lying on and under the bed shelves and in the space between, + they could not all be placed inside the rooms, and some of them lay in the + passage with their sacks under their heads and covered with their cloaks. + The moans and sleepy voices came through the open doors and sounded + through the passage. Everywhere lay compact heaps of human beings covered + with prison cloaks. Only a few men who were sitting in the bachelors’ room + by the light of a candle end, which they put out when they noticed the + sergeant, were awake, and an old man who sat naked under the lamp in the + passage picking the vermin off his shirt. The foul air in the political + prisoners’ rooms seemed pure compared to the stinking closeness here. The + smoking lamp shone dimly as through a mist, and it was difficult to + breathe. Stepping along the passage, one had to look carefully for an + empty space, and having put down one foot had to find place for the other. + Three persons, who had evidently found no room even in the passage, lay in + the anteroom, close to the stinking and leaking tub. One of these was an + old idiot, whom Nekhludoff had often seen marching with the gang; another + was a boy about twelve; he lay between the two other convicts, with his + head on the leg of one of them. + </p> + <p> + When he had passed out of the gate Nekhludoff took a deep breath and long + continued to breathe in deep draughts of frosty air. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0120" id="link2HCH0120"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. WHY IS IT DONE? + </h2> + <p> + It had cleared up and was starlight. Except in a few places the mud was + frozen hard when Nekhludoff returned to his inn and knocked at one of its + dark windows. The broad-shouldered labourer came barefooted to open the + door for him and let him in. Through a door on the right, leading to the + back premises, came the loud snoring of the carters, who slept there, and + the sound of many horses chewing oats came from the yard. The front room, + where a red lamp was burning in front of the icons, smelt of wormwood and + perspiration, and some one with mighty lungs was snoring behind a + partition. Nekhludoff undressed, put his leather travelling pillow on the + oilcloth sofa, spread out his rug and lay down, thinking over all he had + seen and heard that day; the boy sleeping on the liquid that oozed from + the stinking tub, with his head on the convict’s leg, seemed more dreadful + than all else. + </p> + <p> + Unexpected and important as his conversation with Simonson and Katusha + that evening had been, he did not dwell on it; his situation in relation + to that subject was so complicated and indefinite that he drove the + thought from his mind. But the picture of those unfortunate beings, + inhaling the noisome air, and lying in the liquid oozing out of the + stinking tub, especially that of the boy, with his innocent face asleep on + the leg of a criminal, came all the more vividly to his mind, and he could + not get it out of his head. + </p> + <p> + To know that somewhere far away there are men who torture other men by + inflicting all sorts of humiliations and inhuman degradation and + sufferings on them, or for three months incessantly to look on while men + were inflicting these humiliations and sufferings on other men is a very + different thing. And Nekhludoff felt it. More than once during these three + months he asked himself, “Am I mad because I see what others do not, or + are they mad that do these things that I see?” + </p> + <p> + Yet they (and there were many of them) did what seemed so astonishing and + terrible to him with such quiet assurance that what they were doing was + necessary and was important and useful work that it was hard to believe + they were mad; nor could he, conscious of the clearness of his thoughts, + believe he was mad; and all this kept him continually in a state of + perplexity. + </p> + <p> + This is how the things he saw during these three months impressed + Nekhludoff: From among the people who were free, those were chosen, by + means of trials and the administration, who were the most nervous, the + most hot tempered, the most excitable, the most gifted, and the strongest, + but the least careful and cunning. These people, not a wit more dangerous + than many of those who remained free, were first locked in prisons, + transported to Siberia, where they were provided for and kept months and + years in perfect idleness, and away from nature, their families, and + useful work—that is, away from the conditions necessary for a + natural and moral life. This firstly. Secondly, these people were + subjected to all sorts of unnecessary indignity in these different Places—chains, + shaved heads, shameful clothing—that is, they were deprived of the + chief motives that induce the weak to live good lives, the regard for + public opinion, the sense of shame and the consciousness of human dignity. + Thirdly, they were continually exposed to dangers, such as the epidemics + so frequent in places of confinement, exhaustion, flogging, not to mention + accidents, such as sunstrokes, drowning or conflagrations, when the + instinct of self-preservation makes even the kindest, most moral men + commit cruel actions, and excuse such actions when committed by others. + </p> + <p> + Fourthly, these people were forced to associate with others who were + particularly depraved by life, and especially by these very institutions—rakes, + murderers and villains—who act on those who are not yet corrupted by + the measures inflicted on them as leaven acts on dough. + </p> + <p> + And, fifthly, the fact that all sorts of violence, cruelty, inhumanity, + are not only tolerated, but even permitted by the government, when it + suits its purposes, was impressed on them most forcibly by the inhuman + treatment they were subjected to; by the sufferings inflicted on children, + women and old men; by floggings with rods and whips; by rewards offered + for bringing a fugitive back, dead or alive; by the separation of husbands + and wives, and the uniting them with the wives and husbands of others for + sexual intercourse; by shooting or hanging them. To those who were + deprived of their freedom, who were in want and misery, acts of violence + were evidently still more permissible. All these institutions seemed + purposely invented for the production of depravity and vice, condensed to + such a degree that no other conditions could produce it, and for the + spreading of this condensed depravity and vice broadcast among the whole + population. + </p> + <p> + “Just as if a problem had been set to find the best, the surest means of + depraving the greatest number of persons,” thought Nekhludoff, while + investigating the deeds that were being done in the prisons and halting + stations. Every year hundreds of thousands were brought to the highest + pitch of depravity, and when completely depraved they were set free to + carry the depravity they had caught in prison among the people. In the + prisons of Tamen, Ekaterinburg, Tomsk and at the halting stations + Nekhludoff saw how successfully the object society seemed to have set + itself was attained. + </p> + <p> + Ordinary, simple men with a conception of the demands of the social and + Christian Russian peasant morality lost this conception, and found a new + one, founded chiefly on the idea that any outrage or violence was + justifiable if it seemed profitable. After living in a prison those people + became conscious with the whole of their being that, judging by what was + happening to themselves, all the moral laws, the respect and the sympathy + for others which church and the moral teachers preach, was really set + aside, and that, therefore, they, too, need not keep the laws. Nekhludoff + noticed the effects of prison life on all the convicts he knew—on + Fedoroff, on Makar, and even on Taras, who, after two months among the + convicts, struck Nekhludoff by the want of morality in his arguments. + Nekhludoff found out during his journey how tramps, escaping into the + marshes, persuade a comrade to escape with them, and then kill him and + feed on his flesh. (He saw a living man who was accused of this and + acknowledged the fact.) And the most terrible part was that this was not a + solitary, but a recurring case. + </p> + <p> + Only by a special cultivation of vice, such as was perpetrated in these + establishments, could a Russian be brought to the state of this tramp, who + excelled Nietzsche’s newest teaching, and held that everything was + possible and nothing forbidden, and who spread this teaching first among + the convicts and then among the people in general. + </p> + <p> + The only explanation of all that was being done was the wish to put a stop + to crime by fear, by correction, by lawful vengeance as it was written in + the books. But in reality nothing in the least resembling any of these + results came to pass. Instead of vice being put a stop to, it only spread + further; instead of being frightened, the criminals were encouraged (many + a tramp returned to prison of his own free will). Instead of being + corrected, every kind of vice was systematically instilled, while the + desire for vengeance did not weaken by the measures of the government, but + was bred in the people who had none of it. + </p> + <p> + “Then why is it done?” Nekhludoff asked himself, but could find no answer. + And what seemed most surprising was that all this was not being done + accidentally, not by mistake, not once, but that it had continued for + centuries, with this difference only, that at first the people’s nostrils + used to be torn and their ears cut off; then they were branded, and now + they were manacled and transported by steam instead of on the old carts. + The arguments brought forward by those in government service, who said + that the things which aroused his indignation were simply due to the + imperfect arrangements of the places of confinement, and that they could + all be put to rights if prisons of a modern type were built, did not + satisfy Nekhludoff, because he knew that what revolted him was not the + consequence of a better or worse arrangement of the prisons. He had read + of model prisons with electric bells, of executions by electricity, + recommended by Tard; but this refined kind of violence revolted him even + more. + </p> + <p> + But what revolted Nekhludoff most was that there were men in the law + courts and in the ministry who received large salaries, taken from the + people, for referring to books written by men like themselves and with + like motives, and sorting actions that violated laws made by themselves + according to different statutes; and, in obedience to these statutes, + sending those guilty of such actions to places where they were completely + at the mercy of cruel, hardened inspectors, jailers, convoy soldiers, + where millions of them perished body and soul. + </p> + <p> + Now that he had a closer knowledge of prisons, Nekhludoff found out that + all those vices which developed among the prisoners—drunkenness, + gambling, cruelty, and all these terrible crimes, even cannibalism—were + not casual, or due to degeneration or to the existence of monstrosities of + the criminal type, as science, going hand in hand with the government, + explained it, but an unavoidable consequence of the incomprehensible + delusion that men may punish one another. Nekhludoff saw that cannibalism + did not commence in the marshes, but in the ministry. He saw that his + brother-in-law, for example, and, in fact, all the lawyers and officials, + from the usher to the minister, do not care in the least for justice or + the good of the people about whom they spoke, but only for the roubles + they were paid for doing the things that were the source whence all this + degradation and suffering flowed. This was quite evident. + </p> + <p> + “Can it be, then, that all this is done simply through misapprehension? + Could it not be managed that all these officials should have their + salaries secured to them, and a premium paid them, besides, so that they + should leave off, doing all that they were doing now?” Nekhludoff thought, + and in spite of the fleas, that seemed to spring up round him like water + from a fountain whenever he moved, he fell fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0121" id="link2HCH0121"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. THE JOURNEY RESUMED. + </h2> + <p> + The carters had left the inn long before Nekhludoff awoke. The landlady + had had her tea, and came in wiping her fat, perspiring neck with her + handkerchief, and said that a soldier had brought a note from the halting + station. The note was from Mary Pavlovna. She wrote that Kryltzoff’s + attack was more serious than they had imagined. “We wished him to be left + behind and to remain with him, but this has not been allowed, so that we + shall take him on; but we fear the worst. Please arrange so that if he + should be left in the next town, one of us might remain with him. If in + order to get the permission to stay I should be obliged to get married to + him, I am of course ready to do so.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff sent the young labourer to the post station to order horses and + began packing up hurriedly. Before he had drunk his second tumbler of tea + the three-horsed postcart drove up to the porch with ringing bells, the + wheels rattling on the frozen mud as on stones. Nekhludoff paid the + fat-necked landlady, hurried out and got into the cart, and gave orders to + the driver to go on as fast as possible, so as to overtake the gang. Just + past the gates of the commune pasture ground they did overtake the carts, + loaded with sacks and the sick prisoners, as they rattled over the frozen + mud, that was just beginning to be rolled smooth by the wheels (the + officer was not there, he had gone in advance). The soldiers, who had + evidently been drinking, followed by the side of the road, chatting + merrily. There were a great many carts. In each of the first carts sat six + invalid criminal convicts, close packed. On each of the last two were + three political prisoners. Novodvoroff, Grabetz and Kondratieff sat on + one, Rintzeva, Nabatoff and the woman to whom Mary Pavlovna had given up + her own place on the other, and on one of the carts lay Kryltzoff on a + heap of hay, with a pillow under his head, and Mary Pavlovna sat by him on + the edge of the cart. Nekhludoff ordered his driver to stop, got out and + went up to Kryltzoff. One of the tipsy soldiers waved his hand towards + Nekhludoff, but he paid no attention and started walking by Kryltzoff’s + side, holding on to the side of the cart with his hand. Dressed in a + sheepskin coat, with a fur cap on his head and his mouth bound up with a + handkerchief, he seemed paler and thinner than ever. His beautiful eyes + looked very large and brilliant. Shaken from side to side by the jottings + of the cart, he lay with his eyes fixed on Nekhludoff; but when asked + about his health, he only closed his eyes and angrily shook his head. All + his energy seemed to be needed in order to bear the jolting of the cart. + Mary Pavlovna was on the other side. She exchanged a significant glance + with Nekhludoff, which expressed all her anxiety about Kryltzoff’s state, + and then began to talk at once in a cheerful manner. + </p> + <p> + “It seems the officer is ashamed of himself,” she shouted, so as to be + heard above the rattle of the wheels. “Bousovkin’s manacles have been + removed, and he is carrying his little girl himself. Katusha and Simonson + are with him, and Vera, too. She has taken my place.” + </p> + <p> + Kryltzoff said something that could not be heard because of the noise, and + frowning in the effort to repress his cough shook his head. Then + Nekhludoff stooped towards him, so as to hear, and Kryltzoff, freeing his + mouth of the handkerchief, whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Much better now. Only not to catch cold.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff nodded in acquiescence, and again exchanged a glance with Mary + Pavlovna. + </p> + <p> + “How about the problem of the three bodies?” whispered Kryltzoff, smiling + with great difficulty. “The solution is difficult.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff did not understand, but Mary Pavlovna explained that he meant + the well-known mathematical problem which defined the position of the sun, + moon and earth, which Kryltzoff compared to the relations between + Nekhludoff, Katusha and Simonson. Kryltzoff nodded, to show that Mary + Pavlovna had explained his joke correctly. + </p> + <p> + “The decision does not lie with me,” Nekhludoff said. + </p> + <p> + “Did you get my note? Will you do it?” Mary Pavlovna asked. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” answered Nekhludoff; and noticing a look of displeasure on + Kryltzoff’s face, he returned to his conveyance, and holding with both + hands to the sides of the cart, got in, which jolted with him over the + ruts of the rough road. He passed the gang, which, with its grey cloaks + and sheepskin coats, chains and manacles, stretched over three-quarters of + a mile of the road. On the opposite side of the road Nekhludoff noticed + Katusha’s blue shawl, Vera Doukhova’s black coat, and Simonson’s crochet + cap, white worsted stockings, with bands, like those of sandals, tied + round him. Simonson was walking with the woman and carrying on a heated + discussion. + </p> + <p> + When they saw Nekhludoff they bowed to him, and Simonson raised his hat in + a solemn manner. Nekhludoff, having nothing to say, did not stop, and was + soon ahead of the carts. Having got again on to a smoother part of the + road, they drove still more quickly, but they had continually to turn + aside to let pass long rows of carts that were moving along the road in + both directions. + </p> + <p> + The road, which was cut up by deep ruts, lay through a thick pine forest, + mingled with birch trees and larches, bright with yellow leaves they had + not yet shed. By the time Nekhludoff had passed about half the gang he + reached the end of the forest. Fields now lay stretched along both sides + of the road, and the crosses and cupolas of a monastery appeared in the + distance. The clouds had dispersed, and it had cleared up completely; the + leaves, the frozen puddles and the gilt crosses and cupolas of the + monastery glittered brightly in the sun that had risen above the forest. A + little to the right mountains began to gleam white in the blue-grey + distance, and the trap entered a large village. The village street was + full of people, both Russians and other nationalities, wearing peculiar + caps and cloaks. Tipsy men and women crowded and chattered round booths, + traktirs, public houses and carts. The vicinity of a town was noticeable. + Giving a pull and a lash of the whip to the horse on his right, the driver + sat down sideways on the right edge of the seat, so that the reins hung + over that side, and with evident desire of showing off, he drove quickly + down to the river, which had to be crossed by a ferry. The raft was coming + towards them, and had reached the middle of the river. About twenty carts + were waiting to cross. Nekhludoff had not long to wait. The raft, which + had been pulled far up the stream, quickly approached the landing, carried + by the swift waters. The tall, silent, broad-shouldered, muscular + ferryman, dressed in sheepskins, threw the ropes and moored the raft with + practised hand, landed the carts that were on it, and put those that were + waiting on the bank on board. The whole raft was filled with vehicles and + horses shuffling at the sight of the water. The broad, swift river + splashed against the sides of the ferryboats, tightening their moorings. + </p> + <p> + When the raft was full, and Nekhludoff’s cart, with the horses taken out + of it, stood closely surrounded by other carts on the side of the raft, + the ferryman barred the entrance, and, paying no heed to the prayers of + those who had not found room in the raft, unfastened the ropes and set + off. + </p> + <p> + All was quiet on the raft; one could hear nothing but the tramp of the + ferryman’s boots and the horses changing from foot to foot. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0122" id="link2HCH0122"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. “JUST A WORTHLESS TRAMP.” + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff stood on the edge of the raft looking at the broad river. Two + pictures kept rising up in his mind. One, that of Kryltzoff, unprepared + for death and dying, made a heavy, sorrowful impression on him. The other, + that of Katusha, full of energy, having gained the love of such a man as + Simonson, and found a true and solid path towards righteousness, should + have been pleasant, yet it also created a heavy impression on Nekhludoff’s + mind, and he could not conquer this impression. + </p> + <p> + The vibrating sounds of a big brass bell reached them from the town. + Nekhludoff’s driver, who stood by his side, and the other men on the raft + raised their caps and crossed themselves, all except a short, dishevelled + old man, who stood close to the railway and whom Nekhludoff had not + noticed before. He did not cross himself, but raised his head and looked + at Nekhludoff. This old man wore a patched coat, cloth trousers and worn + and patched shoes. He had a small wallet on his back, and a high fur cap + with the fur much rubbed on his head. + </p> + <p> + “Why don’t you pray, old chap?” asked Nekhludoff’s driver as he replaced + and straightened his cap. “Are you unbaptized?” + </p> + <p> + “Who’s one to pray to?” asked the old man quickly, in a determinately + aggressive tone. + </p> + <p> + “To whom? To God, of course,” said the driver sarcastically. + </p> + <p> + “And you just show me where he is, that god.” There was something so + serious and firm in the expression of the old man, that the driver felt + that he had to do with a strong-minded man, and was a bit abashed. And + trying not to show this, not to be silenced, and not to be put to shame + before the crowd that was observing them, he answered quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Where? In heaven, of course.” + </p> + <p> + “And have you been up there?” + </p> + <p> + “Whether I’ve been or not, every one knows that you must pray to God.” + </p> + <p> + “No one has ever seen God at any time. The only begotten Son who is in the + bosom of the Father he hath declared him,” said the old man in the same + rapid manner, and with a severe frown on his brow. + </p> + <p> + “It’s clear you are not a Christian, but a hole worshipper. You pray to a + hole,” said the driver, shoving the handle of his whip into his girdle, + pulling straight the harness on one of the horses. + </p> + <p> + Some one laughed. + </p> + <p> + “What is your faith, Dad?” asked a middle-aged man, who stood by his cart + on the same side of the raft. + </p> + <p> + “I have no kind of faith, because I believe no one—no one but + myself,” said the old man as quickly and decidedly as before. + </p> + <p> + “How can you believe yourself?” Nekhludoff asked, entering into a + conversation with him. “You might make a mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “Never in your life,” the old man said decidedly, with a toss of his head. + </p> + <p> + “Then why are there different faiths?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “It’s just because men believe others and do not believe themselves that + there are different faiths. I also believed others, and lost myself as in + a swamp,—lost myself so that I had no hope of finding my way out. + Old believers and new believers and Judaisers and Khlysty and Popovitzy, + and Bespopovitzy and Avstriaks and Molokans and Skoptzy—every faith + praises itself only, and so they all creep about like blind puppies. There + are many faiths, but the spirit is one—in me and in you and in him. + So that if every one believes himself all will be united. Every one be + himself, and all will be as one.” + </p> + <p> + The old man spoke loudly and often looked round, evidently wishing that as + many as possible should hear him. + </p> + <p> + “And have you long held this faith?” + </p> + <p> + “I? A long time. This is the twenty-third year that they persecute me.” + </p> + <p> + “Persecute you? How?” + </p> + <p> + “As they persecuted Christ, so they persecute me. They seize me, and take + me before the courts and before the priests, the Scribes and the + Pharisees. Once they put me into a madhouse; but they can do nothing + because I am free. They say, ‘What is your name?’ thinking I shall name + myself. But I do not give myself a name. I have given up everything: I + have no name, no place, no country, nor anything. I am just myself. ‘What + is your name?’ ‘Man.’ ‘How old are you?’ I say, ‘I do not count my years + and cannot count them, because I always was, I always shall be.’ ‘Who are + your parents?’ ‘I have no parents except God and Mother Earth. God is my + father.’ ‘And the Tsar? Do you recognise the Tsar?’ they say. I say, ‘Why + not? He is his own Tsar, and I am my own Tsar.’ ‘Where’s the good of + talking to him,’ they say, and I say, ‘I do not ask you to talk to me.’ + And so they begin tormenting me.” + </p> + <p> + “And where are you going now?” asked Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Where God will lead me. I work when I can find work, and when I can’t I + beg.” The old man noticed that the raft was approaching the bank and + stopped, looking round at the bystanders with a look of triumph. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff got out his purse and offered some money to the old man, but he + refused, saying: + </p> + <p> + “I do not accept this sort of thing—bread I do accept.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, excuse me.” + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing to excuse, you have not offended me. And it is not + possible to offend me.” And the old man put the wallet he had taken off + again on his back. Meanwhile, the post-cart had been landed and the horses + harnessed. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder you should care to talk to him, sir,” said the driver, when + Nekhludoff, having tipped the bowing ferryman, got into the cart again. + “He is just a worthless tramp.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0123" id="link2HCH0123"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. NEKHLUDOFF SEES THE GENERAL. + </h2> + <p> + When they got to the top of the hill bank the driver turned to Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “Which hotel am I to drive to?” + </p> + <p> + “Which is the best?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing could be better than the Siberian, but Dukeoff’s is also good.” + </p> + <p> + “Drive to whichever you like.” + </p> + <p> + The driver again seated himself sideways and drove faster. The town was + like all such towns. The same kind of houses with attic windows and green + roofs, the same kind of cathedral, the same kind of shops and stores in + the principal street, and even the same kind of policemen. Only the houses + were almost all of them wooden, and the streets were not paved. In one of + the chief streets the driver stopped at the door of an hotel, but there + was no room to be had, so he drove to another. And here Nekhludoff, after + two months, found himself once again in surroundings such as he had been + accustomed to as far as comfort and cleanliness went. Though the room he + was shown to was simple enough, yet Nekhludoff felt greatly relieved to be + there after two months of post-carts, country inns and halting stations. + His first business was to clean himself of the lice which he had never + been able to get thoroughly rid of after visiting a halting station. When + he had unpacked he went to the Russian bath, after which he made himself + fit to be seen in a town, put on a starched shirt, trousers that had got + rather creased along the seams, a frock-coat and an overcoat, and drove to + the Governor of the district. The hotel-keeper called an isvostchik, whose + well-fed Kirghiz horse and vibrating trap soon brought Nekhludoff to the + large porch of a big building, in front of which stood sentinels and a + policeman. The house had a garden in front, and at the back, among the + naked branches of aspen and birch trees, there grew thick and dark green + pines and firs. The General was not well, and did not receive; but + Nekhludoff asked the footman to hand in his card all the same, and the + footman came back with a favourable reply. + </p> + <p> + “You are asked to come in.” + </p> + <p> + The hall, the footman, the orderly, the staircase, the dancing-room, with + its well-polished floor, were very much the same as in Petersburg, only + more imposing and rather dirtier. Nekhludoff was shown into the cabinet. + </p> + <p> + The General, a bloated, potato-nosed man, with a sanguine disposition, + large bumps on his forehead, bald head, and puffs under his eyes, sat + wrapped in a Tartar silk dressing-gown smoking a cigarette and sipping his + tea out of a tumbler in a silver holder. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, sir? Excuse my dressing-gown; it is better so than if I + had not received you at all,” he said, pulling up his dressing-gown over + his fat neck with its deep folds at the nape. “I am not quite well, and do + not go out. What has brought you to our remote region?” + </p> + <p> + “I am accompanying a gang of prisoners, among whom there is a person + closely connected with me, said Nekhludoff, and now I have come to see + your Excellency partly in behalf of this person, and partly about another + business.” The General took a whiff and a sip of tea, put his cigarette + into a malachite ashpan, with his narrow eyes fixed on Nekhludoff, + listening seriously. He only interrupted him once to offer him a + cigarette. + </p> + <p> + The General belonged to the learned type of military men who believed that + liberal and humane views can be reconciled with their profession. But + being by nature a kind and intelligent man, he soon felt the impossibility + of such a reconciliation; so as not to feel the inner discord in which he + was living, he gave himself up more and more to the habit of drinking, + which is so widely spread among military men, and was now suffering from + what doctors term alcoholism. He was imbued with alcohol, and if he drank + any kind of liquor it made him tipsy. Yet strong drink was an absolute + necessity to him, he could not live without it, so he was quite drunk + every evening; but had grown so used to this state that he did not reel + nor talk any special nonsense. And if he did talk nonsense, it was + accepted as words of wisdom because of the important and high position + which he occupied. Only in the morning, just at the time Nekhludoff came + to see him, he was like a reasonable being, could understand what was said + to him, and fulfil more or less aptly a proverb he was fond of repeating: + “He’s tipsy, but he’s wise, so he’s pleasant in two ways.” + </p> + <p> + The higher authorities knew he was a drunkard, but he was more educated + than the rest, though his education had stopped at the spot where + drunkenness had got hold of him. He was bold, adroit, of imposing + appearance, and showed tact even when tipsy; therefore, he was appointed, + and was allowed to retain so public and responsible an office. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff told him that the person he was interested in was a woman, that + she was sentenced, though innocent, and that a petition had been sent to + the Emperor in her behalf. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, well?” said the General. + </p> + <p> + “I was promised in Petersburg that the news concerning her fate should be + sent to me not later than this month and to this place-” + </p> + <p> + The General stretched his hand with its stumpy fingers towards the table, + and rang a bell, still looking at Nekhludoff and puffing at his cigarette. + </p> + <p> + “So I would like to ask you that this woman should be allowed to remain + here until the answer to her petition comes.” + </p> + <p> + The footman, an orderly in uniform, came in. + </p> + <p> + “Ask if Anna Vasilievna is up,” said the General to the orderly, “and + bring some more tea.” Then, turning to Nekhludoff, “Yes, and what else?” + </p> + <p> + “My other request concerns a political prisoner who is with the same + gang.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear me,” said the General, with a significant shake of the head. + </p> + <p> + “He is seriously ill—dying, and he will probably be left here in the + hospital, so one of the women prisoners would like to stay behind with + him.” + </p> + <p> + “She is no relation of his?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but she is willing to marry him if that will enable her to remain + with him.” + </p> + <p> + The General looked fixedly with twinkling eyes at his interlocutor, and, + evidently with a wish to discomfit him, listened, smoking in silence. + </p> + <p> + When Nekhludoff had finished, the General took a book off the table, and, + wetting his finger, quickly turned over the pages and found the statute + relating to marriage. + </p> + <p> + “What is she sentenced to?” he asked, looking up from the book. + </p> + <p> + “She? To hard labour.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, the position of one sentenced to that cannot be bettered by + marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but—” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me. Even if a free man should marry her, she would have to serve + her term. The question in such cases is, whose is the heavier punishment, + hers or his?” + </p> + <p> + “They are both sentenced to hard labour.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; so they are quits,” said the General, with a laugh. “She’s got + what he has, only as he is sick he may be left behind, and of course what + can be done to lighten his fate shall be done. But as for her, even if she + did marry him, she could not remain behind.” + </p> + <p> + “The Generaless is having her coffee,” the footman announced. + </p> + <p> + The General nodded and continued: + </p> + <p> + “However, I shall think about it. What are their names? Put them down + here.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff wrote down the names. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff’s request to be allowed to see the dying man the General + answered by saying, “Neither can I do that. Of course I do not suspect + you, but you take an interest in him and in the others, and you have + money, and here with us anything can be done with money. I have been told + to put down bribery. But how can I put down bribery when everybody takes + bribes? And the lower their rank the more ready they are to be bribed. How + can one find it out across more than three thousand miles? There any + official is a little Tsar, just as I am here,” and he laughed. “You have + in all likelihood been to see the political prisoners; you gave money and + got permission to see them,” he said, with a smile. “Is it not so?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is.” + </p> + <p> + “I quite understand that you had to do it. You pity a political prisoner + and wish to see him. And the inspector or the convoy soldier accepts, + because he has a salary of twice twenty copecks and a family, and he can’t + help accepting it. In his place and yours I should have acted in the same + way as you and he did. But in my position I do not permit myself to swerve + an inch from the letter of the law, just because I am a man, and might be + influenced by pity. But I am a member of the executive, and I have been + placed in a position of trust on certain conditions, and these conditions + I must carry out. Well, so this business is finished. And now let us hear + what is going on in the metropolis.” And the General began questioning + with the evident desire to hear the news and to show how very human he + was. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0124" id="link2HCH0124"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. THE SENTENCE COMMUTED. + </h2> + <p> + “By-the-way, where are you staying?” asked the General as he was taking + leave of Nekhludoff. “At Duke’s? Well, it’s horrid enough there. Come and + dine with us at five o’clock. You speak English?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s good. You see, an English traveller has just arrived here. He is + studying the question of transportation and examining the prisons of + Siberia. Well, he is dining with us to-night, and you come and meet him. + We dine at five, and my wife expects punctuality. Then I shall also give + you an answer what to do about that woman, and perhaps it may be possible + to leave some one behind with the sick prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + Having made his bow to the General, Nekhludoff drove to the post-office, + feeling himself in an extremely animated and energetic frame of mind. + </p> + <p> + The post-office was a low-vaulted room. Several officials sat behind a + counter serving the people, of whom there was quite a crowd. One official + sat with his head bent to one side and kept stamping the envelopes, which + he slipped dexterously under the stamp. Nekhludoff had not long to wait. + As soon as he had given his name, everything that had come for him by post + was at once handed to him. There was a good deal: letters, and money, and + books, and the last number of Fatherland Notes. Nekhludoff took all these + things to a wooden bench, on which a soldier with a book in his hand sat + waiting for something, took the seat by his side, and began sorting the + letters. Among them was one registered letter in a fine envelope, with a + distinctly stamped bright red seal. He broke the seal, and seeing a letter + from Selenin and some official paper inside the envelope, he felt the + blood rush to his face, and his heart stood still. It was the answer to + Katusha’s petition. What would that answer be? Nekhludoff glanced + hurriedly through the letter, written in an illegibly small, hard, and + cramped hand, and breathed a sigh of relief. The answer was a favourable + one. + </p> + <p> + “Dear friend,” wrote Selenin, “our last talk has made a profound + impression on me. You were right concerning Maslova. I looked carefully + through the case, and see that shocking injustice has been done her. It + could be remedied only by the Committee of Petitions before which you laid + it. I managed to assist at the examination of the case, and I enclose + herewith the copy of the mitigation of the sentence. Your aunt, the + Countess Katerina Ivanovna, gave me the address which I am sending this + to. The original document has been sent to the place where she was + imprisoned before her trial, and will from there he probably sent at once + to the principal Government office in Siberia. I hasten to communicate + this glad news to you and warmly press your hand. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Yours, + + “SELENIN.” + </pre> + <p> + The document ran thus: “His Majesty’s office for the reception of + petitions, addressed to his Imperial name”—here followed the date——“by + order of the chief of his Majesty’s office for the reception of petitions + addressed to his Imperial name. The meschanka Katerina Maslova is hereby + informed that his Imperial Majesty, with reference to her most loyal + petition, condescending to her request, deigns to order that her sentence + to hard labour should be commuted to one of exile to the less distant + districts of Siberia.” + </p> + <p> + This was joyful and important news; all that Nekhludoff could have hoped + for Katusha, and for himself also, had happened. It was true that the new + position she was in brought new complications with it. While she was a + convict, marriage with her could only be fictitious, and would have had no + meaning except that he would have been in a position to alleviate her + condition. And now there was nothing to prevent their living together, and + Nekhludoff had not prepared himself for that. And, besides, what of her + relations to Simonson? What was the meaning of her words yesterday? If she + consented to a union with Simonson, would it be well? He could not unravel + all these questions, and gave up thinking about it. “It will all clear + itself up later on,” he thought; “I must not think about it now, but + convey the glad news to her as soon as possible, and set her free.” He + thought that the copy of the document he had received would suffice, so + when he left the post-office he told the isvostchik to drive him to the + prison. + </p> + <p> + Though he had received no order from the governor to visit the prison that + morning, he knew by experience that it was easy to get from the + subordinates what the higher officials would not grant, so now he meant to + try and get into the prison to bring Katusha the joyful news, and perhaps + to get her set free, and at the same time to inquire about Kryltzoff’s + state of health, and tell him and Mary Pavlovna what the general had said. + The prison inspector was a tall, imposing-looking man, with moustaches and + whiskers that twisted towards the corners of his mouth. He received + Nekhludoff very gravely, and told him plainly that he could not grant an + outsider the permission to interview the prisoners without a special order + from his chief. To Nekhludoff’s remark that he had been allowed to visit + the prisoners even in the cities he answered: + </p> + <p> + “That may be so, but I do not allow it,” and his tone implied, “You city + gentlemen may think to surprise and perplex us, but we in Eastern Siberia + also know what the law is, and may even teach it you.” The copy of a + document straight from the Emperor’s own office did not have any effect on + the prison inspector either. He decidedly refused to let Nekhludoff come + inside the prison walls. He only smiled contemptuously at Nekhludoff’s + naive conclusion, that the copy he had received would suffice to set + Maslova free, and declared that a direct order from his own superiors + would be needed before any one could be set at liberty. The only things he + agreed to do were to communicate to Maslova that a mitigation had arrived + for her, and to promise that he would not detain her an hour after the + order from his chief to liberate her would arrive. He would also give no + news of Kryltzoff, saying he could not even tell if there was such a + prisoner; and so Nekhludoff, having accomplished next to nothing, got into + his trap and drove back to his hotel. + </p> + <p> + The strictness of the inspector was chiefly due to the fact that an + epidemic of typhus had broken out in the prison, owing to twice the number + of persons that it was intended for being crowded in it. The isvostchik + who drove Nekhludoff said, “Quite a lot of people are dying in the prison + every day, some kind of disease having sprung up among them, so that as + many as twenty were buried in one day.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0125" id="link2HCH0125"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. THE GENERAL’S HOUSEHOLD. + </h2> + <p> + In spite of his ineffectual attempt at the prison, Nekhludoff, still in + the same vigorous, energetic frame of mind, went to the Governor’s office + to see if the original of the document had arrived for Maslova. It had not + arrived, so Nekhludoff went back to the hotel and wrote without delay to + Selenin and the advocate about it. When he had finished writing he looked + at his watch and saw it was time to go to the General’s dinner party. + </p> + <p> + On the way he again began wondering how Katusha would receive the news of + the mitigation of her sentence. Where she would be settled? How he should + live with her? What about Simonson? What would his relations to her be? He + remembered the change that had taken place in her, and this reminded him + of her past. “I must forget it for the present,” he thought, and again + hastened to drive her out of his mind. “When the time comes I shall see,” + he said to himself, and began to think of what he ought to say to the + General. + </p> + <p> + The dinner at the General’s, with the luxury habitual to the lives of the + wealthy and those of high rank, to which Nekhludoff had been accustomed, + was extremely enjoyable after he had been so long deprived not only of + luxury but even of the most ordinary comforts. The mistress of the house + was a Petersburg grande dame of the old school, a maid of honour at the + court of Nicholas I., who spoke French quite naturally and Russian very + unnaturally. She held herself very erect and, moving her hands, she kept + her elbows close to her waist. She was quietly and, somewhat sadly + considerate for her husband, and extremely kind to all her visitors, + though with a tinge of difference in her behaviour according to their + position. She received Nekhludoff as if he were one of them, and her fine, + almost imperceptible flattery made him once again aware of his virtues and + gave him a feeling of satisfaction. She made him feel that she knew of + that honest though rather singular step of his which had brought him to + Siberia, and held him to be an exceptional man. This refined flattery and + the elegance and luxury of the General’s house had the effect of making + Nekhludoff succumb to the enjoyment of the handsome surroundings, the + delicate dishes and the ease and pleasure of intercourse with educated + people of his own class, so that the surroundings in the midst of which he + had lived for the last months seemed a dream from which he had awakened to + reality. Besides those of the household, the General’s daughter and her + husband and an aide-de-camp, there were an Englishman, a merchant + interested in gold mines, and the governor of a distant Siberian town. All + these people seemed pleasant to Nekhludoff. The Englishman, a healthy man + with a rosy complexion, who spoke very bad French, but whose command of + his own language was very good and oratorically impressive, who had seen a + great deal, was very interesting to listen to when he spoke about America, + India, Japan and Siberia. + </p> + <p> + The young merchant interested in the gold mines, the son of a peasant, + whose evening dress was made in London, who had diamond studs to his + shirt, possessed a fine library, contributed freely to philanthropic work, + and held liberal European views, seemed pleasant to Nekhludoff as a sample + of a quite new and good type of civilised European culture, grafted on a + healthy, uncultivated peasant stem. + </p> + <p> + The governor of the distant Siberian town was that same man who had been + so much talked about in Petersburg at the time Nekhludoff was there. He + was plump, with thin, curly hair, soft blue eyes, carefully-tended white + hands, with rings on the fingers, a pleasant smile, and very big in the + lower part of his body. The master of the house valued this governor + because of all the officials he was the only one who would not be bribed. + The mistress of the house, who was very fond of music and a very good + pianist herself, valued him because he was a good musician and played + duets with her. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was in such good humour that even this man was not unpleasant + to him, in spite of what he knew of his vices. The bright, energetic + aide-de-camp, with his bluey grey chin, who was continually offering his + services, pleased Nekhludoff by his good nature. But it was the charming + young couple, the General’s daughter and her husband, who pleased + Nekhludoff best. The daughter was a plain-looking, simple-minded young + woman, wholly absorbed in her two children. Her husband, whom she had + fallen in love with and married after a long struggle with her parents, + was a Liberal, who had taken honours at the Moscow University, a modest + and intellectual young man in Government service, who made up statistics + and studied chiefly the foreign tribes, which he liked and tried to save + from dying out. + </p> + <p> + All of them were not only kind and attentive to Nekhludoff, but evidently + pleased to see him, as a new and interesting acquaintance. The General, + who came in to dinner in uniform and with a white cross round his neck, + greeted Nekhludoff as a friend, and asked the visitors to the side table + to take a glass of vodka and something to whet their appetites. The + General asked Nekhludoff what he had been doing since he left that + morning, and Nekhludoff told him he had been to the post-office and + received the news of the mitigation of that person’s sentence that he had + spoken of in the morning, and again asked for a permission to visit the + prison. + </p> + <p> + The General, apparently displeased that business should be mentioned at + dinner, frowned and said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Have a glass of vodka,” he said, addressing the Englishman, who had just + come up to the table. The Englishman drank a glass, and said he had been + to see the cathedral and the factory, but would like to visit the great + transportation prison. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that will just fit in,” said the General to Nekhludoff. “You will be + able to go together. Give them a pass,” he added, turning to his + aide-de-camp. + </p> + <p> + “When would you like to go?” Nekhludoff asked. + </p> + <p> + “I prefer visiting the prisons in the evening,” the Englishman answered. + “All are indoors and there is no preparation; you find them all as they + are.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, he would like to see it in all its glory! Let him do so. I have + written about it and no attention has been paid to it. Let him find out + from foreign publications,” the General said, and went up to the dinner + table, where the mistress of the house was showing the visitors their + places. Nekhludoff sat between his hostess and the Englishman. In front of + him sat the General’s daughter and the ex-director of the Government + department in Petersburg. The conversation at dinner was carried on by + fits and starts, now it was India that the Englishman talked about, now + the Tonkin expedition that the General strongly disapproved of, now the + universal bribery and corruption in Siberia. All these topics did not + interest Nekhludoff much. + </p> + <p> + But after dinner, over their coffee, Nekhludoff and the Englishman began a + very interesting conversation about Gladstone, and Nekhludoff thought he + had said many clever things which were noticed by his interlocutor. And + Nekhludoff felt it more and more pleasant to be sipping his coffee seated + in an easy-chair among amiable, well-bred people. And when at the + Englishman’s request the hostess went up to the piano with the ex-director + of the Government department, and they began to play in well-practised + style Beethoven’s fifth symphony, Nekhludoff fell into a mental state of + perfect self-satisfaction to which he had long been a stranger, as though + he had only just found out what a good fellow he was. + </p> + <p> + The grand piano was a splendid instrument, the symphony was well + performed. At least, so it seemed to Nekhludoff, who knew and liked that + symphony. Listening to the beautiful andante, he felt a tickling in his + nose, he was so touched by his many virtues. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff thanked his hostess for the enjoyment that he had been deprived + of for so long, and was about to say goodbye and go when the daughter of + the house came up to him with a determined look and said, with a blush, + “You asked about my children. Would you like to see them?” + </p> + <p> + “She thinks that everybody wants to see her children,” said her mother, + smiling at her daughter’s winning tactlessness. “The Prince is not at all + interested.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, I am very much interested,” said Nekhludoff, touched by + this overflowing, happy mother-love. “Please let me see them.” + </p> + <p> + “She’s taking the Prince to see her babies,” the General shouted, laughing + from the card-table, where he sat with his son-in-law, the mine owner and + the aide-de-camp. “Go, go, pay your tribute.” + </p> + <p> + The young woman, visibly excited by the thought that judgment was about to + be passed on her children, went quickly towards the inner apartments, + followed by Nekhludoff. In the third, a lofty room, papered with white and + lit up by a shaded lamp, stood two small cots, and a nurse with a white + cape on her shoulders sat between the cots. She had a kindly, true + Siberian face, with its high cheek-bones. + </p> + <p> + The nurse rose and bowed. The mother stooped over the first cot, in which + a two-year-old little girl lay peacefully sleeping with her little mouth + open and her long, curly hair tumbled over the pillow. + </p> + <p> + “This is Katie,” said the mother, straightening the white and blue crochet + coverlet, from under which a little white foot pushed itself languidly + out. + </p> + <p> + “Is she not pretty? She’s only two years old, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Lovely.” + </p> + <p> + “And this is Vasiuk, as ‘grandpapa’ calls him. Quite a different type. A + Siberian, is he not?” + </p> + <p> + “A splendid boy,” said Nekhludoff, as he looked at the little fatty lying + asleep on his stomach. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the mother, with a smile full of meaning. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff recalled to his mind chains, shaved heads, fighting debauchery, + the dying Kryltzoff, Katusha and the whole of her past, and he began to + feel envious and to wish for what he saw here, which now seemed to him + pure and refined happiness. + </p> + <p> + After having repeatedly expressed his admiration of the children, thereby + at least partially satisfying their mother, who eagerly drank in this + praise, he followed her back to the drawing-room, where the Englishman was + waiting for him to go and visit the prison, as they had arranged. Having + taken leave of their hosts, the old and the young ones, the Englishman and + Nekhludoff went out into the porch of the General’s house. + </p> + <p> + The weather had changed. It was snowing, and the snow fell densely in + large flakes, and already covered the road, the roof and the trees in the + garden, the steps of the porch, the roof of the trap and the back of the + horse. + </p> + <p> + The Englishman had a trap of his own, and Nekhludoff, having told the + coachman to drive to the prison, called his isvostchik and got in with the + heavy sense of having to fulfil an unpleasant duty, and followed the + Englishman over the soft snow, through which the wheels turned with + difficulty. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0126" id="link2HCH0126"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. MASLOVA’S DECISION. + </h2> + <p> + The dismal prison house, with its sentinel and lamp burning under the + gateway, produced an even more dismal impression, with its long row of + lighted windows, than it had done in the morning, in spite of the white + covering that now lay over everything—the porch, the roof and the + walls. + </p> + <p> + The imposing inspector came up to the gate and read the pass that had been + given to Nekhludoff and the Englishman by the light of the lamp, shrugged + his fine shoulders in surprise, but, in obedience to the order, asked the + visitors to follow him in. He led them through the courtyard and then in + at a door to the right and up a staircase into the office. He offered them + a seat and asked what he could do for them, and when he heard that + Nekhludoff would like to see Maslova at once, he sent a jailer to fetch + her. Then he prepared himself to answer the questions which the Englishman + began to put to him, Nekhludoff acting as interpreter. + </p> + <p> + “How many persons is the prison built to hold?” the Englishman asked. “How + many are confined in it? How many men? How many women? Children? How many + sentenced to the mines? How many exiles? How many sick persons?” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff translated the Englishman’s and the inspector’s words without + paying any attention to their meaning, and felt an awkwardness he had not + in the least expected at the thought of the impending interview. When, in + the midst of a sentence he was translating for the Englishman, he heard + the sound of approaching footsteps, and the office door opened, and, as + had happened many times before, a jailer came in, followed by Katusha, and + he saw her with a kerchief tied round her head, and in a prison jacket a + heavy sensation came over him. “I wish to live, I want a family, children, + I want a human life.” These thoughts flashed through his mind as she + entered the room with rapid steps and blinking her eyes. + </p> + <p> + He rose and made a few steps to meet her, and her face appeared hard and + unpleasant to him. It was again as it had been at the time when she + reproached him. She flushed and turned pale, her fingers nervously + twisting a corner of her jacket. She looked up at him, then cast down her + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “You know that a mitigation has come?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the jailer told me.” + </p> + <p> + “So that as soon as the original document arrives you may come away and + settle where you like. We shall consider—” + </p> + <p> + She interrupted him hurriedly. “What have I to consider? Where Valdemar + Simonson goes, there I shall follow.” In spite of the excitement she was + in she raised her eyes to Nekhludoff’s and pronounced these words quickly + and distinctly, as if she had prepared what she had to say. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Dmitri Ivanovitch, you see he wishes me to live with him—” + and she stopped, quite frightened, and corrected herself. “He wishes me to + be near him. What more can I desire? I must look upon it as happiness. + What else is there for me—” + </p> + <p> + “One of two things,” thought he. “Either she loves Simonson and does not + in the least require the sacrifice I imagined I was bringing her, or she + still loves me and refuses me for my own sake, and is burning her ships by + uniting her fate with Simonson.” And Nekhludoff felt ashamed and knew that + he was blushing. + </p> + <p> + “And you yourself, do you love him?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Loving or not loving, what does it matter? I have given up all that. And + then Valdemar Simonson is quite an exceptional man.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, of course,” Nekhludoff began. “He is a splendid man, and I think—” + </p> + <p> + But she again interrupted him, as if afraid that he might say too much or + that she should not say all. “No, Dmitri Ivanovitch, you must forgive me + if I am not doing what you wish,” and she looked at him with those + unfathomable, squinting eyes of hers. “Yes, it evidently must be so. You + must live, too.” + </p> + <p> + She said just what he had been telling himself a few moments before, but + he no longer thought so now and felt very differently. He was not only + ashamed, but felt sorry to lose all he was losing with her. “I did not + expect this,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Why should you live here and suffer? You have suffered enough.” + </p> + <p> + “I have not suffered. It was good for me, and I should like to go on + serving you if I could.” + </p> + <p> + “We do not want anything,” she said, and looked at him. + </p> + <p> + “You have done so much for me as it is. If it had not been for you—” + She wished to say more, but her voice trembled. + </p> + <p> + “You certainly have no reason to thank me,” Nekhludoff said. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the use of our reckoning? God will make up our accounts,” she + said, and her black eyes began to glisten with the tears that filled them. + </p> + <p> + “What a good woman you are,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I good?” she said through her tears, and a pathetic smile lit up her + face. + </p> + <p> + “Are you ready?” the Englishman asked. + </p> + <p> + “Directly,” replied Nekhludoff and asked her about Kryltzoff. + </p> + <p> + She got over her emotion and quietly told him all she knew. Kryltzoff was + very weak and had been sent into the infirmary. Mary Pavlovna was very + anxious, and had asked to be allowed to go to the infirmary as a nurse, + but could not get the permission. + </p> + <p> + “Am I to go?” she asked, noticing that the Englishman was waiting. + </p> + <p> + “I will not say good-bye; I shall see you again,” said Nekhludoff, holding + out his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me,” she said so low that he could hardly hear her. Their eyes + met, and Nekhludoff knew by the strange look of her squinting eyes and the + pathetic smile with which she said not “Good-bye” but “Forgive me,” that + of the two reasons that might have led to her resolution, the second was + the real one. She loved him, and thought that by uniting herself to him + she would be spoiling his life. By going with Simonson she thought she + would be setting Nekhludoff free, and felt glad that she had done what she + meant to do, and yet she suffered at parting from him. + </p> + <p> + She pressed his hand, turned quickly and left the room. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff was ready to go, but saw that the Englishman was noting + something down, and did not disturb him, but sat down on a wooden seat by + the wall, and suddenly a feeling of terrible weariness came over him. It + was not a sleepless night that had tired him, not the journey, not the + excitement, but he felt terribly tired of living. He leaned against the + back of the bench, shut his eyes and in a moment fell into a deep, heavy + sleep. + </p> + <p> + “Well, would you like to look round the cells now?” the inspector asked. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff looked up and was surprised to find himself where he was. The + Englishman had finished his notes and expressed a wish to see the cells. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff, tired and indifferent, followed him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0127" id="link2HCH0127"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. THE ENGLISH VISITOR. + </h2> + <p> + When they had passed the anteroom and the sickening, stinking corridor, + the Englishman and Nekhludoff, accompanied by the inspector, entered the + first cell, where those sentenced to hard labour were confined. The beds + took up the middle of the cell and the prisoners were all in bed. There + were about 70 of them. When the visitors entered all the prisoners jumped + up and stood beside the beds, excepting two, a young man who was in a + state of high fever, and an old man who did nothing but groan. + </p> + <p> + The Englishman asked if the young man had long been ill. The inspector + said that he was taken ill in the morning, but that the old man had long + been suffering with pains in the stomach, but could not be removed, as the + infirmary had been overfilled for a long time. The Englishman shook his + head disapprovingly, said he would like to say a few words to these + people, asking Nekhludoff to interpret. It turned out that besides + studying the places of exile and the prisons of Siberia, the Englishman + had another object in view, that of preaching salvation through faith and + by the redemption. + </p> + <p> + “Tell them,” he said, “that Christ died for them. If they believe in this + they shall be saved.” While he spoke, all the prisoners stood silent with + their arms at their sides. “This book, tell them,” he continued, “says all + about it. Can any of them read?” + </p> + <p> + There were more than 20 who could. + </p> + <p> + The Englishman took several bound Testaments out of a hang-bag, and many + strong hands with their hard, black nails stretched out from beneath the + coarse shirt-sleeves towards him. He gave away two Testaments in this + cell. + </p> + <p> + The same thing happened in the second cell. There was the same foul air, + the same icon hanging between the windows, the same tub to the left of the + door, and they were all lying side by side close to one another, and + jumped up in the same manner and stood stretched full length with their + arms by their sides, all but three, two of whom sat up and one remained + lying, and did not even look at the newcomers; these three were also ill. + The Englishman made the same speech and again gave away two books. + </p> + <p> + In the third room four were ill. When the Englishman asked why the sick + were not put all together into one cell, the inspector said that they did + not wish it themselves, that their diseases were not infectious, and that + the medical assistant watched them and attended to them. + </p> + <p> + “He has not set foot here for a fortnight,” muttered a voice. + </p> + <p> + The inspector did not say anything and led the way to the next cell. Again + the door was unlocked, and all got up and stood silent. Again the + Englishman gave away Testaments. It was the same in the fifth and sixth + cells, in those to the right and those to the left. + </p> + <p> + From those sentenced to hard labour they went on to the exiles. + </p> + <p> + From the exiles to those evicted by the Commune and those who followed of + their own free will. + </p> + <p> + Everywhere men, cold, hungry, idle, infected, degraded, imprisoned, were + shown off like wild beasts. + </p> + <p> + The Englishman, having given away the appointed number of Testaments, + stopped giving any more, and made no speeches. The oppressing sight, and + especially the stifling atmosphere, quelled even his energy, and he went + from cell to cell, saying nothing but “All right” to the inspector’s + remarks about what prisoners there were in each cell. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff followed as in a dream, unable either to refuse to go on or to + go away, and with the same feelings of weariness and hopelessness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0128" id="link2HCH0128"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. KRYLTZOFF AT REST. + </h2> + <p> + In one of the exiles’ cells Nekhludoff, to his surprise, recognised the + strange old man he had seen crossing the ferry that morning. This old man + was sitting on the floor by the beds, barefooted, with only a dirty + cinder-coloured shirt on, torn on one shoulder, and similar trousers. He + looked severely and enquiringly at the newcomers. His emaciated body, + visible through the holes of his shirt, looked miserably weak, but in his + face was even more concentrated seriousness and animation than when + Nekhludoff saw him crossing the ferry. As in all the other cells, so here + also the prisoners jumped up and stood erect when the official entered, + but the old man remained sitting. His eyes glittered and his brows frowned + with wrath. + </p> + <p> + “Get up,” the inspector called out to him. + </p> + <p> + The old man did not rise and only smiled contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “Thy servants are standing before thee. I am not thy servant. Thou bearest + the seal—” The old man pointed to the inspector’s forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Wha-a-t?” said the inspector threateningly, and made a step towards him. + </p> + <p> + “I know this man,” Nekhludoff hastened to say; “what is he imprisoned + for?” + </p> + <p> + “The police have sent him here because he has no passport. We ask them not + to send such, but they will do it,” said the inspector, casting an angry + side look at the old man. + </p> + <p> + “And so it seems thou, too, art one of Antichrist’s army?” the old man + said to Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “No, I am a visitor,” said Nekhludoff. + </p> + <p> + “What, hast thou come to see how Antichrist tortures men? There, look, he + has locked them up in a cage, a whole army of them. Men should eat bread + in the sweat of their brow. And he has locked them up with no work to do, + and feeds them like swine, so that they should turn into beasts.” + </p> + <p> + “What is he saying?” asked the Englishman. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff told him the old man was blaming the inspector for keeping men + imprisoned. + </p> + <p> + “Ask him how he thinks one should treat those who do not keep to the + laws,” said the Englishman. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff translated the question. The old man laughed in a strange + manner, showing his teeth. + </p> + <p> + “The laws?” he repeated with contempt. “He first robbed everybody, took + all the earth, all the rights away from men, killed all those who were + against him, and then wrote laws, forbidding robbery and murder. He should + have written these laws before.” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff translated. The Englishman smiled. “Well, anyhow, ask him how + one should treat thieves and murderers at present?” + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff again translated his question. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him he should take the seal of Antichrist off himself,” the old man + said, frowning severely; “then there will be no thieves and murderers. + Tell him so.” + </p> + <p> + “He is crazy,” said the Englishman, when Nekhludoff had translated the old + man’s words, and, shrugging his shoulders, he left the cell. + </p> + <p> + “Do thy business and leave them alone. Every one for himself. God knows + whom to execute, whom to forgive, and we do not know,” said the old man. + “Every man be his own chief, then the chiefs will not be wanted. Go, go!” + he added, angrily frowning and looking with glittering eyes at Nekhludoff, + who lingered in the cell. “Hast thou not looked on long enough how the + servants of Antichrist feed lice on men? Go, go!” + </p> + <p> + When Nekhludoff went out he saw the Englishman standing by the open door + of an empty cell with the inspector, asking what the cell was for. The + inspector explained that it was the mortuary. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said the Englishman when Nekhludoff had translated, and expressed + the wish to go in. + </p> + <p> + The mortuary was an ordinary cell, not very large. A small lamp hung on + the wall and dimly lit up sacks and logs of wood that were piled up in one + corner, and four dead bodies lay on the bedshelves to the right. The first + body had a coarse linen shirt and trousers on; it was that of a tall man + with a small beard and half his head shaved. The body was quite rigid; the + bluish hands, that had evidently been folded on the breast, had separated; + the legs were also apart and the bare feet were sticking out. Next to him + lay a bare-footed old woman in a white petticoat, her head, with its thin + plait of hair, uncovered, with a little, pinched yellow face and a sharp + nose. Beyond her was another man with something lilac on. This colour + reminded Nekhludoff of something. He came nearer and looked at the body. + The small, pointed beard sticking upwards, the firm, well-shaped nose, the + high, white forehead, the thin, curly hair; he recognised the familiar + features and could hardly believe his eyes. Yesterday he had seen this + face, angry, excited, and full of suffering; now it was quiet, motionless, + and terribly beautiful. Yes, it was Kryltzoff, or at any rate the trace + that his material existence had left behind. “Why had he suffered? Why had + he lived? Does he now understand?” Nekhludoff thought, and there seemed to + be no answer, seemed to be nothing but death, and he felt faint. Without + taking leave of the Englishman, Nekhludoff asked the inspector to lead him + out into the yard, and feeling the absolute necessity of being alone to + think over all that had happened that evening, he drove back to his hotel. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0129" id="link2HCH0129"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. A NEW LIFE DAWNS FOR NEKHLUDOFF. + </h2> + <p> + Nekhludoff did not go to bed, but went up and down his room for a long + time. His business with Katusha was at an end. He was not wanted, and this + made him sad and ashamed. His other business was not only unfinished, but + troubled him more than ever and demanded his activity. All this horrible + evil that he had seen and learned to know lately, and especially to-day in + that awful prison, this evil, which had killed that dear Kryltzoff, ruled + and was triumphant, and he could foreseen possibility of conquering or + even knowing how to conquer it. Those hundreds and thousands of degraded + human beings locked up in the noisome prisons by indifferent generals, + procureurs, inspectors, rose up in his imagination; he remembered the + strange, free old man accusing the officials, and therefore considered + mad, and among the corpses the beautiful, waxen face of Kryltzoff, who had + died in anger. And again the question as to whether he was mad or those + who considered they were in their right minds while they committed all + these deeds stood before him with renewed force and demanded an answer. + </p> + <p> + Tired of pacing up and down, tired of thinking, he sat down on the sofa + near the lamp and mechanically opened the Testament which the Englishman + had given him as a remembrance, and which he had thrown on the table when + he emptied his pockets on coming in. + </p> + <p> + “It is said one can find an answer to everything here,” he thought, and + opened the Testament at random and began reading Matt. xviii. 1-4: “In + that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in + the Kingdom of Heaven? And He called to Him a little child, and set him in + the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye turn and + become as little children, ye shall in nowise enter into the Kingdom of + Heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child the + same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, that is true,” he said, remembering that he had known the peace + and joy of life only when he had humbled himself. + </p> + <p> + “And whosoever shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth + Me, but whoso shall cause one of these little ones to stumble, it is more + profitable for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck + and that he should be sunk in the depths of the sea.” (Matt. xviii. 5, 6.) + </p> + <p> + “What is this for, ‘Whosoever shall receive?’ Receive where? And what does + ‘in my name’ mean?” he asked, feeling that these words did not tell him + anything. “And why ‘the millstone round his neck and the depths of the + sea?’ No, that is not it: it is not clear,” and he remembered how more + than once in his life he had taken to reading the Gospels, and how want of + clearness in these passages had repulsed him. He went on to read the + seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth verses about the occasions of stumbling, + and that they must come, and about punishment by casting men into hell + fire, and some kind of angels who see the face of the Father in Heaven. + “What a pity that this is so incoherent,” he thought, “yet one feels that + there is something good in it.” + </p> + <p> + “For the Son of Man came to save that which was lost,” he continued to + read. + </p> + <p> + “How think ye? If any man have a hundred sheep and one of them go astray, + doth he not leave the ninety and nine and go into the mountains and seek + that which goeth astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto + you, he rejoiceth over it more than over the ninety and nine which have + not gone astray. + </p> + <p> + “Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in Heaven that one of + these little ones should perish.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is not the will of the Father that they should perish, and here + they are perishing by hundreds and thousands. And there is no possibility + of saving them,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + “Then came Peter and said to him, How oft shall my brother offend me and I + forgive him? Until seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee + until seven times, but until seventy times seven. + </p> + <p> + “Therefore is the Kingdom of Heaven likened unto a certain king which made + a reckoning with his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was + brought unto him which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he + had not wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife + and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant + therefore fell down and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with + me; I will pay thee all. And the lord of that servant, being moved with + compassion, released him and forgave him the debt. But that servant went + out, and found one of his fellow-servants which owed him a hundred pence; + and he laid hold on him and took him by the throat, saying, Pay what thou + owest. So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have + patience with me and I will pay thee. And he would not, but went and cast + him into prison till he should pay that which was due. So when his + fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and + told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord called him unto him + and saith to him, Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt + because thou besought me; shouldst not thou also have mercy on thy + fellow-servant as I had mercy on thee?” + </p> + <p> + “And is this all?” Nekhludoff suddenly exclaimed aloud, and the inner + voice of the whole of his being said, “Yes, it is all.” And it happened to + Nekhludoff, as it often happens to men who are living a spiritual life. + The thought that seemed strange at first and paradoxical or even to be + only a joke, being confirmed more and more often by life’s experience, + suddenly appeared as the simplest, truest certainty. In this way the idea + that the only certain means of salvation from the terrible evil from which + men were suffering was that they should always acknowledge themselves to + be sinning against God, and therefore unable to punish or correct others, + because they were dear to Him. It became clear to him that all the + dreadful evil he had been witnessing in prisons and jails and the quiet + self-satisfaction of the perpetrators of this evil were the consequences + of men trying to do what was impossible; trying to correct evil while + being evil themselves; vicious men were trying to correct other vicious + men, and thought they could do it by using mechanical means, and the only + consequence of all this was that the needs and the cupidity of some men + induced them to take up this so-called punishment and correction as a + profession, and have themselves become utterly corrupt, and go on + unceasingly depraving those whom they torment. Now he saw clearly what all + the terrors he had seen came from, and what ought to be done to put a stop + to them. The answer he could not find was the same that Christ gave to + Peter. It was that we should forgive always an infinite number of times + because there are no men who have not sinned themselves, and therefore + none can punish or correct others. + </p> + <p> + “But surely it cannot be so simple,” thought Nekhludoff, and yet he saw + with certainty, strange as it had seemed at first, that it was not only a + theoretical but also a practical solution of the question. The usual + objection, “What is one to do with the evil doers? Surely not let them go + unpunished?” no longer confused him. This objection might have a meaning + if it were proved that punishment lessened crime, or improved the + criminal, but when the contrary was proved, and it was evident that it was + not in people’s power to correct each other, the only reasonable thing to + do is to leave off doing the things which are not only useless, but + harmful, immoral and cruel. + </p> + <p> + For many centuries people who were considered criminals have been + tortured. Well, and have they ceased to exist? No; their numbers have been + increased not alone by the criminals corrupted by punishment but also by + those lawful criminals, the judges, procureurs, magistrates and jailers, + who judge and punish men. Nekhludoff now understood that society and order + in general exists not because of these lawful criminals who judge and + punish others, but because in spite of men being thus depraved, they still + pity and love one another. + </p> + <p> + In hopes of finding a confirmation of this thought in the Gospel, + Nekhludoff began reading it from the beginning. When he had read the + Sermon on the Mount, which had always touched him, he saw in it for the + first time to-day not beautiful abstract thoughts, setting forth for the + most part exaggerated and impossible demands, but simple, clear, practical + laws. If these laws were carried out in practice (and this was quite + possible) they would establish perfectly new and surprising conditions of + social life, in which the violence that filled Nekhludoff with such + indignation would cease of itself. Not only this, but the greatest + blessing that is obtainable to men, the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth would + be established. There were five of these laws. + </p> + <p> + The first (Matt. v. 21-26), that man should not only do no murder, but not + even be angry with his brother, should not consider any one worthless: + “Raca,” and if he has quarrelled with any one he should make it up with + him before bringing his gift to God—i.e., before praying. + </p> + <p> + The second (Matt. v. 27-32), that man should not only not commit adultery + but should not even seek for enjoyment in a woman’s beauty, and if he has + once come together with a woman he should never be faithless to her. + </p> + <p> + The third (Matt. 33-37), that man should never bind himself by oath. + </p> + <p> + The fourth (Matt. 38-42), that man should not only not demand an eye for + an eye, but when struck on one cheek should hold out the other, should + forgive an offence and bear it humbly, and never refuse the service others + demand of him. + </p> + <p> + The fifth (Matt. 43-48), that man should not only not hate his enemy and + not fight him, but love him, help him, serve him. + </p> + <p> + Nekhludoff sat staring at the lamp and his heart stood still. Recalling + the monstrous confusion of the life we lead, he distinctly saw what that + life could be if men were brought up to obey these rules, and rapture such + as he had long not felt filled his soul, just as if after long days of + weariness and suffering he had suddenly found ease and freedom. + </p> + <p> + He did not sleep all night, and as it happens to many and many a man who + reads the Gospels he understood for the first time the full meaning of the + words read so often before but passed by unnoticed. He imbibed all these + necessary, important and joyful revelations as a sponge imbibes water. And + all he read seemed so familiar and seemed to confirm, to form into a + conception, what he had known long ago, but had never realised and never + quite believed. Now he realised and believed it, and not only realised and + believed that if men would obey these laws they would obtain the highest + blessing they can attain to, he also realised and believed that the only + duty of every man is to fulfil these laws; that in this lies the only + reasonable meaning of life, that every stepping aside from these laws is a + mistake which is immediately followed by retribution. This flowed from the + whole of the teaching, and was most strongly and clearly illustrated in + the parable of the vineyard. + </p> + <p> + The husbandman imagined that the vineyard in which they were sent to work + for their master was their own, that all that was in was made for them, + and that their business was to enjoy life in this vineyard, forgetting the + Master and killing all those who reminded them of his existence. “Are we + not doing the same,” Nekhludoff thought, “when we imagine ourselves to be + masters of our lives, and that life is given us for enjoyment? This + evidently is an incongruity. We were sent here by some one’s will and for + some reason. And we have concluded that we live only for our own joy, and + of course we feel unhappy as labourers do when not fulfilling their + Master’s orders. The Master’s will is expressed in these commandments. If + men will only fulfil these laws, the Kingdom of Heaven will be established + on earth, and men will receive the greatest good that they can attain to. + </p> + <p> + “‘Seek ye first the Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things + shall be added unto you.’ + </p> + <p> + “And so here it is, the business of my life. Scarcely have I finished one + and another has commenced.” And a perfectly new life dawned that night for + Nekhludoff, not because he had entered into new conditions of life, but + because everything he did after that night had a new and quite different + significance than before. How this new period of his life will end time + alone will prove. + </p> + <p> + [Transcriber’s Note: Corrected “Are we do not doing the same,” to “Are we + not doing the same,” in third last paragraph.] + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Resurrection, by Leo Tolstoy + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RESURRECTION *** + +***** This file should be named 1938-h.htm or 1938-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/3/1938/ + +Produced by Jim Tinsley + +HTML file produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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