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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 20:09:51 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 20:09:51 -0700 |
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You may copy it, give it away or re-use + it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License <a href= + "#pglicense" class="tei tei-ref">included with this eBook</a> or + online at <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license" class= + "tei tei-xref">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a></p> + </div> + <pre class="pre tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +Title: Uncle's dream; And The Permanent Husband + +Author: Fedor Dostoieffsky + +Release Date: 2011-12-06 [Ebook #38241] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK UNCLE'S DREAM; AND THE PERMANENT HUSBAND*** +</pre> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"></div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span style= + "font-style: italic">VIZETELLY'S RUSSIAN NOVELS.</span></p><br /> + <br /> + <br /> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style= + "font-size: 144%">Uncle's Dream;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 144%">AND</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 144%">The Permanent Husband.</span><br /> + <br /></p> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style= + "font-size: 144%">CELEBRATED RUSSIAN NOVELS</span></p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">By FEDOR + DOSTOIEFFSKY.<br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Translated from the original Russian by Fred. + Whishaw.</span></span><br /> + <br /></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">There are three + Russian novelists who, though, with one exception, little known out + of their own country, stand head and shoulders above most of their + contemporaries. In the opinion of some not indifferent critics, they + are superior to all other novelists of this generation. Two of them, + Dostoieffsky and Turgenieff, died not long ago; the third, Lyof + Tolstoi, still lives. The one with the most marked individuality of + character, probably the most highly gifted, was unquestionably + Dostoieffsky.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Spectator.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class="tei tei-hi" + style="text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">In crown + 8vo. containing nearly 500 pages, price 6s.</span></span><br /> + <br /> + THE IDIOT.<br /> + <br /></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Is + unquestionably a work of great power and originality. M. Dostoieffsky + crowds his canvas with living organisms, depicted with extreme + vividness.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Scotsman.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class="tei tei-hi" + style="text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">In crown + 8vo, price 5s.</span></span><br /> + <br /> + THE FRIEND OF THE FAMILY; <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">AND</span></span> THE GAMBLER.<br /> + <br /></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Dostoieffsky is + one of the keenest observers of humanity amongst modern novelists. + Both stories are very valuable as pictures of a society and a people + with whom we are imperfectly acquainted, but who deserve the closest + scrutiny.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Public Opinion.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class="tei tei-hi" + style="text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Third + edition. In crown 8vo, with Portrait and Memoir, price + 5s.</span></span><br /> + <br /> + INJURY AND INSULT.<br /> + <br /></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">That</span> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Injury and + Insult</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">is a powerful novel few will deny. + Vania is a marvellous character. Once read, the book can never be + forgotten.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">St. Stephen's + Review.</span></span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">A masterpiece + of fiction. The author has treated with consummate tact the + difficult character of Natasha,</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">the incarnation of the slave of + passion.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">’</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">She + lives and breathes in these vivid pages, and the reader is drawn + into the vortex of her anguish, and rejoices when she breaks free + from her chain.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Morning Post.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class="tei tei-hi" + style="text-align: center"><span style="font-style: italic">Third + edition. In crown 8vo, 450 pages, price 6s.</span></span><br /> + <br /> + CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.<br /> + <br /></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Dostoieffsky is + one of the most remarkable of modern writers, and his book,</span> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">‘</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-variant: small-caps">Crime and + Punishment</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">is one of the most moving of modern + novels. It is the story of a murder and of the punishment which dogs + the murderer; and its effect is unique in fiction. It is realism, but + such realism as M. Zola and his followers do not dream of. The reader + knows the personages—strange grotesque, terrible personages they + are—more intimately than if he had been years with them in the flesh. + He is constrained to live their lives, to suffer their tortures, to + scheme and resist with them, exult with them, weep and laugh and + despair with them; he breathes the very breath of their nostrils, and + with the madness that comes upon them he is afflicted even as they. + This sounds extravagant praise, no doubt; but only to those who have + not read the volume. To those who have, we are sure that it will + appear rather under the mark than otherwise.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Athenæum.</span></span> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span style= + "font-style: italic">VIZETELLY'S RUSSIAN NOVELS.</span></p><br /> + <br /> + <br /> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style= + "font-size: 144%">Uncle's Dream;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 144%">AND</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 144%">The Permanent Husband.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 144%">By FEDOR DOSTOIEFFSKY,</span><br /> + <br /></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.20em"><span style= + "font-size: 120%">AUTHOR OF</span> <span class="tei tei-q" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%">“</span><span style="font-size: 120%">CRIME AND + PUNISHMENT,</span><span style="font-size: 120%">”</span></span> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%">“</span><span style="font-size: 120%">INJURY AND + INSULT,</span><span style="font-size: 120%">”</span></span> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%">“</span><span style="font-size: 120%">THE + IDIOT,</span><span style="font-size: 120%">”</span></span> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%">“</span><span style="font-size: 120%">THE FRIEND + OF THE FAMILY; AND THE GAMBLER.</span><span style= + "font-size: 120%">”</span></span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%">TRANSLATED FROM THE RUSSIAN BY + FREDERICK WHISHAW.</span><br /> + <br /></p> + + <div class="tei tei-figure" style="text-align: center"><img src= + "images/deco.jpg" alt="Illustration" /></div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.20em"><span style= + "font-size: 120%">LONDON:</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">VIZETELLY & CO., 16, + HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN.</span></span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%">1888.</span></p> + </div> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-body" style= + "margin-bottom: 6.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Contents</span></h1> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Uncle's Dream.</span></h1> + + <ul class="tei tei-index tei-index-toc"> + <li><a href="#toc2">CHAPTER I.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc4">CHAPTER II.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc6">CHAPTER III.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc8">CHAPTER IV.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc10">CHAPTER V.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc12">CHAPTER VI.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc14">CHAPTER VII.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc16">CHAPTER VIII.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc18">CHAPTER IX.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc20">CHAPTER X.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc22">CHAPTER XI.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc24">CHAPTER XII.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc26">CHAPTER XIII.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc28">CHAPTER XIV.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc30">CHAPTER XV.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc67">Footnotes</a></li> + </ul> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">The Permanent Husband</span></h1> + + <ul class="tei tei-index tei-index-toc2"> + <li><a href="#toc233">CHAPTER I.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc235">CHAPTER II.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc237">CHAPTER III.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc239">CHAPTER IV.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc241">CHAPTER V.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc243">CHAPTER VI.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc245">CHAPTER VII.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc247">CHAPTER VIII.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc249">CHAPTER IX.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc251">CHAPTER X.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc253">CHAPTER XI.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc255">CHAPTER XII.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc257">CHAPTER XIII.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc259">CHAPTER XIV.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc261">CHAPTER XV.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc263">CHAPTER XVI.</a></li> + + <li><a href="#toc265">CHAPTER XVII.</a></li> + </ul> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="pdf1" id="pdf1"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">UNCLE'S DREAM.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc2" id="toc2"></a> <a name="pdf3" id="pdf3"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER I.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + Moskaleva was the principal lady of Mordasoff—there was no doubt + whatever on that point! She always bore herself as though <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">she</span></em> did + not care a fig for anyone, but as though no one else could do without + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">her</span></em>. True, there were uncommonly few + who loved her—in fact I may say that very many detested her; still, + everyone was afraid of her, and that was what she liked!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Now, why did Maria + Alexandrovna, who dearly loves scandal, and cannot sleep at night + unless she has heard something new and piquant the day before,—why, + or how did she know how to bear herself so that it would never strike + anyone, looking at her, to suppose that the dignified lady was the + most inveterate scandal-monger in the world—or at all events in + Mordasoff? On the contrary, anyone would have said at once, that + scandals and such-like pettiness must vanish in her presence; and + that scandal-mongers, caught red-handed by Maria Alexandrovna, would + blush and tremble, like schoolboys at the entrance of the master; and + that the talk would immediately be diverted into channels of the + loftiest and most sublime subjects so soon as she entered the room. + Maria Alexandrovna knew many deadly and scandalous secrets of certain + other Mordasoff inhabitants, which, if she liked to reveal them at + any convenient opportunity, would produce results little less + terrible than the earthquake of Lisbon. Still, she was very quiet + about the secrets she knew, and never let them out except in cases of + absolute need, and then only to her nearest and dearest friends. She + liked to hint that she knew certain things, and frighten people out + of their wits; preferring to keep them in a state of perpetual + terror, rather than crush them altogether.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was real + talent—the talent of tactics.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We all considered + Maria Alexandrovna as our type and model of irreproachable + <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">comme-il-faut</span></span>! She had no rival in + this respect in Mordasoff! She could kill and annihilate and + pulverize any rival with a single word. We have seen her do it; and + all the while she would look as though she had not even observed that + she had let the fatal word fall.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Everyone knows + that this trait is a speciality of the highest circles.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her circle of + friends was large. Many visitors to Mordasoff left the town again in + an ecstasy over her reception of them, and carried on a + correspondence with her afterwards! Somebody even addressed some + poetry to her, which she showed about the place with great pride. The + novelist who came to the town used to read his novel to her of an + evening, and ended by dedicating it to her; which produced a very + agreeable effect. A certain German professor, who came from Carlsbad + to inquire into the question of a little worm with horns which + abounds in our part of the world, and who wrote and published four + large quarto volumes about this same little insect, was so delighted + and ravished with her amiability and kindness that to this very day + he carries on a most improving correspondence upon moral subjects + from far Carlsbad!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some people have + compared Maria Alexandrovna, in certain respects, with Napoleon. Of + course it may have been her enemies who did so, in order to bring + Maria Alexandrovna to scorn; but all I can say is, How is it that + Napoleon, when he rose to his highest, that <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">too</span></em> high + estate of his, became giddy and fell? Historians of the old school + have ascribed this to the fact that he was not only not of royal + blood, but was not even a gentleman! and therefore when he rose too + high, he thought of his proper place, the ground, became giddy and + fell! But why did not Maria Alexandrovna's head whirl? And how was it + that she could always keep her place as the first lady of + Mordasoff?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">People have often + said this sort of thing of Maria Alexandrovna; for instance: + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh—yes, but how would she act under such and + such difficult circumstances?”</span> Yet, when the circumstances + arose, Maria Alexandrovna invariably rose also to the emergency! For + instance, when her husband—Afanassy Matveyevitch—was obliged to throw + up his appointment, out of pure incapacity and feebleness of + intellect, just before the government inspector came down to look + into matters, all Mordasoff danced with delight to think that she + would be down on her knees to this inspector, begging and beseeching + and weeping and praying—in fact, that she would drop her wings and + fall; but, bless you, nothing of the sort happened! Maria + Alexandrovna quite understood that her husband was beyond praying + for: he must retire. So she only rearranged her affairs a little, in + such a manner that she lost not a scrap of her influence in the + place, and her house still remained the acknowledged head of all + Mordasoff Society!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The procurer's + wife, Anna Nicolaevna Antipova, the sworn foe of Maria Alexandrovna, + though a friend so far as could be judged outside, had already blown + the trumpet of victory over her rival! But when Society found that + Maria Alexandrovna was extremely difficult to put down, they were + obliged to conclude that the latter had struck her roots far deeper + than they had thought for.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As I have + mentioned Afanassy Matveyevitch, Maria Alexandrovna's husband, I may + as well add a few words about him in this place.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Firstly, then, he + was a most presentable man, so far as exterior goes, and a very + high-principled person besides; but in critical moments he used to + lose his head and stand looking like a sheep which has come across a + new gate. He looked very majestic and dignified in his dress-coat and + white tie at dinner parties, and so on; but his dignity only lasted + until he opened his mouth to speak; for then—well, you'd better have + shut your ears, ladies and gentlemen, when he began to talk—that's + all! Everyone agreed that he was quite unworthy to be Maria + Alexandrovna's husband. He only sat in his place by virtue of his + wife's genius. In my humble opinion he ought long ago to have been + derogated to the office of frightening sparrows in the kitchen + garden. There, and only there, would he have been in his proper + sphere, and doing some good to his fellow countrymen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Therefore, I think + Maria Alexandrovna did a very wise thing when she sent him away to + her village, about a couple of miles from town, where she possessed a + property of some hundred and twenty souls—which, to tell the truth, + was all she had to keep up the respectability and grandeur of her + noble house upon!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Everybody knew + that Afanassy was only kept because he had earned a salary and + perquisites; so that when he ceased to earn the said salary and + perquisites, it surprised no-one to learn that he was sent + away—<span class="tei tei-q">“returned empty”</span> to the village, + as useless and fit for nothing! In fact, everyone praised his wife + for her soundness of judgment and decision of character!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Afanassy lived in + clover at the village. I called on him there once and spent a very + pleasant hour. He tied on his white ties, cleaned his boots himself + (not because he had no-one to do it for him, but for the sake of art, + for he loved to have them <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">shine</span></em>), went to the bath as often as + he could, had tea four times a day, and was as contented as + possible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Do you remember, a + year and a half ago, the dreadful stories that were afoot about + Zenaida, Maria Alexandrovna's and Afanassy's daughter? Zenaida was + undoubtedly a fine, handsome, well-educated girl; but she was now + twenty-three years old, and not married yet. Among the reasons put + forth for Zenaida being still a maid, one of the strongest was those + dark rumours about a strange attachment, a year and a half ago, with + the schoolmaster of the place—rumours not hushed up even to this day. + Yes, to this very day they tell of a love-letter, written by Zina, as + she was called, and handed all about Mordasoff. But kindly tell me, + who ever saw this letter? If it went from hand to hand what became of + it? Everyone seems to have heard of it, but no one ever saw it! At + all events, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> have never met anyone who actually + saw the letter with his own eyes. If you drop a hint to Maria + Alexandrovna about it, she simply does not understand you.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Well, supposing + that there <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">was</span></em> something, and that Zina did + write such a letter; what dexterity and skill of Maria Alexandrovna, + to have so ably nipped the bud of the scandal! I feel sure that Zina + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">did</span></em> write the letter; but Maria + Alexandrovna has managed so well that there is not a trace, not a + shred of evidence of the existence of it. Goodness knows how she must + have worked and planned to save the reputation of this only daughter + of hers; but she managed it somehow.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As for Zina not + having married, there's nothing surprising in that. Why, what sort of + a husband could be found for her in Mordasoff? Zina ought to marry a + reigning prince, if anyone! Did you ever see such a beauty among + beauties as Zina? I think not. Of course, she was very proud—too + proud.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was + Mosgliakoff—some people said she was likely to end by marrying + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">him</span></em>; but I never thought so. Why, + what was there in Mosgliakoff? True, he was young and good looking, + and possessed an estate of a hundred and fifty souls, and was a + Petersburg swell; but, in the first place, I don't think there was + much inside his head. He was such a funny, new-idea sort of man. + Besides, what is an estate of a hundred and fifty souls, according to + present notions? Oh, no; that's a marriage that never could come + off.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb"> + <hr style="width: 50%" /> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There, kind + reader, all you have just read was written by me some five months + ago, for my own amusement. I admit, I am rather partial to Maria + Alexandrovna; and I wished to write some sort of laudatory account of + that charming woman, and to mould it into the form of one of those + playful <span class="tei tei-q">“letters to a friend,”</span> + purporting to have been written in the old golden days (which will + never return—thank Heaven!) to one of the periodicals of the time, + <span class="tei tei-q">“The Northern Bee,”</span> or some such + paper. But since I have no <span class="tei tei-q">“friend,”</span> + and since I am, besides, naturally of a timid disposition, and + especially so as to my literary efforts, the essay remained on my + writing-table, as a memorial of my early literary attempts and in + memory of the peaceful occupation of a moment or two of leisure.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Well, five months + have gone by, and lo! great things have happened at Mordasoff!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Prince K—— drove + into the town at an early hour one fine morning, and put up at Maria + Alexandrovna's house! The prince only stayed three days, but his + visit proved pregnant with the most fatal consequences. I will say + more—the prince brought about what was, in a certain sense, a + revolution in the town, an account of which revolution will, of + course, comprise some of the most important events that have ever + happened in Mordasoff; and I have determined at last, after many + heart-sinkings and flutterings, and much doubt, to arrange the story + into the orthodox literary form of a novel, and present it to the + indulgent Public! My tale will include a narrative of the Rise and + Greatness and Triumphant Fall of Maria Alexandrovna, and of all her + House in Mordasoff, a theme both worthy of, and attractive to any + writer!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of course I must + first explain why there should have been anything extraordinary in + the fact that Prince K—— came to Mordasoff, and put up at Maria + Alexandrovna's mansion. And in order to do this, I must first be + allowed to say a few words about this same Prince K——. This I shall + now do. A short biography of the nobleman is absolutely necessary to + the further working out of my story. So, reader, you must excuse + me.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc4" id="toc4"></a> <a name="pdf5" id="pdf5"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER II.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I will begin, + then, by stating that Prince K—— was not so very, very old, although, + to look at him, you would think he <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">must</span></em> fall + to pieces every moment, so decayed, or rather, worn-out was he. At + Mordasoff all sorts of strange things were told of him. Some declared + that the old prince's wits had forsaken him. All agreed that it was + passing strange that the owner of a magnificent property of four + thousand souls, a man of rank, and one who could have, if he liked, a + great influence, and play a great part in his country's affairs; that + such a man should live all alone upon his estate, and make an + absolute hermit of himself, as did Prince K——. Many who had known him + a few years before insisted upon it that he was very far from loving + solitude then, and was as unlike a hermit as anyone could possibly + be.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">However, here is + all I have been able to learn authentically as to his antecedents, + etc.:—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some time or + other, in his younger days—which must have been a mighty long while + ago,—the prince made a most brilliant entry into life. He knocked + about and enjoyed himself, and sang romantic songs, and wrote + epigrams, and led a fast life generally, very often abroad, and was + full of gifts and intellectual capacity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of course he very + soon ran through his means, and when old age approached, he suddenly + found himself almost penniless. Somebody recommended him to betake + himself to his country seat, which was about to be sold by public + auction. So off he went with that intention; but called in at + Mordasoff, and stopped there six months. He liked this provincial + life, and while in our town he spent every farthing he had left in + the world, continuing his reckless life as of old, galivanting about, + and forming intimacies with half the ladies of Mordasoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was a + kind-hearted, good sort of a man, but, of course, not without certain + princely failings, which, however, were accounted here to be nothing + but evidences of the highest breeding, and for this reason caused a + good effect instead of aversion. The ladies, especially, were in a + state of perpetual ecstasy over their dear guest. They cherished the + fondest and tenderest recollections of him. There were also strange + traditions and rumours about the prince. It was said that he spent + more than half the day at his toilet table; and that he was, in fact, + made up of all sorts of little bits. No one could say when or how he + had managed to fall to pieces so completely.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He wore a wig, + whiskers, moustache, and even an <span class= + "tei tei-q">“espagnole,”</span> all false to a hair, and of a lovely + raven black; besides which he painted and rouged every day. It was + even said that he managed to do away with his wrinkles by means of + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">hidden + springs</span></em>—hidden somehow in his wig. It was said, further, + that he wore stays, in consequence of the want of a rib which he had + lost in Italy, through being caused to fly, involuntarily, out of a + window during a certain love affair. He limped with his left foot, + and it was whispered that the said foot was a cork one—a very + scientific member, made for him in place of the real one which came + to grief during another love affair, in Paris this time. But what + will not people say? At all events, I know for a fact that his right + eye was a glass one; beautifully made, I confess, but still—glass. + His teeth were false too.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For whole days at + a time he used to wash himself in all sorts of patent waters and + scents and pomades.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">However, no one + could deny that even then he was beginning to indulge in senile + drivel and chatter. It appeared his career was about over; he had + seen his best days, everyone knew that he had not a copeck left in + the world!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then, suddenly and + unexpectedly, an old relative of his—who had always lived in Paris, + but from whom he never had had the slightest hope of + inheritance—died, after having buried her legal heir exactly a month + before! The prince, to his utter astonishment, turned out to be the + next heir, and a beautiful property of four thousand serfs, just + forty miles from Mordasoff, became his—absolutely and + unquestionably!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He immediately + started off to Petersburg, to see to his affairs. Before he departed, + however, the ladies of our town gave him a magnificent subscription + banquet. They tell how bewitching and delightful the prince was at + this last dinner; how he punned and joked and told the most + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">unusual</span></em> stories; and how he promised + to come to Donchanovo (his new property) very soon, and gave his word + that on his arrival he would give endless balls and garden parties + and picnics and fireworks and entertainments of all kinds, for his + friends here.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For a whole year + after his departure, the ladies of the place talked of nothing but + these promised festivities; and awaited the arrival of the + <span class="tei tei-q">“dear old man”</span> with the utmost + impatience. At last the prince arrived; but to the disappointment and + astonishment of everyone, he did not even call in at Mordasoff on the + way; and on his arrival at Donchanovo he shut himself up there, as I + have expressed it before, like a very hermit.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All sorts of + fantastic rumours were bruited about, and from this time the prince's + life and history became most secret, mysterious, and + incomprehensible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the first + place, it was declared that the prince had not been very successful + in St. Petersburg; that many of his relations—future heirs and heirs + presumptive, and so on, had wished to put the Prince under some kind + of restraint, on the plea of <span class="tei tei-q">“feebleness of + intellect;”</span> probably fearing that he would run through this + property as he had done with the last! And more, some of them went so + far as to suggest that he should be popped into a lunatic asylum; and + he was only saved by the interference of one of the nearest of kin, + who pointed out that the poor old prince was more than half dead + already, and that the rest of him must inevitably soon die too; and + that then the property would come down to them safely enough without + the need of the lunatic asylum. I repeat, what will not people say? + Especially at our place, Mordasoff! All this, it was said, had + frightened the prince dreadfully; so that his nature seemed to change + entirely, and he came down to live a hermit life at Donchanovo.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some of our + Mordasoff folk went over to welcome him on his arrival; but they were + either not received at all or received in the strangest fashion. The + prince did not recognise his old friends: many people explained that + he did not <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">wish</span></em> to recognise them. Among other + visitors to Donchanovo was the Governor.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the return of + the latter from his visit, he declared that the prince was + undoubtedly a little <span class="tei tei-q">“off his head.”</span> + The Governor always made a face if anyone reminded him of this visit + of his to Donchanovo. The ladies were dreadfully offended.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last an + important fact was revealed: namely, that there was with the prince, + and apparently in authority over him, some unknown person of the name + of Stepanida Matveyevna, who had come down with him from St. + Petersburg; an elderly fat woman in a calico dress, who went about + with the house-keys in her hand; and that the prince obeyed this + woman like a little child, and did not dare take a step without her + leave; that she washed him and dressed him and soothed and petted him + just like a nurse with a baby; and lastly, that she kept all visitors + away from him, even relations—who, little by little, had begun to + pervade the place rather too frequently, for the purpose of seeing + that all was right.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was said that + this person managed not only the prince, but his estate too: she + turned off bailiffs and clerks, she encashed the rents, she looked + after things in general—and did it well, too; so that the peasants + blessed their fate under her rule.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As for the prince, + it was rumoured that he spent his days now almost entirely at his + toilet-table, trying on wigs and dress-coats, and that the rest of + his time was spent playing cards and games with Stepanida Matveyevna, + and riding on a quiet old English mare. On such occasions his nurse + always accompanied him in a covered droshky, because the prince liked + to ride out of bravado, but was most unsafe in his saddle.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had been seen + on foot too, in a long great coat and a straw hat with a wide brim; a + pink silk lady's tie round his neck, and a basket on his arm for + mushrooms and flowers and berries, and so on, which he collected. The + nurse accompanied him, and a few yards behind walked a manservant, + while a carriage was in attendance on the high road at the side. When + any peasant happened to meet him, and with low bow, and hat in hand, + said, <span class="tei tei-q">“Good morning, your highness—our + beloved Sun, and Father of us all,”</span> or some such Russian + greeting, he would stick his eye-glass in his eye, nod his head and + say, with great urbanity, and in French, <span class="tei tei-q">“Bon + jour, mon ami, bon jour!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lots of other + rumours there were—in fact, our folks could not forget that the + prince lived so near them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What, then, must + have been the general amazement when one fine day it was trumpeted + abroad that the prince—their curious old hermit-prince, had arrived + at Mordasoff, and put up at Maria Alexandrovna's house!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Agitation and + bewilderment were the order of the day; everybody waited for + explanations, and asked one another what could be the meaning of this + mystery? Some proposed to go and see for themselves; all agreed that + it was <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">most</span></em> extraordinary. The ladies wrote + notes to each other, came and whispered to one another, and sent + their maids and husbands to find out more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What was + particularly strange was, why had the prince put up at Maria + Alexandrovna's, and not somewhere else? This fact annoyed everyone; + but, most of all, Mrs. Antipova, who happened to be a distant + relative of the prince.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">However, in order + to clear up all these mysteries and find an answer to all these + questions, we must ourselves go and see Maria Alexandrovna. Will you + follow me in, kind reader? It is only ten in the morning, certainly, + as you point out; but I daresay she will receive such intimate + friends, all the same. Oh, yes; she'll see us all right.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc6" id="toc6"></a> <a name="pdf7" id="pdf7"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER III.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is ten o'clock + in the morning, and we are at Maria Alexandrovna's, and in that room + which the mistress calls her <span class="tei tei-q">“salon”</span> + on great occasions; she has a boudoir besides.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In this salon the + walls are prettily papered, and the floor is nicely painted; the + furniture is mostly red; there is a fireplace, and on the mantelpiece + a bronze clock with some figure—a Cupid—upon it, in dreadfully bad + taste. There are large looking-glasses between the windows. Against + the back wall there stands a magnificent grand piano—Zina's—for Zina + is a musician. On a table in the middle of the room hisses a silver + tea-urn, with a very pretty tea-set alongside of it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There is a lady + pouring out tea, a distant relative of the family, and living with + Maria Alexandrovna in that capacity, one Nastasia Petrovna Ziablova. + She is a widow of over thirty, a brunette with a fresh-looking face + and lively black eyes, not at all bad looking.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She is of a very + animated disposition, laughs a great deal, is fond of scandal, of + course; and can manage her own little affairs very nicely. She has + two children somewhere, being educated. She would much like to marry + again. Her last husband was a military man.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + herself is sitting at the fire in a very benign frame of mind; she is + dressed in a pale-green dress, which becomes her very well; she is + unspeakably delighted at the arrival of the Prince, who, at this + moment, is sitting upstairs, at his toilet table. She is so happy, + that she does not even attempt to conceal her joy. A young man is + standing before her and relating something in an animated way; one + can see in his eyes that he wishes to curry favour with his + listener.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This young fellow + is about twenty-five years old, and his manners are decidedly good, + though he has a silly way of going into raptures, and has, besides, a + good deal too much of the <span class="tei tei-q">“funny man”</span> + about him. He is well dressed and his hair is light; he is not a + bad-looking fellow. But we have already heard of this gentleman: he + is Mr. Mosgliakoff. Maria Alexandrovna considers him rather a stupid + sort of a man, but receives him very well. He is an aspirant for the + hand of her daughter Zina, whom, according to his own account, he + loves to distraction. In his conversation, he refers to Zina every + other minute, and does his best to bring a smile to her lips by his + witty remarks; but the girl is evidently very cool and indifferent + with him. At this moment she is standing away at the side near the + piano, turning over the leaves of some book.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This girl is one + of those women who create a sensation amounting almost to amazement + when they appear in society. She is lovely to an almost impossible + extent, a brunette with splendid black eyes, a grand figure and + divine bust. Her shoulders and arms are like an antique statue; her + gait that of an empress. She is a little pale to-day; but her lips, + with the gleam of her pearly teeth between them, are things to dream + of, if you once get a sight of them. Her expression is severe and + serious.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mr. Mosgliakoff is + evidently afraid of her intent gaze; at all events, he seems to cower + before her when she looks at him. She is very simply dressed, in a + white muslin frock—the white suits her admirably. But then, + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">everything</span></em> suits her! On her finger + is a hair ring: it does not look as though the hair was her mother's, + from the colour. Mosgliakoff has never dared to ask her whose hair it + is. This morning she seems to be in a peculiarly depressed humour; + she appears to be very much preoccupied and silent: but her mother is + quite ready to talk enough for both; albeit she glances continually + at Zina, as though anxious for her, but timidly, too, as if afraid of + her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">so</span></em> pleased, Pavel + Alexandrovitch,”</span> she chirps to Mosgliakoff; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">so</span></em> happy, that I feel inclined to + cry the news out of the window to every passer-by. Not to speak of + the delightful surprise—to both Zina and myself—of seeing you a whole + fortnight sooner than we expected you—that, of course, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘goes without saying’</span>; but I am so, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">so</span></em> + pleased that you should have brought this dear prince with you. You + don't know how I love that fascinating old man. No, no! You would + never believe it. You young people don't understand this sort of + rapture; you never would believe me, assure you as much as ever I + pleased.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't you remember, Zina, how much he was to me at that + time—six years ago? Why, I was his guide, his sister, his mother! + There was something delightfully ingenuous and ennobling in our + intimacy—one might say <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">pastoral</span></em>; I don't know what to call + it—it was delightful. That is why the poor dear prince thinks of + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">my</span></em> house, and only mine, with + gratitude, now. Do you know, Pavel Alexandrovitch, perhaps you have + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">saved</span></em> him by thus bringing him to + me? I have thought of him with quaking of heart all these six + years—you'd hardly believe it,—and <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">dreamed</span></em> + of him, too. They say that wretch of a woman has bewitched and ruined + him; but you've got him out of the net at last. We must make the best + of our opportunity now, and save him outright. Do tell me again, how + did you manage it? Describe your meeting and all in detail; I only + heard the chief point of the story just now, and I do so like + details. So, he's still at his toilet table now, is he?—”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes. It was all just as I told you, Maria + Alexandrovna!”</span> begins Mosgliakoff readily—delighted to repeat + his story ten times over, if required—<span class="tei tei-q">“I had + driven all night, and not slept a wink. You can imagine what a hurry + I was in to arrive here,”</span> he adds, turning to Zina; + <span class="tei tei-q">“in a word, I swore at the driver, yelled for + fresh horses, kicked up a row at every post station: my adventures + would fill a volume. Well, exactly at six o'clock in the morning I + arrived at the last station, Igishova. <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Horses, horses!’</span> I shouted, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘let's have fresh horses quick; I'm not going to get + out.’</span> I frightened the post-station man's wife out of her + wits; she had a small baby in her arms, and I have an idea that its + mother's fright will affect said baby's supply of the needful. Well, + the sunrise was splendid—fine frosty morning—lovely! but I hadn't + time to look at anything. I got my horses—I had to deprive some other + traveller of his pair; he was a professor, and we nearly fought a + duel about it.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They told me some prince had driven off a quarter of an + hour ago. He had slept here, and was driving his own horses; but I + didn't attend to anything. Well, just seven miles from town, at a + turn of the road, I saw that some surprising event had happened. A + huge travelling carriage was lying on its side; the coachman and two + flunkeys stood outside it, apparently dazed, while from inside the + carriage came heart-rending lamentations and cries. I thought I'd + pass by and let them all be—; it was no affair of mine: but humanity + insisted, and would not take a denial. (I think it is Heine says that + humanity shoves its nose in everywhere!) So I stopped; and my driver + and myself, with the other fellows, lifted the carriage on to its + legs again, or perhaps I should say wheels, as it had no + legs.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I thought to myself, <span class="tei tei-q">‘This is + that very prince they mentioned!’</span> So, I looked in. Good + Heavens! it was our prince! Here was a meeting, if you like! I yelled + at him, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Prince—uncle!’</span> Of course he + hardly knew me at the first glance, but he very soon recognised me. + At least, I don't believe he knows who I am really, even <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">now</span></em>; I + think he takes me for someone else, not a relation. I saw him last + seven years ago, as a boy; I remember <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">him</span></em>, + because he struck me so; but how was he to remember <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">me</span></em>? At + all events, I told him my name, and he embraced me ecstatically; and + all the while he himself was crying and trembling with fright. He + really was <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">crying</span></em>, I'll take my oath he was! I + saw it with my own eyes.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, we talked a bit, and at last I persuaded him to + get into my trap with me, and call in at Mordasoff, if only for one + day, to rest and compose his feelings. He told me that Stepanida + Matveyevna had had a letter from Moscow, saying that her father, or + daughter, or both, with all her family, were dying; and that she had + wavered for a long time, and at last determined to go away for ten + days. The prince sat out one day, and then another, and then a third, + measuring wigs, and powdering and pomading himself; then he grew sick + of it, and determined to go and see an old friend, a priest called + Misael, who lived at the Svetozersk Hermitage. Some of the household, + being afraid of the great Stepanida's wrath, opposed the prince's + proposed journey; but the latter insisted, and started last night + after dinner. He slept at Igishova, and went off this morning again, + at sunrise. Just at the turn going down to the Reverend Mr. Misael's, + the carriage went over, and the prince was very nearly shot down the + ravine.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then I step in and save the prince, and persuade him to + come and pay a visit to our mutual friend, Maria Alexandrovna (of + whom the prince told me that she is the most delightful and charming + woman he has ever known). And so here we are, and the prince is now + upstairs attending to his wigs and so on, with the help of his valet, + whom he took along with him, and whom he always would and will take + with him wherever he goes; because he would sooner die than appear + before ladies without certain little secret touches which require the + valet's hand. There you are, that's the whole story.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, what a humourist he is, isn't he, Zina?”</span> + said the lady of the house. "How beautifully you told the story! Now, + listen, Paul: one question; explain to me clearly how you are related + to the prince; you call him uncle!"</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I really don't know, Maria Alexandrovna; seventh, cousin + I think, or something of that sort. My aunt knows all about it; it + was she who made me go down to see him at Donchanova, when I got + kicked out by Stepanida! I simply call him <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘uncle,’</span> and he answers me; that's about all our + relationship.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, I repeat, it was Providence that made you bring + him straight to my house as you did. I tremble to think of what might + have happened to the poor dear prince if somebody else, and not I, + had got hold of him! Why, they'd have torn him to pieces among them, + and picked his bones! They'd have pounced on him as on a new-found + mine; they might easily have robbed him; they are capable of it. You + have no idea, Paul, of the depth of meanness and greediness to which + the people of this place have fallen!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, my dear good Maria Alexandrovna—as if he would ever + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">think</span></em> of bringing him anywhere but + to yourself,”</span> said the widow, pouring out a cup of tea; + <span class="tei tei-q">“you don't suppose he would have taken the + prince to Mrs. Antipova's, surely, do you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear me, how very long he is coming out,”</span> said + Maria Alexandrovna, impatiently rising from her chair; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“it really is quite strange!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Strange! what, of uncle? Oh dear, no! he'll probably be + another five hours or so putting himself together; besides, since he + has no memory whatever, he has very likely quite forgotten that he + has come to your house! Why, he's a most extraordinary man, Maria + Alexandrovna.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh don't, don't! Don't talk like that!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why not, Maria Alexandrovna? He is a lump of + composition, not a man at all! Remember, you haven't seen him for six + years, and I saw him half an hour ago. He is half a corpse; he's only + the memory of a man; they've forgotten to bury him! Why, his eye is + made of glass, and his leg of cork, and he goes on wires; he even + talks on wires!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria + Alexandrovna's face took a serious expression. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“What nonsense you talk,”</span> she said; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and aren't you ashamed of yourself, you, a young man and + a relation too—to talk like that of a most honourable old nobleman! + not to mention his incomparable personal goodness and + kindness”</span> (her voice here trembled with emotion). <span class= + "tei tei-q">“He is a relic, a chip, so to speak, of our old + aristocracy. I know, my dear young friend, that all this flightiness + on your part, proceeds from those 'new ideas' of which you are so + fond of talking; but, goodness me, I've seen a good deal more of life + than you have: I'm a mother; and though I see the greatness and + nobleness, if you like, of these <span class="tei tei-q">‘new + ideas,’</span> yet I can understand the practical side of things too! + Now, this gentleman is an old man, and that is quite enough to render + him ridiculous in your eyes. You, who talk of emancipating your + serfs, and <span class="tei tei-q">‘doing something for + posterity,’</span> indeed! I tell you what it is, it's your + Shakespeare! You stuff yourself full of Shakespeare, who has long ago + outlived his time, my dear Paul; and who, if he lived now, with all + his wisdom, would never make head or tail of our way of + life!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“If there be any chivalry left in our modern society, it + is only in the highest circles of the aristocracy. A prince is a + prince either in a hovel or in a palace! <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">You</span></em> are + more or less a representative of the highest circles; your extraction + is aristocratic. I, too, am not altogether a stranger to the upper + ten, and it's a bad fledgling that fouls its own nest! However, my + dear Paul, you'll forget your Shakespeare yet, and you'll understand + all this much better than I can explain it. I foresee it! Besides, + I'm sure you are only joking; you did not mean what you said. Stay + here, dear Paul, will you? I'm just going upstairs to make inquiries + after the prince, he may want something.”</span> And Maria + Alexandrovna left the room hurriedly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Maria Alexandrovna seems highly delighted that Mrs. + Antipova, who thinks so much of herself, did not get hold of the + prince!”</span> remarked the widow; <span class="tei tei-q">“Mrs. + Antipova must be gnashing her teeth with annoyance just now! She's a + relation, too, as I've been pointing out to Maria + Alexandrovna.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Observing that no + one answered her, and casting her eyes on Zina and Mosgliakoff, the + widow suddenly recollected herself, and discreetly left the room, as + though to fetch something. However, she rewarded herself for her + discretion, by putting her ear to the keyhole, as soon as she had + closed the door after her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel + Alexandrovitch immediately turned to Zina. He was in a state of great + agitation; his voice shook.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zenaida Afanassievna, are you angry with me?”</span> he + began, in a timid, beseechful tone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“With you? Why?”</span> asked Zina, blushing a little, + and raising her magnificent eyes to his face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“For coming earlier. I couldn't help it; I couldn't wait + another fortnight; I dreamed of you every night; so I flew off to + learn my fate. But you are frowning, you are angry;—oh; am I really + not to hear anything definite, even now?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina distinctly + and decidedly frowned.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I supposed you would speak of this,”</span> she said, + with her eyes drooped again, but with a firm and severe voice, in + which some annoyance was perceptible; <span class="tei tei-q">“and as + the expectation of it was very tedious, the sooner you had your say, + the better! You insist upon an answer again, do you? Very well, I say + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">wait</span></em>, just as I said it before. I + now repeat, as I did then, that I have not as yet decided, and cannot + therefore promise to be your wife. You cannot force a girl to such a + decision, Pavel Alexandrovitch! However, to relieve your mind, I will + add, that I do not as yet refuse you absolutely; and pray observe + that I give you thus much hope of a favourable reply, merely out of + forced deference to your impatience and agitation; and that if I + think fit afterwards to reject you altogether, you are not to blame + me for having given you false hopes. So now you know.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, but—but—what's the use of that? What hope am I to + get out of that, Zina?”</span> cried Mosgliakoff in piteous + tones.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Recollect what I have said, and draw whatever you please + from the words; that's your business. I shall add nothing. I do not + refuse you; I merely say—wait! And I repeat, I reserve the free right + of rejecting you afterwards if I choose so to do. Just one more word: + if you come here before the fixed time relying on outside protection, + or even on my mother's influence to help you gain your end, let me + tell you, you make a great mistake; if you worry me now, I shall + refuse you outright. I hope we understand each other now, and that I + shall hear no more of this, until the period I named to you for my + decision.”</span> All this was said quietly and drily, and without a + pause, as if learnt by rote. Paul felt foolish; but just at this + moment Maria Alexandrovna entered the room, and the widow after + her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I think he's just coming, Zina! Nastasia Petrovna, make + some new tea quick, please!”</span> The good lady was considerably + agitated.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mrs. Antipova has sent her maid over to inquire about + the prince already. How angry she must be feeling just now,”</span> + remarked the widow, as she commenced to pass over the tea-urn.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And what's that to me!”</span> replied Maria + Alexandrovna, over her shoulder. <span class="tei tei-q">“Just as + though <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> care what she thinks! <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">I</span></em> shall + not send a maid to her kitchen to inquire, I assure you! And I am + surprised, downright <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">surprised</span></em>, that, not only you, but + all the town, too, should suppose that that wretched woman is my + enemy! I appeal to you, Paul—you know us both. Why should I be her + enemy, now? Is it a question of precedence? Pooh! I don't care about + precedence! She may be first, if she likes, and I shall be readiest + of all to go and congratulate her on the fact. Besides, it's all + nonsense! Why, I take her part; I <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">must</span></em> take + her part. People malign her; <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">why</span></em> do you all fall upon her so? + Because she's young, and likes to be smart; is that it? Dear me, I + think finery is a good bit better than some other failings—like + Natalia Dimitrievna's, for instance, who has a taste for things that + cannot be mentioned in polite society. Or is it that Mrs. Antipova + goes out too much, and never stays at home? My goodness! why, the + woman has never had any education; naturally she doesn't care to sit + down to read, or anything of that sort. True, she coquets and makes + eyes at everybody who looks at her. But why do people tell her that + she's pretty? especially as she only has a pale face, and nothing + else to boast of.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She is amusing at a dance, I admit; but why do people + tell her that she dances the polka so well? She wears hideous hats + and things; but it's not her fault that nature gave her no gift of + good taste. She talks scandal; but that's the custom of the place—who + doesn't here? That fellow, Sushikoff, with his whiskers, goes to see + her pretty often while her husband plays cards, but that <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">may</span></em> be + merely a trumped-up tale; at all events I always say so, and take her + part in every way! But, good heavens! here's the prince at last! 'Tis + he, 'tis he! I recognise him! I should know him out of a thousand! At + last I see you! At last, my Prince!”</span> cried Maria + Alexandrovna,—and she rushed to greet the prince as he entered the + room.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc8" id="toc8"></a> <a name="pdf9" id="pdf9"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER IV.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At first sight you + would not take this prince for an old man at all, and it is only when + you come near and take a good look at him, that you see he is merely + a dead man working on wires. All the resources of science are brought + to bear upon this mummy, in order to give it the appearance of life + and youth. A marvellous wig, glorious whiskers, moustache and + napoleon—all of the most raven black—cover half his face. He is + painted and powdered with very great skill, so much so that one can + hardly detect any wrinkles. What has become of them, goodness only + knows.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He is dressed in + the pink of fashion, just as though he had walked straight out of a + tailor's fashion-page. His coat, his gloves, tie, his waistcoat, his + linen, are all in perfect taste, and in the very last mode. The + prince limps slightly, but so slightly that one would suppose he did + it on purpose because <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">that</span></em> was in fashion too. In his eye + he wears a glass—in the eye which is itself glass already.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was soaked with + scent. His speech and manner of pronouncing certain syllables was + full of affectation; and this was, perhaps, all that he retained of + the mannerisms and tricks of his younger days. For if the prince had + not quite lost his wits as yet, he had certainly parted with nearly + every vestige of his memory, which—alas!—is a thing which no amount + of perfumeries and wigs and rouge and tight-lacing will renovate. He + continually forgets words in the midst of conversation, and loses his + way, which makes it a matter of some difficulty to carry on a + conversation with him. However, Maria Alexandrovna has confidence in + her inborn dexterity, and at sight of the prince she flies into a + condition of unspeakable rapture.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! but you've not changed, you've not changed a + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">bit</span></em>!”</span> she cries, seizing her + guest by both hands, and popping him into a comfortable arm-chair. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Sit down, dear Prince, do sit down! Six + years, prince, six whole long years since we saw each other, and not + a letter, not a little tiny scrap of a note all the while. <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Oh</span></em>, how + naughty you have been, prince! And <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">how</span></em> angry + I have been with you, my dear friend! But, tea! tea! Good Heavens, + Nastasia Petrovna, tea for the prince, quick!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Th—thanks, thanks; I'm very s—orry!”</span> stammered + the old man (I forgot to mention that he stammered a little, but he + did even this as though it were the fashion to do it). <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very s—sorry; fancy, I—I wanted to co—come last year, + but they t—told me there was cho—cho—cholera here.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There was foot and mouth disease here, uncle,”</span> + put in Mosgliakoff, by way of distinguishing himself. Maria + Alexandrovna gave him a severe look.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, foot and mouth disease, or something of that + s—sort,”</span> said the prince; <span class="tei tei-q">“so I + st—stayed at home. Well, and how's your h—husband, my dear Anna + Nic—Nicolaevna? Still at his proc—procuror's work?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, prince!”</span> said Maria Alexandrovna, a little + disconcerted. <span class="tei tei-q">“My husband is not a + procurer.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'll bet anything that uncle has mixed you up with Anna + Nicolaevna Antipova,”</span> said Mosgliakoff, but stopped suddenly + on observing the look on Maria Alexandrovna's face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, of course, Anna Nicolaevna. A—An. What the + deuce! I'm always f—forgetting; Antipova, Antipova, of + course,”</span> continued the prince.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, prince, you have made a great mistake,”</span> + remarked Maria Alexandrovna, with a bitter smile. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am not Anna Nicolaevna at all, and I confess I should + never have believed that you would not recognise me. You have + astonished me, prince. I am your old friend, Maria Alexandrovna + Moskaloff. Don't you remember Maria Alexandrovna?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“M—Maria Alexandrovna! think of that; and I thought she + was w—what's her name. Y—yes, Anna Vasilievna! <span lang="fr" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">C'est délicieux.</span></span> W—why I thought + you were going to take me to this A—Anna Matveyevna. Dear me! + <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">C'est ch—charmant!</span></span> It often + happens so w—with me. I get taken to the wrong house; but I'm v—very + pleased, v—very pleased! So you're not Nastasia Va—silievna? How + interesting.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm Maria Alexandrovna, prince; <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Maria + Alexandrovna</span></em>! Oh! how naughty you are, Prince, to forget + your best, best friend!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—es! ye—yes! best friend; best friend, for—forgive + me!”</span> stammered the old man, staring at Zina.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That's my daughter Zina. You are not acquainted yet, + prince. She wasn't here when you were last in the town, in the year + —— you know.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, th—this is your d—daughter!”</span> muttered the old + man, staring hungrily at Zina through his glasses. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear me, dear me. <span lang="fr" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Ch—charmante, ch—armante!</span></span> But what + a lo—ovely girl,”</span> he added, evidently impressed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Tea! prince,”</span> remarked Maria Alexandrovna, + directing his attention to the page standing before him with the + tray. The prince took a cup, and examined the boy, who had a nice + fresh face of his own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah! this is your l—little boy? Wh—what a charming little + b—boy! and does he be—behave nicely?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, prince,”</span> interrupted Maria Alexandrovna, + impatiently, <span class="tei tei-q">“what is this dreadful + occurrence I hear of? I confess I was nearly beside myself with + terror when I heard of it. Were you not hurt at all? <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Do</span></em> take + care. One cannot make light of this sort of thing.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Upset, upset; the c—coachman upset me!”</span> cried the + prince, with unwonted vivacity. <span class="tei tei-q">“I thought it + was the end of the world, and I was fri—frightened out of my wits. I + didn't expect it; I didn't, indeed! and my co—oachman is to blame for + it all. I trust you, my friend, to lo—ok into the matter well. I feel + sure he was making an attempt on my life!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“All right, all right, uncle,”</span> said Paul; + <span class="tei tei-q">“I'll see about it. But look here—forgive + him, just this once, uncle; just this once, won't you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“N—not I! Not for anything! I'm sure he wants my life, he + and Lavrenty too. It's—it's the 'new ideas;' it's Com—Communism, in + the fullest sense of the word. I daren't meet them + anywhere.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are right, you are quite right, prince,”</span> + cried Maria Alexandrovna. <span class="tei tei-q">“You don't know how + I suffer myself from these wretched people. I've just been obliged to + change two of my servants; and you've no idea how <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">stupid</span></em> + they are, prince.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes! quite so!”</span> said the prince, delighted—as + all old men are whose senile chatter is listened to with servility. + <span class="tei tei-q">“But I like a fl—flunky to look stupid; it + gives them presence. There's my Terenty, now. You remember Terenty, + my friend? Well, the f—first time I ever looked at him I said, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘You shall be my ha—hall porter.’</span> He's + stupid, phen—phen—omenally stupid, he looks like a she—sheep; but his + dig—dignity and majesty are wonderful. When I look at him he seems to + be composing some l—learned dis—sertation. He's just like the German + philosopher, Kant, or like some fa—fat old turkey, and that's just + what one wants in a serving-man.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + laughed, and clapped her hands in the highest state of ecstasy; Paul + supported her with all his might; Nastasia Petrovna laughed too; and + even Zina smiled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, prince, how clever, how witty, how <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">humorous</span></em> + you are!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“What a wonderful gilt of remarking the smallest + refinements of character. And for a man like you to eschew all + society, and shut yourself up for five years! With such talents! Why, + prince, you could <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">write</span></em>, you could be an author. You + could emulate Von Vezin, Gribojedoff, Gogol!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes! ye—yes!”</span> said the delighted prince. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I can reproduce things I see, very well. + And, do you know, I used to be a very wi—witty fellow indeed, some + time ago. I even wrote a play once. There were some very smart + couplets, I remember; but it was never acted.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! how nice it would be to read it over, especially + just <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">now</span></em>, eh, Zina? for we are thinking + of getting up a play, you must know, prince, for the benefit of the + <span class="tei tei-q">‘martyrs of the Fatherland,’</span> the + wounded soldiers. There, now, how handy your play would come + in!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Certainly, certainly. I—I would even write you another. + I think I've quite forgotten the old one. I remember there were two + or three such epigrams that (here the prince kissed his own hand to + convey an idea of the exquisite wit of his lines) I recollect when I + was abroad I made a real furore. I remember Lord Byron well; we were + great friends; you should have seen him dance the mazurka one day + during the Vienna Congress.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Lord Byron, uncle?—Surely not!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, Lord Byron. Perhaps it was not Lord Byron, + though, perhaps it was someone else; no, it wasn't Lord Byron, it was + some Pole; I remember now. A won—der-ful fellow that Pole was! He + said he was a C—Count, and he turned out to be a c—cook—shop man! But + he danced the mazurka won—der—fully, and broke his leg at last. I + recollect I wrote some lines at the time:—</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Our little + Pole</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Danced like + blazes.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">—How did it go on, now? Wait a minute! No, I can't + remember.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'll tell you, uncle. It must have been like + this,”</span> said Paul, becoming more and more inspired:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“But he tripped + in a hole,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Which stopped + his crazes.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, that was it, I think, or something very like it. + I don't know, though—perhaps it wasn't. Anyhow, the lines were very + sm—art. I forget a good deal of what I have seen and done. I'm so + b—busy now!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But do let me hear how you have employed your time in + your solitude, dear prince,”</span> said Maria Alexandrovna. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I must confess that I have thought of you so + often, and often, that I am burning with impatience to hear more + about you and your doings.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Employed my time? Oh, very busy; very busy, + ge—generally. One rests, you see, part of the day; and then I imagine + a good many things.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I should think you have a very strong imagination, + haven't you, uncle?”</span> remarked Paul.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Exceptionally so, my dear fellow. I sometimes imagine + things which amaze even myself! When I was at Kadueff,—by-the-by, you + were vice-governor of Kadueff, weren't you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I, uncle! Why, what are you thinking of?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No? Just fancy, my dear fellow! and I've been thinking + all this time how f—funny that the vice-governor of Kadueff should be + here with quite a different face: he had a fine intelligent, + dig—dignified face, you know. A wo—wonderful fellow! Always writing + verses, too; he was rather like the Ki—King of Diamonds from the side + view, but—”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, prince,”</span> interrupted Maria Alexandrovna. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I assure you, you'll ruin yourself with the + life you are leading! To make a hermit of oneself for five years, and + see no one, and hear no one: you're a lost man, dear prince! Ask any + one of those who love you, they'll all tell you the same; you're a + lost man!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No,”</span> cried the prince, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“really?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, I assure you of it! I am speaking to you as a + sister—as a friend! I am telling you this because you are very dear + to me, and because the memory of the past is sacred to me. No, no! + You must change your way of living; otherwise you will fall ill, and + break up, and die!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Gracious heavens! Surely I shan't d—die so soon?”</span> + cried the old man. <span class="tei tei-q">“You—you are right about + being ill; I am ill now and then. I'll tell you all the sy—symptoms! + I'll de—detail them to you. Firstly I—”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Uncle, don't you think you had better tell us all about + it another day?”</span> Paul interrupted hurriedly. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I think we had better be starting just now, don't + you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes—yes, perhaps, perhaps. But remind me to tell you + another time; it's a most interesting case, I assure you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But listen, my dear prince!”</span> Maria Alexandrovna + resumed, <span class="tei tei-q">“why don't you try being doctored + abroad?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ab—road? Yes, yes—I shall certainly go abroad. I + remember when I was abroad, about '20; it was delightfully g—gay and + jolly. I very nearly married a vi—viscountess, a French woman. I was + fearfully in love, but som—somebody else married her, not I. It was a + very s—strange thing. I had only gone away for a coup—couple of + hours, and this Ger—German baron fellow came and carried her off! He + went into a ma—madhouse afterwards!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, dear prince, you must look after your health. There + are such good doctors abroad; and—besides, the mere change of life, + what will not that alone do for you! You <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">must</span></em> + desert your dear Donchanovo, if only for a time!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“C—certainly, certainly! I've long meant to do it. I'm + going to try hy—hydropathy!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hydropathy?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes. I've tried it once before: I was abroad, you know, + and they persuaded me to try drinking the wa—waters. There wasn't + anything the matter with me, but I agreed, just out of deli—delicacy + for their feelings; and I did seem to feel easier, somehow. So I + drank, and drank, and dra—ank up a whole waterfall; and I assure you + if I hadn't fallen ill just then I should have been quite well, + th—thanks to the water! But, I confess, you've frightened me so about + these ma—maladies and things, I feel quite put out. I'll come back + d—directly!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, prince, where are you off to?”</span> asked Maria + Alexandrovna in surprise.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Directly, directly. I'm just going to note down an + i—idea!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What sort of idea?”</span> cried Paul, bursting with + laughter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + lost all patience.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I cannot understand what you find to laugh at!”</span> + she cried, as the old man disappeared; <span class="tei tei-q">“to + laugh at an honourable old man, and turn every word of his into + ridicule—presuming on his angelic good nature. I assure you I + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">blushed</span></em> for you, Paul + Alexandrovitch! Why, what do you see in him to laugh at? I never saw + anything funny about him!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, I laugh because he does not recognise people, and + talks such nonsense!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That's simply the result of his sad life, of his + dreadful five years' captivity, under the guardianship of that + she-devil! You should <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">pity</span></em>, not laugh at him! He did not + even know <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">me</span></em>; you saw it yourself. I tell you + it's a crying shame; he must be saved, at all costs! I recommend him + to go abroad so that he may get out of the clutches of that—beast of + a woman!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you know what—we must find him a wife!”</span> cried + Paul.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, Mr. Mosgliakoff, you are too bad; you really are too + bad!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no, Maria Alexandrovna; I assure you, this time I'm + speaking in all seriousness. Why <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></em> marry + him off? Isn't it rather a brilliant idea? What harm can marriage do + him? On the contrary, he is in that position that such a step alone + can save him! In the first place, he will get rid of that fox of a + woman; and, secondly, he may find some girl, or better still some + widow—kind, good, wise and gentle, and poor, who will look after him + as his own daughter would, and who will be sensible of the honour he + does her in making her his wife! And what could be better for the old + fellow than to have such a person about him, rather than the—woman he + has now? Of course she must be nice-looking, for uncle appreciates + good looks; didn't you observe how he stared at Miss + Zina?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But how will you find him such a bride?”</span> asked + Nastasia Petrovna, who had listened intently to Paul's + suggestion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What a question! Why, you yourself, if you pleased! and + why not, pray? In the first place, you are good-looking, you are a + widow, you are generous, you are poor (at least I don't think you are + very rich). Then you are a very reasonable woman: you'll learn to + love him, and take good care of him; you'll send that other woman to + the deuce, and take your husband abroad, where you will feed him on + pudding and lollipops till the moment of his quitting this wicked + world, which will be in about a year, or in a couple of months + perhaps. After that, you emerge a princess, a rich widow, and, as a + prize for your goodness to the old gentleman, you'll marry a fine + young marquis, or a governor-general, or somebody of the sort! + There—that's a pretty enough prospect, isn't it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Tfu! Goodness me! I should fall in love with him at + once, out of pure gratitude, if he only proposed to me!”</span> said + the widow, with her black eyes all ablaze; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but, of course, it's all nonsense!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nonsense, is it? Shall I make it sound sense, then, for + you? Ask me prettily, and if I don't make you his betrothed by this + evening, you may cut my little finger off! Why, there's nothing in + the world easier than to talk uncle into anything you please! He'll + only say, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Ye—yes, ye—yes,’</span> just as + you heard him now! We'll marry him so that he doesn't know anything + about it, if you like? We'll deceive him and marry him, if you + please! Any way you like, it can be done! Why, it's for his own good; + it's out of pity for himself! Don't you think, seriously, Nastasia + Petrovna, that you had better put on some smart clothes in any + case?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Paul's enthusiasm + amounted by now to something like madness, while the widow's mouth + watered at his idea, in spite of her better judgment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know, I know I look horridly untidy!”</span> she said. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I go about anyhow, nowadays! There's nothing + to dress for. Do I really look like a regular cook?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All this time + Maria Alexandrovna sat still, with a strange expression on her face. + I shall not be far wrong if I say that she listened to Paul's wild + suggestion with a look of terror, almost: she was confused and + startled; at last she recollected herself, and spoke.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“All this is very nice, of course; but at the same time + it is utter nonsense, and perfectly out of the question!”</span> she + observed cuttingly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, why, my good Maria Alexandrovna? Why is it such + nonsense, or why out of the question?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“For many reasons; and, principally because you are, as + the prince is also, a guest in my house; and I cannot permit anyone + to forget their respect towards my establishment! I shall consider + your words as a joke, Paul Alexandrovitch, and nothing more! Here + comes the prince—thank goodness!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here I am!”</span> cried the old man as he entered. + <span class="tei tei-q">“It's a wo—wonderful thing how many good + ideas of all s—sorts I'm having to-day! and another day I may spend + the whole of it without a single one! As—tonishing? not one all + day!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Probably the result of your accident, to-day, uncle! + Your nerves got shaken up, you see, and ——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, I think so, I think so too; and I look on the + accident as pro—fitable, on the whole; and therefore I'm going to + excuse the coachman. I don't think it was an at—tempt on my life, + after all, do you? Besides, he was punished a little while a—go, when + his beard was sh—shaved off!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Beard shaved off? Why, uncle, his beard is as big as a + German state!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, a German state, you are very happy in your + ex—pressions, my boy! but it's a fa—false one. Fancy what happened: I + sent for a price-current for false hair and beards, and found + advertisements for splendid ser—vants' and coachmen's beards, very + cheap—extraordinarily so! I sent for one, and it certainly was a + be—auty. But when we wanted to clap it on the coachman, we found he + had one of his own t—twice as big; so I thought, shall I cut off his, + or let him wear it, and send this one b—back? and I decided to shave + his off, and let him wear the f—false one!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“On the theory that art is higher than nature, I suppose + uncle?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, yes! Just so—and I assure you, when we cut off his + beard he suffered as much as though we were depriving him of all he + held most dear! But we must be go—going, my boy!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But I hope, dear prince, that you will only call upon + the governor!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna, in great agitation. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">mine</span></em> now, + Prince; you belong to <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">my</span></em> family for the whole of this day! + Of course I will say nothing about the society of this place. Perhaps + you are thinking of paying Anna Nicolaevna a visit? I will not say a + word to dissuade you; but at the same time I am quite convinced + that—time will show! Remember one thing, dear Prince, that I am your + sister, your nurse, your guardian for to-day at least, and oh!—I + tremble for you. You don't know these people, Prince, as I do! You + don't know them fully: but time will teach you all you do not + know.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Trust me, Maria Alexandrovna!”</span> said Paul, + <span class="tei tei-q">“it shall all be exactly as I have promised + you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh—but you're such a weathercock! I can never trust + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em>! I shall wait for you at dinner + time, Prince; we dine early. How sorry I am that my husband happens + to be in the country on such an occasion! How happy he would have + been to see you! He esteems you so highly, Prince; he is so sincerely + attached to you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Your husband? dear me! So you have a h—husband, + too!”</span> observed the old man.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, prince, prince! how forgetful you are! Why, you have + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">quite</span></em>, quite forgotten the past! My + husband, Afanassy Matveyevitch, surely you must remember him? He is + in the country: but you have seen him thousands of times before! + Don't you remember—Afanassy Matveyevitch!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Afanassy Matveyevitch. Dear me!—and in the co—country! + how very charming! So you have a husband! dear me, I remember a + vaudeville very like that, something about—</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">“The husband's + here,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: center">And his wife + at Tvere.”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">Charming, charming—such a good rhyme too; and it's a most + ri—diculous story! Charming, charming; the wife's away, you know, at + Jaroslaf or Tv—— or somewhere, and the husband is——is——Dear me! I'm + afraid I've forgotten what we were talking about! Yes, yes—we must be + going, my boy! <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">Au revoir, madame; adieu, ma + charmante demoiselle</span></span>”</span> he added, turning to Zina, + and putting the ends of her fingers to his lips.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Come back to dinner,—to dinner, prince! don't forget to + come back here quick!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna after them as + they went out; <span class="tei tei-q">“be back to + dinner!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc10" id="toc10"></a> <a name="pdf11" id="pdf11"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER V.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nastasia Petrovna, I think you had better go and see + what is doing in the kitchen!”</span> observed Maria Alexandrovna, as + she returned from seeing the prince off. <span class="tei tei-q">“I'm + sure that rascal Nikitka will spoil the dinner! Probably he's drunk + already!”</span> The widow obeyed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As the latter left + the room, she glanced suspiciously at Maria Alexandrovna, and + observed that the latter was in a high state of agitation. Therefore, + instead of going to look after Nikitka, she went through the + <span class="tei tei-q">“Salon,”</span> along the passage to her own + room, and through that to a dark box-room, where the old clothes of + the establishment and such things were stored. There she approached + the locked door on tiptoe; and stifling her breath, she bent to the + keyhole, through which she peeped, and settled herself to listen + intently. This door, which was always kept shut, was one of the three + doors communicating with the room where Maria Alexandrovna and Zina + were now left alone. Maria Alexandrovna always considered Nastasia an + untrustworthy sort of woman, although extremely silly into the + bargain. Of course she had suspected the widow—more than once—of + eavesdropping; but it so happened that at the moment Madame Moskaleva + was too agitated and excited to think of the usual precautions.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was sitting in + her arm-chair and gazing at Zina. Zina felt that her mother was + looking at her, and was conscious of an unpleasant sensation at her + heart.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina slowly turned + her head towards the speaker, and lifted her splendid dark eyes to + hers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina, I wish to speak to you on a most important + matter!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina adopted an + attentive air, and sat still with folded hands, waiting for light. In + her face there was an expression of annoyance as well as irony, which + she did her best to hide.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I wish to ask you first, Zina, what you thought of + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">that</span></em> Mosgliakoff, + to-day?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have known my opinion of him for a long + time!”</span> replied Zina, surlily.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, yes, of course! but I think he is getting just a + little <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">too</span></em> troublesome, with his continual + bothering you—”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, but he says he is in love with me, in which case his + importunity is pardonable!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Strange! You used not to be so ready to find his + offences pardonable; you used to fly out at him if ever I mentioned + his name!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Strange, too, that you always defended him, and were so + very anxious that I should marry him!—and now you are the first to + attack him!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes; I don't deny, Zina, that I did wish, then, to see + you married to Mosgliakoff! It was painful to me to witness your + continual grief, your sufferings, which I can well realize—whatever + you may think to the contrary!—and which deprived me of my rest at + night! I determined at last that there was but one great change of + life that would ever save you from the sorrows of the past, and that + change was matrimony! We are not rich; we cannot afford to go abroad. + All the asses in the place prick their long ears, and wonder that you + should be unmarried at twenty-three years old; and they must needs + invent all sorts of stories to account for the fact! As if I would + marry you to one of our wretched little town councillors, or to Ivan + Ivanovitch, the family lawyer! There are no husbands for <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> in + this place, Zina! Of course Paul Mosgliakoff is a silly sort of a + fellow, but he is better than these people here: he is fairly born, + at least, and he has 150 serfs and landed property, all of which is + better than living by bribes and corruption, and goodness knows what + jobbery besides, as these do! and that is why I allowed my eyes to + rest on him. But I give you my solemn word, I never had any real + sympathy for him! and if Providence has sent you someone better now, + oh, my dear girl, how fortunate that you have not given your word to + Mosgliakoff! You didn't tell him anything for certain to-day, did + you, Zina?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is the use of beating about the bush, when the + whole thing lies in a couple of words?”</span> said Zina, with some + show of annoyance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Beating about the bush, Zina? Is that the way to speak + to your mother? But what am I? You have long ceased to trust to your + poor mother! You have long looked upon me as your enemy, and not as + your mother at all!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, come mother! you and I are beyond quarrelling about + an expression! Surely we understand one another by now? It is about + time we did, anyhow!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But you offend me, my child! you will not believe that I + am ready to devote <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">all, all</span></em> I can give, in order to + establish your destiny on a safe and happy footing!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina looked + angrily and sarcastically at her mother.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Would not you like to marry me to this old prince, now, + in order to establish my destiny on a safe and happy + footing?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have not said a word about it; but, as you mention the + fact, I will say that if you <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">were</span></em> to marry the prince it would be + a very happy thing for you, and—”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! Well, I consider the idea utter nonsense!”</span> + cried the girl passionately. <span class="tei tei-q">“Nonsense, + humbug! and what's more, I think you have a good deal too much + poetical inspiration, mamma; you are a woman poet in the fullest + sense of the term, and they call you by that name here! You are + always full of projects; and the impracticability and absurdity of + your ideas does not in the least discourage you. I felt, when the + prince was sitting here, that you had that notion in your head. When + Mosgliakoff was talking nonsense there about marrying the old man to + somebody I read all your thoughts in your face. I am ready to bet any + money that you are thinking of it now, and that you have come to me + now about this very question! However, as your perpetual projects on + my behalf are beginning to weary me to death, I must beg you not to + say one word about it, not <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">one word</span></em>, mamma; do you hear me? + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not one + word</span></em>; and I beg you will remember what I say!”</span> She + was panting with rage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are a child, Zina; a poor sorrow-worn, sick + child!”</span> said Maria Alexandrovna in tearful accents. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You speak to your poor mother + disrespectfully; you wound me deeply, my dear; there is not another + mother in the world who would have borne what I have to bear from you + every day! But you are suffering, you are sick, you are sorrowful, + and I am your mother, and, first of all, I am a Christian woman! I + must bear it all, and forgive it. But one word, Zina: if I had really + thought of the union you suggest, why would you consider it so + impracticable and absurd? In my opinion, Mosgliakoff has never said a + wiser thing than he did to-day, when he declared that marriage was + what alone could save the prince,—not, of course, marriage with that + slovenly slut, Nastasia; there he certainly <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">did</span></em> make + a fool of himself!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Now look here, mamma; do you ask me this out of pure + curiosity, or with design? Tell me the truth.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“All I ask is, why does it appear to you to be so + absurd?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Good heavens, mother, you'll drive me wild! What a + fate!”</span> cried Zina, stamping her foot with impatience. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I'll tell you why, if you can't see for + yourself. Not to mention all the other evident absurdities of the + plan, to take advantage of the weakened wits of a poor old man, and + deceive him and marry him—an old cripple, in order to get hold of his + money,—and then every day and every hour to wish for his death, is, + in my opinion, not only nonsense, but so mean, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">so</span></em> mean, + mamma, that I—I can't congratulate you on your brilliant idea; that's + all I can say!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was silence + for one minute.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina, do you remember all that happened two years + ago?”</span> asked Maria Alexandrovna of a sudden.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina trembled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mamma!”</span> she said, severely, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you promised me solemnly never to mention that + again.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And I ask you now, as solemnly, my dear child, to allow + me to break that promise, just once! I have never broken it before. + Zina! the time has come for a full and clear understanding between + us! These two years of silence have been terrible. We cannot go on + like this. I am ready to pray you, on my knees, to let me speak. + Listen, Zina, your own mother who bore you beseeches you, on her + knees! And I promise you faithfully, Zina, and solemnly, on the word + of an unhappy but adoring mother, that never, under any + circumstances, not even to save my life, will I ever mention the + subject again. This shall be the last time, but it is absolutely + necessary!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + counted upon the effect of her words, and with reason:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Speak, then!”</span> said Zina, growing whiter every + moment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thank you, Zina!——Two years ago there came to the house, + to teach your little brother Mitya, since dead, a tutor——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why do you begin so solemnly, mamma? Why all this + eloquence, all these quite unnecessary details, which are painful to + me, and only too well known to both of us?”</span> cried Zina with a + sort of irritated disgust.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Because, my dear child, I, your mother, felt in some + degree bound to justify myself before you; and also because I wish to + present this whole question to you from an entirely new point of + view, and not from that mistaken position which you are accustomed to + take up with regard to it; and because, lastly, I think you will thus + better understand the conclusion at which I shall arrive upon the + whole question. Do not think, dear child, that I wish to trifle with + your heart! No, Zina, you will find in me a real mother; and perhaps, + with tears streaming from your eyes, you will ask and beseech at my + feet—at the feet of the '<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">mean woman</span></em>,' as you have just called + me,—yes, and pray for that reconciliation which you have rejected so + long! That's why I wish to recall all, Zina, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">all</span></em> that + has happened, from the very beginning; and without this I shall not + speak at all!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Speak, then!”</span> repeated Zina, cursing the + necessity for her mother's eloquence from the very bottom of her + heart.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I continue then, Zina!——This tutor, a master of the + parish school, almost a boy, makes upon you what is, to me, a totally + inexplicable impression. I built too much upon my confidence in your + good sense, or your noble pride, and principally upon the fact of his + insignificance—(I must speak out!)—to allow myself to harbour the + slightest suspicion of you! And then you suddenly come to me, one + fine day, and state that you intend to marry the man! Zina, it was + putting a knife to my heart! I gave a shriek and lost + consciousness.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But of course you remember all this. Of course I thought + it my duty to use all my power over you, which power you called + tyranny. Think for yourself—a boy, the son of a deacon, receiving a + salary of twelve roubles a month—a writer of weak verses which are + printed, out of pity, in the 'library of short readings.' A man, a + boy, who could talk of nothing but that accursed Shakespeare,—this + boy to be the husband of Zenaida Moskaloff! Forgive me, Zina, but the + very thought of it all makes me <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">wild</span></em>!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I rejected him, of course. But no power would stop + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em>; your father only blinked his + eyes, as usual, and could not even understand what I was telling him + about. You continue your relations with this boy, even giving him + rendezvous, and, worst of all, you allow yourself to correspond with + him!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Rumours now begin to flit about town: I am assailed with + hints; they blow their trumpets of joy and triumph; and suddenly all + my fears and anticipations are verified! You and he quarrel over + something or other; he shows himself to be a boy (I can't call him a + man!), who is utterly unworthy of you, and threatens to show your + letters all over the town! On hearing this threat, you, beside + yourself with irritation, boxed his ears. Yes, Zina, I am aware of + even that fact! I know all, all! But to continue—the wretched boy + shows one of your letters the very same day to that ne'er-do-well + Zanshin, and within an hour Natalie Dimitrievna holds it in her + hands—my deadly enemy! The same evening the miserable fellow attempts + to put an end to himself, in remorse. In a word, there is a fearful + scandal stirred up. That slut, Nastasia, comes panting to me with the + dreadful news; she tells me that Natalie Dimitrievna has had your + letter for a whole hour. In a couple of hours the whole town will + learn of your foolishness! I bore it all. I did not fall down in a + swoon; but oh, the blows, the blows you dealt to my heart, Zina! That + shameless scum of the earth, Nastasia, says she will get the letter + back for two hundred roubles! I myself run over, in thin shoes, too, + through the snow to the Jew Baumstein, and pledge my diamond clasps—a + keepsake of my dear mother's! In a couple of hours the letter is in + my hands! Nastasia had stolen it; she had broken open a desk, and + your honour was safe!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But what a dreadful day you had sentenced me to live! I + noticed some grey hairs among my raven locks for the first time, next + morning! Zina, you have judged this boy's action yourself now! You + can admit now, and perhaps smile a bitter smile over the admission, + that it was beyond the limits of good sense to wish to entrust your + fate to this youth.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But since that fatal time you are wretched, my child, + you are miserable! You cannot forget him, or rather not him—for he + was never worthy of you,—but you cannot forget the phantom of your + past joy! This wretched young fellow is now on the point of + death—consumption, they say; and you, angel of goodness that you are! + you do not wish to marry while he is alive, because you fear to + harass him in his last days; because to this day he is miserable with + jealousy, though I am convinced that he never loved you in the best + and highest sense of the word! I know well that, hearing of + Mosgliakoff's proposal to you, he has been in a flutter of jealousy, + and has spied upon you and your actions ever since; and you—you have + been merciful to him, my child. And oh! God knows how I have watered + my pillow with tears for you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, mother, do drop all this sort of thing!”</span> + cried Zina, with inexpressible agony in her tone. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Surely we needn't hear all about your pillow!”</span> + she added, sharply. <span class="tei tei-q">“Can't we get on without + all this declamation and pirouetting?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You do not believe me, Zina! Oh! do not look so + unfriendly at me, my child! My eyes have not been dry these two + years. I have hidden my tears from you; but I am changed, Zina mine, + much changed and in many ways! I have long known of your feelings, + Zina, but I admit I have only lately realized the depth of your + mental anguish. Can you blame me, my child, if I looked upon this + attachment of yours as romanticism—called into being by that accursed + Shakespeare, who shoves his nose in everywhere where he isn't + wanted?</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What mother would blame me for my fears of that kind, + for my measures, for the severity of my judgment? But now, + understanding as I do, and realizing your two years' sufferings, I + can estimate the depth of your real feelings. Believe me, I + understand you far better than you understand yourself! I am + convinced that you love not him—not this unnatural boy,—but your lost + happiness, your broken hopes, your cracked idol!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have loved too—perhaps more deeply than yourself; I, + too, have suffered, I, too, have lost my exalted ideals and seen them + levelled with the earth; and therefore who can blame me now—and, + above all, can <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> blame me now,—if I consider a + marriage with the prince to be the one saving, the one <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">essential</span></em> + move left to you in your present position”</span>?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina listened to + this long declamation with surprise. She knew well that her mother + never adopted this tone without good reason. However this last and + unexpected conclusion fairly amazed her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You don't mean to say you seriously entertain the idea + of marrying me to this prince?”</span> she cried bewildered, and + gazing at her mother almost with alarm; <span class="tei tei-q">“that + this is no mere idea, no project, no flighty inspiration, but your + deliberate intention? I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">have</span></em> guessed right, then? And pray, + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">how</span></em> is this marriage going to save + me? and <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">why</span></em> is it essential to me in my + present position? And—and what has all this to do with what you have + been talking about?——I cannot understand you, mother,—not a + bit!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> can't understand, angel mine, how + you <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">cannot</span></em> see the connection of it + all!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna, in her turn. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“In the first place, you would pass into new society, + into a new world. You would leave for ever this loathsome little + town, so full of sad memories for you; where you meet neither friends + nor kindness; where they have bullied and maligned you; where all + these—these <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">magpies</span></em> hate you because you are + good looking! You could go abroad this very spring, to Italy, + Switzerland, Spain!—to Spain, Zina, where the Alhambra is, and where + the Guadalquiver flows—no wretched little stream like this of + ours!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, one moment, mother; you talk as though I were + married already, or at least as if the prince had made me an + offer!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, no—oh dear, no! don't bother yourself about that, my + angel! I know what I'm talking about! Let me proceed. I've said my + <span class="tei tei-q">‘firstly;’</span> now, then, for my + <span class="tei tei-q">‘secondly!’</span> I understand, dear child, + with what loathing you would give your hand to that + Mosgliakoff!——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know, without your telling me so, that I shall never + be <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">his</span></em> wife!”</span> cried Zina, + angrily, and with flashing eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“If only you knew, my angel, how I understand and enter + into your loathing for him! It is dreadful to vow before the altar + that you will love a man whom you <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">cannot</span></em> + love—how dreadful to belong to one whom you cannot esteem! And he + insists on your <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">love</span></em>—he only marries you for love. I + can see it by the way he looks at you! Why deceive ourselves? I have + suffered from the same thing for twenty-five years; your father + ruined me—he, so to speak, sucked up my youth! You have seen my tears + many a time!——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Father's away in the country, don't touch <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">him</span></em>, + please!”</span> said Zina.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know you always take his part! Oh, Zina, my very heart + trembled within me when I thought to arrange your marriage with + Mosgliakoff for financial reasons! I trembled for the consequences. + But with the prince it is different, you need not deceive him; you + cannot be expected to give him your <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">love</span></em>, not + your <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">love</span></em>—oh, no! and he is not in a + state to ask it of you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Good heavens, what nonsense! I do assure you you are in + error from the very first step—from the first and most important + step! Understand, that I do not care to make a martyr of myself for + some unknown reason! Know, also, that I shall not marry anyone at + all; I shall remain a maid. You have bitten my head off for the last + two years because I would not marry. Well, you must accept the fact, + and make the best of it; that's all I can say, and so it shall + be!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But Zina, darling—my Zina, don't be so cross before you + have heard me out! What a hot-headed little person you are, to be + sure! Let me show you the matter from my point of view, and you'll + agree with me—you really will! The prince will live a year—two at + most; and surely it is better to be a young widow than a decayed old + maid! Not to mention the fact that you will be a princess—free, rich, + independent! I dare say you look with contempt upon all these + calculations—founded upon his death; but I am a mother, and what + mother will blame me for my foresight?</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And if you, my angel of kindness, are unwilling to + marry, even now, out of tenderness for that wretched boy's feelings, + oh, think, think how, by marrying this prince, you will rejoice his + heart and soothe and comfort his soul! For if he has a single + particle of commonsense, he must understand that jealousy of this old + man were <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">too</span></em> absurd—<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">too</span></em> + ridiculous! He will understand that you marry him—for money, for + convenience; that stern necessity compels you to it!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And lastly, he will understand that—that,—well I simply + wish to say, that, upon the prince's death, you will be at liberty to + marry whomsoever you please.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That's a truly simple arrangement! All I have to do is + to marry this prince, rob him of his money, and then count upon his + death in order to marry my lover! You are a clever arithmetician, + mamma; you do your sums and get your totals nicely. You wish to + seduce me by offering me this! Oh, I understand you, mamma—I + understand you well! You cannot resist the expression of your noble + sentiments and exalted ideas, even in the manufacture of a nasty + business. Why can't you say simply and straightforwardly, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘Zina, this is a dirty affair, but it will + pay us, so please agree with me?’</span> at all events, that would be + candid and frank on your part.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, my dear child, why, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">why</span></em> look + at it from this point of view? Why look at it under the light of + suspicion as <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">deceit</span></em>, and low cunning, and + covetousness? You consider my calculations as meanness, as deceit; + but, by all that is good and true, where is the meanness? Show me the + deceit. Look at yourself in the glass: you are so beautiful, that a + kingdom would be a fair price for you! And suddenly you, you, the + possessor of this divine beauty, sacrifice yourself, in order to + soothe the last years of an old man's life! You would be like a + beautiful star, shedding your light over the evening of his days. You + would be like the fresh green ivy, twining in and about his old age; + not the stinging nettle that this wretched woman at his place is, + fastening herself upon him, and thirstily sucking his blood! Surely + his money, his rank are not worthy of being put in the scales beside + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em>? Where is the meanness of it; + where is the deceit of all this? You don't know what you are saying, + Zina.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I suppose they <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">are</span></em> worthy of being weighed against + me, if I am to marry a cripple for them! No, mother, however you look + at it, it is deceit, and you can't get out of <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">that</span></em>!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“On the contrary, my dear child, I can look at it from a + high, almost from an exalted—nay, Christian—point of view. You, + yourself, told me once, in a fit of temporary insanity of some sort, + that you wished to be a sister of charity. You had suffered; you said + your heart could love no more. If, then, you cannot love, turn your + thoughts to the higher aspect of the case. This poor old man has also + suffered—he is unhappy. I have known him, and felt the deepest + sympathy towards him—akin to love,—for many a year. Be his friend, + his daughter, be his plaything, even, if you like; but warm his old + heart, and you are doing a good work—a virtuous, kind, noble work of + love.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He may be funny to look at; don't think of that. He's + but half a man—pity him! You are a Christian girl—do whatever is + right by him; and this will be medicine for your own heart-wounds; + employment, action, all this will heal you too, and where is the + deceit here? But you do not believe me. Perhaps you think that I am + deceiving myself when I thus talk of duty and of action. You think + that I, a woman of the world, have no right to good feeling and the + promptings of duty and virtue. Very well, do not trust me, if you + like: insult me, do what you please to your poor mother; but you will + have to admit that her words carry the stamp of good sense,—they are + saving words! Imagine that someone else is talking to you, not I. + Shut your eyes, and fancy that some invisible being is speaking. What + is worrying you is the idea that all this is for money—a sort of sale + or purchase. Very well, then <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">refuse</span></em> the money, if it is so + loathsome to your eyes. Leave just as much as is absolutely necessary + for yourself, and give the rest to the poor. Help <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">him</span></em>, if + you like, the poor fellow who lies there a-dying!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He would never accept my help!”</span> muttered Zina, as + though to herself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He would not, but his mother would!”</span> said Maria + Alexandrovna. <span class="tei tei-q">“She would take it, and keep + her secret. You sold your ear-rings, a present from your aunt, half a + year or so ago, and helped her; <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> know all about it! I know, too, + that the woman washes linen in order to support her unfortunate + son!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He will soon be where he requires no more + help!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know, I understand your hints.”</span> Maria + Alexandrovna sighed a real sigh. <span class="tei tei-q">“They say he + is in a consumption, and must die.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">who</span></em> says so?</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I asked the doctor the other day, because, having a + tender heart, Zina, I felt interested in the poor fellow. The doctor + said that he was convinced the malady was <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></em> + consumption; that it was dangerous, no doubt, but still <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></em> + consumption, only some severe affection of the lungs. Ask him + yourself! He certainly told me that under different conditions—change + of climate and of his style of living,—the sick man might well + recover. He said—and I have read it too, somewhere, that off Spain + there is a wonderful island, called Malaga—I think it was Malaga; + anyhow, the name was like some wine, where, not only ordinary + sufferers from chest maladies, but even consumptive patients, recover + entirely, solely by virtue of the climate, and that sick people go + there on purpose to be cured.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, but Spain—the Alhambra alone—and the lemons, and the + riding on mules. All this is enough in itself to impress a poetical + nature. You think he would not accept your help, your money—for such + a journey? Very well—deceit is permissible where it may save a man's + life.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Give him hope, too! Promise him your love; promise to + marry him when you are a widow! Anything in the world can be said + with care and tact! Your own mother would not counsel you to an + ignoble deed, Zina. You will do as I say, to save this boy's life; + and with this object, everything is permissible! You will revive his + hope; he will himself begin to think of his health, and listen to + what the doctor says to him. He will do his best to resuscitate his + dead happiness; and if he gets well again, even if you never marry + him, you will have saved him—raised him from the dead!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I can look at him with some sympathy. I admit I can, + now! Perhaps sorrow has changed him for the better; and I say + frankly, if he should be worthy of you when you become a widow, marry + him, by all means! You will be rich then, and independent. You can + not only cure him, but, having done so, you can give him position in + the world—a career! Your marriage to him will then be possible and + pardonable, not, as now, an absolute impossibility!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“For what would become of both of you were you to be + capable of such madness <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">now</span></em>? Universal contempt, beggary; + smacking little boys, which is part of his duty; the reading of + Shakespeare; perpetual, hopeless life in Mordasoff; and lastly his + certain death, which will undoubtedly take place before long unless + he is taken away from here!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“While, if you resuscitate him—if you raise him from the + dead, as it were, you raise him to a good, useful, and virtuous life! + He may then enter public life—make himself rank, and a name! At the + least, even if he must die, he will die happy, at peace with himself, + in your arms—for he will be by then assured of your love and + forgiveness of the past, and lying beneath the scent of myrtles and + lemons, beneath the tropical sky of the South. Oh, Zina, all this is + within your grasp, and all—all is <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">gain</span></em>. + Yes, and all to be had by merely marrying this prince.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + broke off, and for several minutes there was silence; not a word was + said on either side: Zina was in a state of indescribable agitation. + I say indescribable because I will not attempt to describe Zina's + feelings: I cannot guess at them; but I <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">think</span></em> + that Maria Alexandrovna had found the road to her heart.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Not knowing how + her words had sped with her daughter, Maria Alexandrovna now began to + work her busy brain to imagine and prepare herself for every possible + humour that Zina might prove to be in; but at last she concluded that + she had happened upon the right track after all. Her rude hand had + touched the sorest place in Zina's heart, but her crude and absurd + sentimental twaddle had not blinded her daughter. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“However, that doesn't matter”</span>—thought the mother. + <span class="tei tei-q">“All I care to do is to make her <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">think</span></em>; I + wish my ideas to stick!”</span> So she reflected, and she gained her + end; the effect was made—the arrow reached the mark. Zina had + listened hungrily as her mother spoke; her cheeks were burning, her + breast heaved.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Listen, mother,”</span> she said at last, with decision; + though the sudden pallor of her face showed clearly what the decision + had cost her. <span class="tei tei-q">“Listen mother——”</span> But at + this moment a sudden noise in the entrance hall, and a shrill female + voice, asking for Maria Alexandrovna, interrupted Zina, while her + mother jumped up from her chair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! the devil fly away with this magpie of a + woman!”</span> cried the latter furiously. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, I nearly drove her out by force only a fortnight + ago!”</span> she added, almost in despair. <span class="tei tei-q">“I + can't, I can't receive her now. Zina, this question is too important + to be put off: she must have news for me or she never would have + dared to come. I won't receive the old —— Oh! <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">how</span></em> glad + I am to see you, dear Sophia Petrovna. What lucky chance brought + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> to see me? What a <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">charming</span></em> + surprise!”</span> said Maria Alexandrovna, advancing to receive her + guest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina escaped out + of the room.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc12" id="toc12"></a> <a name="pdf13" id="pdf13"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER VI.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mrs. Colonel + Tarpuchin, or Sophia Petrovna, was only morally like a magpie; she + was more akin to the sparrow tribe, viewed physically. She was a + little bit of a woman of fifty summers or so, with lively eyes, and + yellow patches all over her face. On her little wizened body and + spare limbs she wore a black silk dress, which was perpetually on the + rustle: for this little woman could never sit still for an + instant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was the most + inveterate and bitterest scandal-monger in the town. She took her + stand on the fact that she was a Colonel's wife, though she often + fought with her husband, the Colonel, and scratched his face + handsomely on such occasions.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Add to this, that + it was her custom to drink four glasses of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“vodki”</span> at lunch, or earlier, and four more in the + evening; and that she hated Mrs. Antipova to madness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I've just come in for a minute, <span lang="fr" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">mon + ange</span></span>,”</span> she panted; <span class="tei tei-q">“it's + no use sitting down—no time! I wanted to let you know what's going + on, simply that the whole town has gone mad over this prince. Our + <span class="tei tei-q">‘beauties,’</span> you know what I mean! are + all after him, fishing for him, pulling him about, giving him + champagne—you would not believe it! <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">would</span></em> you + now? How on earth you could ever have let him out of the house, I + can't understand! Are you aware that he's at Natalia Dimitrievna's at + this moment?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“At <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Natalia Dimitrievna's</span></em>?”</span> cried + Maria Alexandrovna jumping up. <span class="tei tei-q">“Why, he was + only going to see the Governor, and then call in for one moment at + the Antipova's!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, yes, just for one moment—of course! Well, catch him + if you can, there! That's all I can say. He found the Governor + <span class="tei tei-q">‘out,’</span> and went on to Mrs. Antipova's, + where he has promised to dine. There Natalia caught him—she is never + away from Mrs. Antipova nowadays,—and persuaded him to come away with + her to lunch. So there's your prince! catch him if you + can!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But how—Mosgliakoff's with him—he promised—”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mosgliakoff, indeed,—why, he's gone too! and they'll be + playing at cards and clearing him out before he knows where he is! + And the things Natalia is saying, too—out loud if you please! She's + telling the prince to his face that you, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> have + got hold of him with certain views—<span lang="fr" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">vous + comprenez</span></span>?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She calmly tells him this to his face! Of course he + doesn't understand a word of it, and simply sits there like a soaked + cat, and says <span class="tei tei-q">‘Ye—yes!’</span> And would you + believe it, she has trotted out her Sonia—a girl of fifteen, in a + dress down to her knees—my word on it? Then she has sent for that + little orphan—Masha; she's in a short dress too,—why, I swear it + doesn't reach her knees. I looked at it carefully through my + pince-nez! She's stuck red caps with some sort of feathers in them on + their heads, and set them to dance some silly dance to the piano + accompaniment for the prince's benefit! You know his little weakness + as to our sex,—well, you can imagine him staring at them through his + glass and saying, <span class="tei tei-q">‘<span lang="fr" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Charmant!</span></span>—What figures!’</span> + Tfu! They've turned the place into a music hall! Call that a dance! I + was at school at Madame Jarne's, I know, and there were plenty of + princesses and countesses there with me, too; and I know I danced + before senators and councillors, and earned their applause, too: but + as for this dance—it's a low can-can, and nothing more! I simply + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">burned</span></em> with shame,—I couldn't stand + it, and came out.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How! have you been at Natalia Dimitrievna's? Why, + you——!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What!—she offended me last week? is that what you you + mean? Oh, but, my dear, I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">had</span></em> to go and have a peep at the + prince—else, when should I have seen him? As if I would have gone + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">near</span></em> her but for this wretched old + prince. Imagine—chocolate handed round and <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">me left + out</span></em>. I'll let her have it for that, some day! Well, + good-bye, <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">mon ange</span></span>: I must + hurry off to Akulina, and let her know all about it. You may say + good-bye to the prince; he won't come near you again now! He has no + memory left, you know, and Mrs. Antipova will simply carry him off + bodily to her house. He'll think it's all right——They're all afraid + of you, you know; they think that you want to get hold of him—you + understand! Zina, you know!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">Quelle + horreur!</span></span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, yes, I know! I tell you—the whole town is talking + about it! Mrs. Antipova is going to make him stay to dinner—and then + she'll just keep him! She's doing it to spite <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em>, my + angel. I had a look in at her back premises. <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Such</span></em> + arrangements, my dear. Knives clattering, people running about for + champagne. I tell you what you must do—go and grab him as he comes + out from Natalia Dimitrievna's to Antipova's to dinner. He promised + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> first, he's <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">your</span></em> + guest. Tfu! don't you be laughed at by this brace of chattering + magpies—good for nothing baggage, both of them. <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Procuror's lady,’</span> indeed! Why, I'm a Colonel's + wife. Tfu!—<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">Mais adieu, mon + ange</span></span>. I have my own sledge at the door, or I'd go with + you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having got rid of + this walking newspaper, Maria Alexandrovna waited a moment, to free + herself of a little of her super-abundant agitation. Mrs. Colonel's + advice was good and practical. There was no use losing time,—none to + lose, in fact. But the greatest difficulty of all was as yet + unsettled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + flew to Zina's room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina was walking + up and down, pale, with hands folded and head bent on her bosom: + there were tears in her eyes, but Resolve was there too, and sparkled + in the glance which she threw on her mother as the latter entered the + room. She hastily dried her tears, and a sarcastic smile played on + her lips once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mamma,”</span> she began, anticipating her mother's + speech <span class="tei tei-q">“you have already wasted much of your + eloquence over me—too much! But you have not blinded me; I am not a + child. To do the work of a sister of mercy, without the slightest + call thereto,—to justify one's meanness—meanness proceeding in + reality from the purest egotism, by attributing to it noble ends,—all + this is a sort of Jesuitism which cannot deceive <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">me</span></em>. + Listen! I repeat, all <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">this could not deceive me</span></em>, and I + wish you to understand that!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, dearest child!”</span> began her mother, in some + alarm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Be quiet, mamma; have patience, and hear me out. In + spite of the full consciousness that all this is pure Jesuitism, and + in spite of my full knowledge of the absolutely ignoble character of + such an act, I accept your proposition in full,—you hear + me—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">in + full</span></em>; and inform you hereby, that I am ready to marry the + prince. More! I am ready to help you to the best of my power in your + endeavours to lure the prince into making me an offer. Why do I do + this? You need not know that; enough that I have consented. I have + consented to the whole thing—to bringing him his boots, to serving + him; I will dance for him, that my meanness may be in some sort + atoned. I shall do all I possibly can so that he shall never regret + that he married me! But in return for my consent I insist upon + knowing <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">how</span></em> you intend to bring the matter + about? Since you have spoken so warmly on the subject—I know you!—I + am convinced you must have some definite plan of operation in your + head. Be frank for once in your life; your candour is the essential + condition upon which alone I give my consent. I shall not decide + until you have told me what I require!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + was so surprised by the unexpected conclusion at which Zina arrived, + that she stood before the latter some little while, dumb with + amazement, and staring at her with all her eyes. Prepared to have to + combat the stubborn romanticism of her daughter—whose obstinate + nobility of character she always feared,—she had suddenly heard this + same daughter consent to all that her mother had required of her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Consequently, the + matter had taken a very different complexion. Her eyes sparkled with + delight:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina, Zina!”</span> she cried; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you are my life, my——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She could say no + more, but fell to embracing and kissing her daughter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, mother, I don't <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">want</span></em> all + this kissing!”</span> cried Zina, with impatience and disgust. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I don't need all this rapture on your part; + all I want is a plain answer to my question!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, Zina, I love you; I adore you, darling, and you + repel me like this! I am working for your happiness, + child!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Tears sparkled in + her eyes. Maria Alexandrovna really loved her daughter, in her own + way, and just now she actually felt deeply, for once in her + life—thanks to her agitation, and the success of her eloquence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina, in spite of + her present distorted view of things in general, knew that her mother + loved her; but this love only annoyed her; she would much rather—it + would have been easier for her—if it had been hate!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, well; don't be angry, mamma—I'm so excited just + now!”</span> she said, to soothe her mother's feelings.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm not angry, I'm not angry, darling! I know you are + much agitated!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“You say, my child, that you wish me to be candid: very + well, I will; I will be <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">quite</span></em> frank, I assure you. But you + might have trusted me! Firstly, then, I must tell you that I have no + actually organized plan yet—no <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">detailed</span></em> plan, that is. You must + understand, with that clever little head of yours, you must see, + Zina, that I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">cannot</span></em> have such a plan, all cut + out. I even anticipate some difficulties. Why, that magpie of a woman + has just been telling me all sorts of things. We ought to be quick, + by the bye; you see, I am quite open with you! But I swear to you + that the end shall be attained!”</span> she added, ecstatically. + <span class="tei tei-q">“My convictions are not the result of a + poetical nature, as you told me just now; they are founded on facts. + I rely on the weakness of the prince's intellect—which is a canvas + upon which one can stitch any pattern one pleases!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The only fear is, we may be interfered with! But a fool + of a woman like that is not going to get the better of <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">me</span></em>!”</span> she added, stamping her + foot, and with flashing eyes. <span class="tei tei-q">“That's my part + of the business, though; and to manage it thoroughly I must begin as + soon as possible—in fact, the whole thing, or the most important part + of it, must be arranged this very day!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well, mamma; but now listen to one more piece of + candour. Do you know why I am so interested in your plan of + operations, and do not trust it? because I am not sure of myself! I + have told you already that I consent to this——meanness; but I must + warn you that if I find the details of your plan of operations + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">too</span></em> dirty, too mean and repulsive, I + shall not be able to stand it, and shall assuredly throw you over. I + know that this is a new pettiness, to consent to a wicked thing and + then fear the dirt in which it floats! But what's to be done? So it + will be, and I warn you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But Zina, dear child, where is the wickedness in + this?”</span> asked Maria Alexandrovna timidly. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is simply a matter of a marriage for profit; + everybody does it! Look at it in this light, and you will see there + is nothing particular in it; it is good <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘form’</span> enough!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, mamma, don't try to play the fox over me! Don't you + see that I have consented to everything—to <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">everything</span></em>? What else do you require + of me? Don't be alarmed if I call things by their proper names! For + all you know it may be my only comfort!”</span> And a bitter smile + played over her lips.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well, very well, dear! we may disagree as to ideas + and yet be very fond of one another. But if you are afraid of the + working of my plan, and dread that you will see any baseness or + meanness about it, leave it all to me, dear, and I guarantee you that + not a particle of dirt shall soil you! Your hands shall be clean! As + if I would be the one to compromise you! Trust me entirely, and all + shall go grandly and with dignity; all shall be done worthily; there + shall be no scandal—even if there be a whisper afterwards, we shall + all be out of the way, far off! We shall not stay here, of course! + Let them <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">howl</span></em> if they like, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">we</span></em> won't + care. Besides, they are not worth bothering about, and I wonder at + your being so frightened of these people, Zina. Don't be angry with + me! how can you be so frightened, with your proud nature?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm not frightened; you don't understand me a + bit!”</span> said Zina, in a tone of annoyance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well, darling; don't be angry. I only talk like + this because these people about here are always stirring up mud, if + they can; while you—this is the first time in your life you have done + a mean action.—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Mean</span></em> action! What an old fool I am! + On the contrary, this is a most generous, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">noble</span></em> + act! I'll prove this to you once more, Zina. Firstly, then, it all + depends upon the point of view you take up——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! bother your proofs, mother. I've surely had enough + of them by now,”</span> cried Zina angrily, and stamped her foot on + the floor.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, darling, I won't; it was stupid of me—I + won't!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was another + moment's silence. Maria Alexandrovna looked into her daughter's eyes + as a little dog looks into the eyes of its mistress.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don't understand how you are going to set about + it,”</span> said Zina at last, in a tone of disgust. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I feel sure you will only plunge yourself into a pool of + shame! I'm not thinking of these people about here. I despise their + opinions; but it would be very ignominious for <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em>.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! if that's all, my dear child, don't bother your head + about it: please, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">please</span></em> don't! Let us be agreed about + it, and then you need not fear for me. Dear me! if you but knew, + though, what things I have done, and kept my skin whole! I tell you + this is <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">nothing</span></em> in comparison with + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">real</span></em> difficulties which I have + arranged successfully. Only let me try. But, first of all we must get + the prince <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">alone</span></em>, and that as soon as possible. + That's the first move: all the rest will depend upon the way we + manage this. However, I can foresee the result. They'll all rise + against us; but I'll manage <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">them</span></em> all right! I'm a little nervous + about Mosgliakoff. He——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mosgliakoff!”</span> said Zina, contemptuously.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, but don't you be afraid, Zina! I'll give you my + word I'll work him so that he shall help us himself. You don't know + me yet, my Zina. My child, when I heard about this old prince having + arrived this morning, the idea, as it were, shone out all at once in + my brain! Who would have thought of his really coming to us like + this! It is a chance such as you might wait for a thousand years in + vain. Zina, my angel! there's no shame in what you are doing. What + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">is</span></em> wrong is to marry a man whom you + loathe. Your marriage with the prince will be no <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">real</span></em> + marriage; it is simply a domestic contract. It is he, the old fool, + who gains by it. It is <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">he</span></em> who is made unspeakably, + immeasurably happy. Oh! Zina, how lovely you look to-day. If I were a + man I would give you half a kingdom if you but raised your finger for + it! <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Asses</span></em> they all are! Who wouldn't + kiss a hand like this?”</span> and Maria Alexandrovna kissed her + daughter's hand warmly. <span class="tei tei-q">“Why, this is my own + flesh and blood, Zina. What's to be done afterwards? You won't part + with me, will you? You won't drive your old mother away when you are + happy yourself? No, darling, for though we have quarrelled often + enough, you have not such another friend as I am, Zina! + You——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mamma, if you've made up your mind to it all, perhaps it + is time you set about making some move in the matter. We are losing + time,”</span> said Zina, impatiently.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, it is, it is indeed time; and here am I gabbling on + while they are all doing their best to seduce the prince away from + us. I must be off at once. I shall find them, and bring the prince + back by force, if need be. Good-bye, Zina, darling child. Don't be + afraid, and don't look sad, dear; please don't! It will be all well, + nay, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">gloriously</span></em> well! Good-bye, + good-bye!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + made the sign of the Cross over Zina, and dashed out of the room. She + stopped one moment at her looking-glass to see that all was right, + and then, in another minute, was seated in her carriage and careering + through the Mordasoff streets. Maria Alexandrovna lived in good + style, and her carriage was always in waiting at that hour in case of + need.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no, my dears! it's not for <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> to + outwit me,”</span> she thought, as she drove along. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina agrees; so half the work is done. Oh, Zina, Zina! + so your imagination is susceptible to pretty little visions, is it? + and I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">did</span></em> treat her to a pretty little + picture. She was really touched at last; and how lovely the child + looked to-day! If I had her beauty I should turn half Europe + topsy-turvy. But wait a bit, it's all right. Shakespeare will fly + away to another world when you're a princess, my dear, and know a few + people. What does she know? Mordasoff and the tutor! And what a + princess she will make. I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">love</span></em> to see her pride and pluck. She + looks at you like any queen. And not to know her own good! However, + she soon will. Wait a bit; let this old fool die, and then the boy, + and I'll marry her to a reigning prince yet! The only thing I'm + afraid of is—haven't I trusted her too much? Didn't I allow my + feelings to run away with me too far? I am anxious about her. I am + anxious, anxious!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus Maria + Alexandrovna reflected as she drove along. She was a busy woman, was + Maria Alexandrovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina, left alone, + continued her solitary walk up and down the room with folded hands + and thoughtful brow. She had a good deal to think of! Over and over + again she repeated, <span class="tei tei-q">“It's time—it's time—oh, + it's time!”</span> What did this ejaculation mean? Once or twice + tears glistened on her long silken eyelashes, and she did not attempt + to wipe them away.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her mother worried + herself in vain, as far as Zina was concerned; for her daughter had + quite made up her mind:—she was ready, come what might!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wait a bit!”</span> said the widow to herself, as she + picked her way out of her hiding-place, after having observed and + listened to the interview between Zina and her mother. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“And I was thinking of a wedding dress for myself; I + positively thought the prince would really come my way! So much for + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">my</span></em> wedding dress—what a fool I was! + Oho! Maria Alexandrovna—I'm a baggage, am I—and a beggar;—and I took + a bribe of two hundred roubles from you, did I? And I didn't spend it + on expenses connected with your precious daughter's letter, did I? + and break open a desk for your sake with my own hands! Yes, madam; + I'll teach you what sort of a baggage Nastasia Petrovna is; both of + you shall know her a little better yet! Wait a bit!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc14" id="toc14"></a> <a name="pdf15" id="pdf15"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER VII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria + Alexandrovna's genius had conceived a great and daring project.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To marry her + daughter to a rich man, a prince, and a cripple; to marry her + secretly, to take advantage of the senile feebleness of her guest, to + marry her daughter to this old man <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">burglariously</span></em>, as her enemies would + call it,—was not only a daring, it was a downright audacious, + project.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of course, in case + of success, it would be a profitable undertaking enough; but in the + event of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">non</span></em>-success, what an ignominious + position for the authors of such a failure.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + knew all this, but she did not despair. She had been through deeper + mire than this, as she had rightly informed Zina.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Undoubtedly all + this looked rather too like a robbery on the high road to be + altogether pleasant; but Maria Alexandrovna did not dwell much on + this thought. She had one very simple but very pointed notion on the + subject: namely, this—<span class="tei tei-q">“<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">once married they + can't be unmarried again</span></em>.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a simple, + but very pleasant reflection, and the very thought of it gave Maria + Alexandrovna a tingling sensation in all her limbs. She was in a + great state of agitation, and sat in her carriage as if on pins and + needles. She was anxious to begin the fray: her grand plan of + operations was drawn up; but there were thousands of small details to + be settled, and these must depend upon circumstances. She was not + agitated by fear of failure—oh dear, no! all she minded was delay! + she feared the delay and obstructions that might be put in her way by + the Mordasoff ladies, whose pretty ways she knew so well! She was + well aware that probably at this moment the whole town knew all about + her present intentions, though she had not revealed them to a living + soul. She had found out by painful experience that nothing, not the + most secret event, could happen in her house in the morning but it + was known at the farthest end of the town by the evening.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of course, no + anticipation, no presentiment, deterred or deceived Maria + Alexandrovna: she might feel such sensations at times, but she + despised them. Now, this is what had happened in the town this + morning, and of which our heroine was as yet only partly informed. + About mid-day, that is, just three hours after the prince's arrival + at Mordasoff, extraordinary rumours began to circulate about the + town.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Whence came they? + Who spread them? None could say; but they spread like wild-fire. + Everyone suddenly began to assure his neighbour that Maria + Alexandrovna had engaged her daughter to the prince; that Mosgliakoff + had notice to quit, and that all was settled and signed, and the + penniless, twenty-three-year-old Zina was to be the princess.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Whence came this + rumour? Could it be that Maria Alexandrovna was so thoroughly known + that her friends could anticipate her thoughts and actions under any + given circumstances?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The fact is, every + inhabitant of a provincial town lives under a glass case; there is no + possibility of his keeping anything whatever secret from his + honourable co-dwellers in the place. They know <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">everything</span></em>; they know it, too, + better than he does himself. Every provincial person should be a + psychologist by nature; and that is why I have been surprised, often + and often, to observe when I am among provincials that there is not a + great number of psychologists—as one would expect,—but an infinite + number of dreadful asses. However, this a digression.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The rumour thus + spread, then, was a thunder-like and startling shock to the Mordasoff + system. Such a marriage—a marriage with this prince—appeared to all + to be a thing so very desirable, so brilliant, that the strange side + of the affair had not seemed to strike anyone as yet!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One more + circumstance must be noticed. Zina was even more detested in the + place than her mother; why, I don't know. Perhaps her beauty was the + prime cause. Perhaps, too, it was that Maria Alexandrovna was, as it + were, one of themselves, a fruit of their own soil: if she was to go + away she might even be missed; she kept the place alive more or + less—it might be dull without her! But with Zina it was quite a + different matter: she lived more in the clouds than in the town of + Mordasoff. She was no company for these good people; she could not + pair with them. Perhaps she bore herself towards them, unconsciously + though, too haughtily.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And now this same + Zina, this haughty girl, about whom there were certain scandalous + stories afloat, this same Zina was to become a millionaire, a + princess, and a woman of rank and eminence!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a couple of + years she might marry again, some duke, perhaps, or a general, maybe + a Governor; their own Governor was a widower, and very fond of the + ladies! Then she would be the first lady of their province! Why, the + very thought of such a thing would be intolerable: in fact, this + rumour of Zina's marriage with the prince aroused more irritation in + Mordasoff than any other piece of gossip within the memory of + man!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">People told each + other that it was a sin and a shame, that the prince was crazy, that + the old man was being deceived, caught, robbed—anything you like; + that the prince must be saved from the bloodthirsty talons he had + floundered into; that the thing was simply robbery, immorality. And + why were any others worse than Zina? Why should not somebody else + marry the prince?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + only guessed at all this at present—but that was quite enough. She + knew that the whole town would rise up and use all and every means to + defeat her ends. Why, they had tried to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“confiscate”</span> the prince already; she would have to + retrieve him by force, and if she should succeed in luring or forcing + him back now, she could not keep him tied to her apron-strings for + ever. Again, what was to prevent this whole troop of Mordasoff + gossips from coming <span class="tei tei-foreign"><span style= + "font-style: italic">en masse</span></span> to her salon, under such + a plausible plea, too, that she would not be able to turn them out. + She knew well that if kicked out of the door these good people would + get in at the window—a thing which had actually happened before now + at Mordasoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a word, there + was not an hour, not a moment to be lost; and meanwhile things were + not even begun. A brilliant idea now struck Maria Alexandrovna. We + shall hear what this idea was in its proper place, meanwhile I will + only state that my heroine dashed through the streets of Mordasoff, + looking like a threatening storm-cloud as she swept along full of the + stern and implacable resolve that the prince should come back if she + had to drag him, and fight for him; and that all Mordasoff might fall + in ruins but she should have her way!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her first move was + successful—it could not have been more so.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She chanced to + meet the prince in the street, and carried him off to dinner with + her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If my reader + wishes to know <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">how</span></em> this feat was accomplished with + such a circle of enemies about and around her, and how she managed to + make such a fool of Mrs. Antipova, then I must be allowed to point + out that such a question is an insult to Maria Alexandrovna. As if + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">she</span></em> were not capable of outwitting + any Antipova that ever breathed!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She simply + <span class="tei tei-q">“arrested”</span> the prince at her rival's + very door, as he alighted there with Mosgliakoff, in spite of the + latter's terror of a scandal, and in spite of everything else; and + she popped the old man into the carriage beside her. Of course the + prince made very little resistance, and as usual, forgot all about + the episode in a couple of minutes, and was as happy as possible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At dinner he was + hilarious to a degree; he made jokes and fun, and told stories which + had no ends, or which he tacked on to ends belonging to other + stories, without remarking the fact.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had had three + glasses of champagne at lunch at Natalie Dimitrievna's. He now took + more wine, and his old head whirled with it. Maria Alexandrovna plied + him well. The dinner was very good: the mistress of the house kept + the company alive with most bewitching airs and manners,—at least so + it should have been, but all excepting herself and the prince were + terribly dull on this occasion. Zina sat silent and grave. + Mosgliakoff was clearly off his feed: he was very thoughtful; and as + this was unusual Maria Alexandrovna was considerably anxious about + him. The widow looked cross and cunning; she continually made + mysterious signs to Mosgliakoff on the sly; but the latter took no + notice of them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If the mistress + herself had not been so amiable and bewitching, the dinner party + might have been mistaken for a lunch at a funeral!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile Maria + Alexandrovna's condition of mind was in reality excited and agitated + to a terrible degree. Zina alone terrified her by her tragic look and + tearful eyes. And there was another difficulty—for that accursed + Mosgliakoff would probably sit about and get in the way of business! + One could not well set about it with him in the room!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So, Maria + Alexandrovna rose from the table in some agitation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But what was her + amazement, her joyful surprise, when Mosgliakoff came up to her after + dinner, of his own accord, and suddenly and most unexpectedly + informed her that he must—to his infinite regret—leave the house on + important business for a short while.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, where are you going to?”</span> she asked, with + great show of regret.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, you see,”</span> began Mosgliakoff, rather + disconcerted and uncomfortable, <span class="tei tei-q">“I have + to—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">may</span></em> I come to you for + advice?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is it—what is it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, you see, my godfather Borodueff—you know the man; I + met him in the street to-day, and he is dreadfully angry with me, + says I am grown so <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">proud</span></em>, that though I have been in + Mordasoff three times I have never shown my nose inside his doors. He + asked me to come in for a cup of tea at five—it's four now. He has no + children, you know,—and he is worth a million of roubles—<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">more</span></em>, + they say; and if I marry Zina—you see,—and he's seventy years old + now!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, my good boy, of course, of course!—what are you + thinking of? You must not neglect that sort of thing—go at once, of + course! I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">thought</span></em> you looked preoccupied at + dinner. You ought to have gone this morning and shewn him that you + cared for him, and so on. Oh, you boys, you boys!”</span> cried Maria + Alexandrovna with difficulty concealing her joy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thanks, thanks, Maria Alexandrovna! you've made a man of + me again! I declare I quite feared telling you—for I know you didn't + think much of the connection.—He is a common sort of old fellow, I + know! So good-bye—my respects to Zina, and apologies—I must be off, + of course I shall be back soon!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Good-bye—take my blessing with you; say something polite + to the old man for me; I have long changed my opinion of him; I have + grown to like the real old Russian style of the man. <span lang="fr" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Au revoir, mon ami, au + revoir!</span></span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, it <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">is</span></em> a mercy that the devil has + carried him off, out of the way!”</span> she reflected, flushing with + joy as Paul took his departure out of the room. But Paul had only + just reached the hall and was putting on his fur coat when to him + appeared—goodness knows whence—the widow, Nastasia Petrovna. She had + been waiting for him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where are you going to?”</span> she asked, holding him + by the arm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To my godfather Borodueff's—a rich old fellow; I want + him to leave me money. Excuse me—I'm in rather a hurry!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff was in + a capital humour!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! then say good-bye to your betrothed!”</span> + remarked the widow, cuttingly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And why <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘good-bye’</span>?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why; you think she's yours already, do you? and they are + going to marry her to the prince! I heard them say so + myself!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To the prince? Oh, come now, Nastasia + Petrovna!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, it's not a case of 'come now' at all! Would you like + to see and hear it for yourself? Put down your coat, and come along + here,—this way!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Excuse me, Nastasia Petrovna, but I don't understand + what you are driving at!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! you'll understand fast enough if you just bend down + here and listen! The comedy is probably just beginning!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What comedy?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hush! don't talk so loud! The comedy of humbugging + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em>. This morning, when you went + away with the prince, Maria Alexandrovna spent a whole hour talking + Zina over into marrying the old man! She told her that nothing was + easier than to lure the prince into marrying her; and all sorts of + other things that were enough to make one sick! Zina agreed. You + should have heard the pretty way in which <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> were + spoken of! They think you simply a fool! Zina said plump out that she + would never marry you! Listen now, listen!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why—why—it would be most godless cunning,”</span> Paul + stammered, looking sheepishly into Nastasia's eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, just you listen—you'll hear that, and more + besides!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But how am I to listen?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here, bend down here. Do you see that + keyhole!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! but, Nastasia Petrovna, I can't eavesdrop, you + know!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, nonsense, nonsense! Put your pride in your pocket! + You've come, and you must listen now!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, at all events——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! if you can't bear to be an eavesdropper, let it + alone, and be made a fool of! One goes out of one's way solely out of + pity for you, and you must needs make difficulties! What is it to me? + I'm not doing this for myself! <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> shall leave the house before + night, in any case!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Paul, steeling his + heart, bent to the keyhole.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His pulses were + raging and throbbing. He did not realise what was going on, or what + he was doing, or where he was.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc16" id="toc16"></a> <a name="pdf17" id="pdf17"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER VIII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So you were very gay, prince, at Natalia + Dimitrievna's?”</span> asked Maria Alexandrovna, surveying the + battlefield before her; she was anxious to begin the conversation as + innocently as possible; but her heart beat loud with hope and + agitation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After dinner the + Prince had been carried off to the salon, where he was first received + in the morning. Maria Alexandrovna prided herself on this room, and + always used it on state occasions.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old man, after + his six glasses of champagne, was not very steady on his legs; but he + talked away all the more, for the same reason.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Surveying the + field of battle before the fray, Maria Alexandrovna had observed with + satisfaction that the voluptuous old man had already begun to regard + Zina with great tenderness, and her maternal heart beat high with + joy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! ch—charming—very gay indeed!”</span> replied the + prince, <span class="tei tei-q">“and, do you know, Nat—alia + Dimitrievna is a wo—wonderful woman, a ch—charming woman!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Howsoever busy + with her own high thoughts and exalted ideas, Maria Alexandrovna's + heart waxed wrathful to hear such a loud blast of praise on her + rival's account.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! Prince,”</span> she began, with flashing eyes, + <span class="tei tei-q">“if Natalia Dimitrievna is a charming woman + in your eyes, then I really don't know <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">what</span></em> to + think! After such a statement, dear Prince, you must not claim to + know society here—no, no!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Really! You sur—pr—prise me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I assure you—I assure you, <span lang="fr" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">mon + cher</span></span> Prince! Listen Zina, I must just tell the prince + that absurd story about what Natalia Dimitrievna did when she was + here last week. Dearest prince, I am not a scandal-monger, but I + must, I really <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">must</span></em> tell you this, if only to make + you laugh, and to show you a living picture, as it were, of what + people are like in this place! Well, last week this Natalia + Dimitrievna came to call upon me. Coffee was brought in, and I had to + leave the room for a moment—I forget why—at all events, I went out. + Now, I happened to have remarked how much sugar there was in the + silver sugar basin; it was quite full. Well, I came back in a few + minutes—looked at the sugar basin, and!——three lumps—three little + wretched lumps at the very bottom of the basin, prince!—and she was + all alone in the room, mind! Now that woman has a large house of her + own, and lots of money! Of course this is merely a funny story—but + you can judge from this what sort of people one has to deal with + here!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“N—no! you don't mean it!”</span> said the prince, in + real astonishment. <span class="tei tei-q">“What a gr—eedy woman! Do + you mean to say she ate it all up?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There, prince, and that's your <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘charming woman!’</span> What do you think of <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">that</span></em> nice + little bit of lady-like conduct? I think I should have died of shame + if I had ever allowed myself to do such a dirty thing as + that!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, ye—yes! but, do you know, she is a real + <span class="tei tei-q">‘<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">belle + femme</span></span>’</span> all the same!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What! Natalia Dimitrievna? My dear prince; why, she is a + mere tub of a woman! Oh! prince, prince! what have you said? I + expected far better taste of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em>, prince!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, tub—tub, of course! but she's a n—nice figure, a + nice figure! And the girl who danced—oh! a nice figure too, a very + nice figure of a wo—woman!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What, Sonia? Why she's a mere child, prince? She's only + thirteen years old.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, ye—yes, of course; but her figure de—velops very + fast—charming, charming! And the other da—ancing girl, she's + de—veloping too—nicely: she's dirty rather—she might have washed her + hands, but very at—tractive, charming!”</span> and the prince raised + his glass again and hungrily inspected Zina. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">Mais quelle charmante + personne!</span></span>—what a lovely girl!”</span> he muttered, + melting with satisfaction.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina, play us something, or—better still, sing us a + song! How she sings, prince! she's an artiste—a real artiste; oh if + you only knew, dear prince,”</span> continued Maria Alexandrovna, in + a half whisper, as Zina rose to go to the piano with her stately but + quiet gait and queenly composure, which evidently told upon the old + man; <span class="tei tei-q">“if you only knew what a daughter that + is to me! how she can love; how tender, how affectionate she is to + me! what taste she has, what a heart!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes! ye—yes! taste. And do you know, I have only + known one woman in all my life who could compare with her in + love—liness. It was the late C—ountess Nainsky: she died thirty years + ago, a w—onderful woman, and her beauty was quite sur—passing. She + married her co—ook at last.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Her cook, prince?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, her cook, a Frenchman, abroad. She bought him a + count's title a—broad; he was a good-looking fellow enough, with + little moustaches——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And how did they get on?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, very well indeed; however, they p—arted very soon; + they quarrelled about some sa—sauce. He robbed her—and + bo—olted.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mamma, what shall I play?”</span> asked Zina.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Better sing us something, Zina. <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">How</span></em> she + sings, prince! Do you like music?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, ye—yes! charming, charming. I love music + pass—sionately. I knew Beethoven, abroad.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Knew Beethoven!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna, + ecstatically. <span class="tei tei-q">“Imagine, Zina, the prince knew + Beethoven! Oh, prince, did you really, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">really</span></em> + know the great Beethoven?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, we were great friends, Beet—hoven and I; he was + always taking snuff—such a funny fellow!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What, Beethoven?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, Beethoven; or it may have been some other German + fellow—I don't know; there are a great many Germans there. I + forget.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, what shall I sing, mamma?”</span> asked Zina + again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh Zina darling, do sing us that lovely ballad all about + knights, you know, and the girl who lived in a castle and loved a + troubadour. Don't you know! Oh, prince, how I do <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">love</span></em> all + those knightly stories and songs, and the castles! Oh! the castles, + and life in the middle ages, and the troubadours, and heralds and + all. Shall I accompany you, Zina? Sit down near here, prince. Oh! + those castles, those castles!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, ye—yes, castles; I love ca—astles too!”</span> + observed the prince, staring at Zina all the while with the whole of + his one eye, as if he would like to eat her up at once. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, good heavens,”</span> he cried, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that song! I know that s—song. I heard that song + years—years ago! Oh! how that song reminds me of so—omething. Oh, + oh.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I will not attempt + to describe the ecstatic state of the prince while Zina sang.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She warbled an old + French ballad which had once been all the fashion. Zina sang it + beautifully; her lovely face, her glorious eyes, her fine sweet + contralto voice, all this went to the prince's heart at once; and her + dark thick hair, her heaving bosom, her proud, beautiful, stately + figure as she sat at the piano, and played and sang, quite finished + him. He never took his eyes off her, he panted with excitement. His + old heart, partially revivified with champagne, with the music, and + with awakening recollections (and who is there who has no beloved + memories of the past?), his old heart beat faster and faster. It was + long since it had last beat in this way. He was ready to fall on his + knees at her feet, when Zina stopped singing, and he was almost in + tears with various emotions.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, my charming, charming child,”</span> he cried, + putting his lips to her fingers, <span class="tei tei-q">“you have + ra—vished me quite—quite! I remember all now. Oh charming, charming + child!——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The poor prince + could not finish his sentence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + felt that the moment had arrived for her to make a move.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">why</span></em> do you bury yourself alive as + you do, prince?”</span> she began, solemnly. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“So much taste, so much vital energy, so many rich gifts + of the mind and soul—and to hide yourself in solitude all your days; + to flee from mankind, from your friends. Oh, it is unpardonable! + Prince, bethink yourself. Look up at life again with open eyes. Call + up your dear memories of the past; think of your golden youth—your + golden, careless, happy days of youth! Wake them, wake them from the + dead, Prince! and wake yourself, too; and recommence life among men + and women and society! Go abroad—to Italy, to Spain, oh, to Spain, + Prince! You must have a guide, a heart that will love and respect, + and sympathize with you! You have friends; summon them about you! + Give the word, and they will rally round you in crowds! I myself will + be the first to throw up everything, and answer to your cry! I + remembered our old friendship, my Prince; and I will sacrifice + husband, home, all, and follow you. Yes, and were I but young and + lovely, like my daughter here, I would be your fellow, your friend, + your <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">wife</span></em>, if you said but the + word!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And I am convinced that you were a most charming + creature in your day, too!”</span> said the prince, blowing his nose + violently. His eyes were full of tears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We live again in our children,”</span> said Maria + Alexandrovna, with great feeling. <span class="tei tei-q">“I, too, + have my guardian angel, and that is this child, my daughter, Prince, + the partner of my heart and of all my thoughts! She has refused seven + offers because she is unwilling to leave me! So that she will go too, + when you accompany me abroad.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In that case, I shall certainly go abroad,”</span> cried + the prince with animation. <span class="tei tei-q">“As—suredly I + shall go! And if only I could ve—venture to hope—oh! you be—witching + child, charming, be—witching child!”</span> And the prince + recommenced to kiss Zina's fingers. The poor old man was evidently + meditating going down on his knees before her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, Prince,”</span> began Maria Alexandrovna again, + feeling that the opportunity had arrived for another display of + eloquence. <span class="tei tei-q">“But, Prince, you say, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘If only I could flatter myself into + indulging any hope!’</span> Why, what a strange man you are, Prince. + Surely you do not suppose that you are unworthy the flattering + attention of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">any</span></em> woman! It is not only youth that + constitutes true beauty. Remember that you are, so to speak, a chip + of the tree of aristocracy. You are a representative of all the most + knightly, most refined taste and culture and manners. Did not Maria + fall in love with the old man Mazeppa? I remember reading that + Lauzun, that fascinating marquis of the court of Louis (I forget + which), when he was an old, bent and bowed man, won the heart of one + of the youngest and most beautiful women about the court.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And who told you you are an old man? Who taught you that + nonsense? Do men like you ever grow old? You, with your wealth of + taste and wit, and animation and vital energy and brilliant manners! + Just you make your appearance at some watering-place abroad with a + young wife on your arm—some lovely young girl like my Zina, for + instance—of course I merely mention her as an example, nothing + more,—and you will see at once what a colossal effect you will + produce: you, a scion of our aristocracy; she a beauty among + beauties! You will lead her triumphantly on your arm; she, perhaps, + will sing in some brilliant assemblage; you will delight the company + with your wit. Why, all the people of the place will crowd to see + you! All Europe will ring with your renown, for every newspaper and + feuilleton at the Waters will be full of you. And yet you say, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘If I could but <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">venture</span></em> + to <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">hope</span></em>,’</span> indeed!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The feuilletons! yes—ye—yes, and the newspapers,”</span> + said the prince, growing more and more feeble with love, but not + understanding half of Maria Alexandrovna's tall talk. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, my child, if you're not tired, do repeat that song + which you have just sung so cha—armingly once more.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! but, Prince, she has other lovely songs, still + prettier ones; don't you remember <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">L'Hirondelle</span></span>? You must have heard + it, haven't you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, I remember it; at least I've for—gotten it. No, + no! the one you have just sung. I don't want the Hir—ondelle! I want + that other song,”</span> whined the prince, just like any child.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina sang + again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This time the + prince could not contain himself; he fell on his knees at her feet, + he cried, he sobbed:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, my beautiful <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">chatelaine</span></span>!”</span> he cried in + his shaky old voice—shaky with old age and emotion combined. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, my charming, charming <span lang="fr" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">chatelaine</span></span>! oh, my dear child! You + have re—minded me of so much that is long, long passed! I always + thought then that things must be fairer in the future than in the + present. I used to sing duets with the vis—countess in this very + ballad! And now, oh! I don't know what to do, I don't know <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">what</span></em> to + do!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The prince panted + and choked as he spoke; his tongue seemed to find it difficult to + move; some of his words were almost unintelligible. It was clear that + he was in the last stage of emotional excitement. Maria Alexandrovna + immediately poured oil on the fire.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, Prince, I do believe you are falling in love with + my Zina,”</span> she cried, feeling that the moment was a solemn + one.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The prince's reply + surpassed her fondest expectations.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am madly in love with her!”</span> cried the old man, + all animated, of a sudden. He was still on his knees, and he trembled + with excitement as he spoke. <span class="tei tei-q">“I am ready to + give my life for her! And if only I could hope, if only I might have + a little hope—I,—but, lift me up; I feel so weak. I—if only she would + give me the hope that I might offer her my heart, I—she should sing + ballads to me every day; and I could look at her, and look and gaze + and gaze at her.——Oh, my God! my God!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Prince, Prince! you are offering her your hand. You want + to take her from me, my Zina! my darling, my <span lang="fr" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">ange</span></span>, my own dear child, Zina! No, + Zina, no, I can't let you go! They must tear you from me, Zina. They + must tear you first from your mother's arms!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + sprang to her daughter, and caught her up in a close embrace, + conscious, withal, of serious physical resistance on Zina's part. The + fond mother was a little overdoing it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina felt this + with all her soul, and she looked on at the whole comedy with + inexpressible loathing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">However, she held + her tongue, and that was all the fond mother required of her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She has refused nine men because she will not leave + me!”</span> said Maria. <span class="tei tei-q">“But this time, I + fear—my heart tells me that we are doomed to part! I noticed just now + how she looked at you, Prince. You have impressed her with your + aristocratic manner, with your refinement. Oh! Prince, you are going + to separate us—I feel it, I feel it!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I ad—ore her!”</span> murmured the poor old man, still + trembling like an autumnal leaf.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And you'll consent to leave your mother!”</span> cried + Maria Alexandrovna, throwing herself upon her daughter once more. + Zina made haste to bring this, to her, painful scene to an end. She + stretched her pretty hand silently to the prince, and even forced + herself to smile. The prince reverently took the little hand into his + own, and covered it with kisses.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am only this mo—ment beginning to live,”</span> he + mutterred, in a voice that seemed choking with rapture and + ecstasy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina,”</span> began Maria Alexandrovna, solemnly, + <span class="tei tei-q">“look well at this man! This is the most + honest and upright and noble man of all the men I know. He is a + knight of the middle ages! But she knows it, Prince, she knows it too + well; to my grief I say it. Oh! why did you come here? I am + surrendering my treasure to you—my angel! Oh! take care of her, + Prince. Her mother entreats you to watch over her. And what mother + could blame my grief!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Enough, mamma! that's enough,”</span> said Zina, + quietly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Protect her from all hurt and insult, Prince! Can I rely + upon your sword to flash in the face of the vile scandal-monger who + dares to offend my Zina?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Enough, mother, I tell you! am I——?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, ye—yes, it shall flash all right,”</span> said + the prince. <span class="tei tei-q">“But I want to be married now, at + once. I—I'm only just learning what it is to live. I want to send off + to Donchanovo at once. I want to send for some di—iamonds I have + there. I want to lay them at her feet.——I——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What noble ardour! what ecstasy of love! what noble, + generous feelings you have, Prince!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna. + <span class="tei tei-q">“And you could bury yourself—<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">bury</span></em> + yourself, far from the world and society! I shall remind you of this + a thousand times! I go mad when I think of that <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">hellish</span></em> + woman.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What could I do? I was fri—ghtened!”</span> stammered + the prince in a whining voice: <span class="tei tei-q">“they wanted + to put me in a lu—unatic asylum! I was dreadfully + alarmed!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In a lunatic asylum? Ah, the scoundrels! oh, the inhuman + wretches! Ah, the low cunning of them! Yes, Prince; I had heard of + it. But the lunacy was in these people, not in <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em>. Why, + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">why</span></em> was it—what for?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don't know myself, what it was for,”</span> replied + the poor old man, feebly sinking into his chair; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I was at a ball, don't you know, and told some an—ecdote + or other and they didn't like it; and so they got up a scandal and a + ro—ow.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Surely that was not all, Prince?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No;—the—I was playing cards with Prince Paul + De—mentieff, and I was cleared out: you see, I had two kings and + three quee—ns, three kings and two qu—eens; or I should say—one + king—and some queens—I know I had——.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And it was for this? Oh, the hellish inhumanity of some + people! You are weeping, Prince; but be of good cheer—it is all over + now! Now I shall be at hand, dearest Prince,—I shall not leave Zina; + and we shall see which of them will dare to say a word to you, + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">then</span></em>! And do you know, my Prince, + your marriage will expose them! it will shame them! They will see + that you are a man—that a lovely girl like our Zina would never have + married a madman! You shall raise your head proudly now, and look + them straight in the face!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes; I shall look them straight in the f—ace!”</span> + murmured the prince, slowly shutting his eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + saw that her work was done: the prince was tired out with love and + emotion. She was only wasting her eloquence!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Prince, you are disturbed and tired, I see you + are!”</span> she said; <span class="tei tei-q">“you must rest, you + must take a good rest after so much agitation,”</span> she added, + bending over him maternally.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, ye—yes; I should like to lie down a + little,”</span> said the old man.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course, of course! you must lie down! those agitating + scenes——stop, I will escort you myself, and arrange your couch with + my own hands! Why are you looking so hard at that portrait, Prince? + That is my mother's picture; she was an angel—not a woman! Oh, why is + she not among us at this joyful moment!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes; charming—charming! Do you know, I had a mother + too,—a princess, and imagine! a re—markably, a re—markably fat woman + she was; but that is not what I was going to say,——I—I feel a little + weak, and——Au revoir, my charming child—to-morrow—to-day—I + will—I—I—Au revoir, au revoir!”</span> Here the poor old fellow tried + to kiss his hand, but slipped, and nearly fell over the threshold of + the door.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Take care, dear Prince—take care! lean on my + arm!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Charming, ch—arming!”</span> he muttered, as he left the + room. <span class="tei tei-q">“I am only now le—learning to + live!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina was left + alone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A terrible + oppression weighed down her heart. She felt a sensation of loathing + which nearly suffocated her. She despised herself—her cheeks burned. + With folded hands, and teeth biting hard into her lips, she stood in + one spot, motionless. The tears of shame streamed from her eyes,——and + at this moment the door opened, and Paul Mosgliakoff entered the + room!</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc18" id="toc18"></a> <a name="pdf19" id="pdf19"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER IX.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had heard + all—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">all</span></em>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He did not + actually enter the room, but stood at the door, pale with excitement + and fury. Zina looked at him in amazement.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So that's the sort of person you are!”</span> he cried + panting. <span class="tei tei-q">“At last I have found you out, have + I?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Found me out?”</span> repeated Zina, looking at him as + though he were a madman. Suddenly her eyes flashed with rage. + <span class="tei tei-q">“How dare you address me like that?”</span> + she cried, advancing towards him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have heard all!”</span> said Mosgliakoff solemnly, but + involuntarily taking a step backwards.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You heard? I see—you have been eavesdropping!”</span> + cried Zina, looking at him with disdain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, I have been eavesdropping! Yes—I consented to do a + mean action, and my reward is that I have found out that you, too, + are——I don't know how to express to you what I think you!”</span> he + replied, looking more and more timid under Zina's eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And supposing that you <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">have</span></em> + heard all: what right have you to blame me? What right have you to + speak to me so insolently, in any case?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I!</span></em>—<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">I?</span></em> what + right have <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em>? and <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> can + ask me this? You are going to marry this prince, and I have no right + to say a word! Why, you gave me your promise—is that + nothing?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“When?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How, when?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Did not I tell you that morning, when you came to me + with your sentimental nonsense—did I not tell you that I could give + you no decided answer?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But you did not reject me; you did not send me away. I + see—you kept me hanging in reserve, in case of need! You lured me + into your net! I see, I see it all!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">An expression of + pain flitted over Zina's careworn face, as though someone had + suddenly stabbed her to the heart; but she mastered her feelings.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“If I didn't turn you out of the house,”</span> she began + deliberately and very clearly, though her voice had a scarcely + perceptible tremor in it, <span class="tei tei-q">“I refrained from + such a course purely out of pity. You begged me yourself to postpone, + to give you time, not to say you <span class="tei tei-q">‘No,’</span> + to study you better, and <span class="tei tei-q">‘then,’</span> you + said, <span class="tei tei-q">‘then, when you know what a fine fellow + I am, perhaps you will not refuse me!’</span> These were your own + words, or very like them, at the very beginning of your + courtship!—you cannot deny them! And now you dare to tell me that I + <span class="tei tei-q">‘lured you into my net,’</span> just as + though you did not notice my expression of loathing when you made + your appearance this morning! You came a fortnight sooner than I + expected you, and I did not hide my disgust; on the contrary, I made + it evident—you must have noticed it—I know you did; because you asked + me whether I was angry because you had come sooner than you promised! + Let me tell you that people who do not, and do not <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">care</span></em> to, + hide their loathing for a man can hardly be accused of luring that + man into their net! You dare to tell me that I was keeping you in + reserve! Very well; my answer to that is, that I judged of you like + this: <span class="tei tei-q">‘Though he may not be endowed with much + intellect, still he may turn out to be a good enough fellow; and if + so, it might be possible to marry him.’</span> However, being + persuaded, now, that you are a fool, and a <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">mischievous</span></em> fool into the + bargain,—having found out this fact, to my great joy,—it only remains + for me now to wish you every happiness and a pleasant journey. + Good-bye!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With these words + Zina turned her back on him, and deliberately made for the door.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff, + seeing that all was lost, boiled over with fury.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! so I'm a fool!”</span> he yelled; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm a fool, am I? Very well, good-bye! But before I go, + the whole town shall know of this! They shall all hear how you and + your mother made the old man drunk, and then swindled him! I shall + let the whole world know it! You shall see what Mosgliakoff can + do!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina trembled and + stopped, as though to answer; but on reflection, she contented + herself by shrugging her shoulders; glanced contemptuously at + Mosgliakoff, and left the room, banging the door after her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At this moment + Maria Alexandrovna made her appearance. She heard Mosgliakoff's + exclamation, and, divining at once what had happened, trembled with + terror. Mosgliakoff still in the house, and near the prince! + Mosgliakoff about to spread the news all over the town! At this + moment, when secrecy, if only for a short time, was essential! But + Maria Alexandrovna was quick at calculations: she thought, with an + eagle flight of the mind, over all the circumstances of the case, and + her plan for the pacification of Mosgliakoff was ready in an + instant!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is it, <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">mon + ami</span></span>?”</span> she said, entering the room, and holding + out her hand to him with friendly warmth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How—<span class="tei tei-q">‘<span lang="fr" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">mon + ami</span></span>?’</span> ”</span> cried the enraged Mosgliakoff. + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">Mon ami</span></span>, + indeed! the moment after you have abused and reviled me like a + pickpocket! No, no! Not quite so green, my good lady! I'm not to be + so easily imposed upon again!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am sorry, extremely sorry, to see you in such a + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">strange</span></em> condition of mind, Paul + Alexandrovitch! What expressions you use! You do not take the trouble + to choose your words before ladies—oh, fie!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Before ladies? Ho ho! You—you are—you are anything you + like—but not a lady!”</span> yelled Mosgliakoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I don't quite know + what he meant, but it was something very terrible, you may be + sure!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + looked benignly in his face:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Sit down!”</span> she said, sorrowfully, showing him a + chair, the same that the old prince had reclined in a quarter of an + hour before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But listen, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">will</span></em> you listen, Maria Alexandrovna? + You look at me just as though you were not the least to blame; in + fact, as though <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> were the guilty party! Really, + Maria Alexandrovna, this is a little <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">too</span></em> much + of a good thing! No human being can stand that sort of thing, Maria + Alexandrovna! You must be aware of that fact!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My dear friend,”</span> replied Maria + Alexandrovna—<span class="tei tei-q">“you will allow me to continue + to call you by that name, for you have no better friend than I am!—my + friend, you are suffering—you are amazed and bewildered; your heart + is sore, and therefore the tone of your remarks to me is perhaps not + surprising. But I have made up my mind to open my heart to you, + especially as I am, perhaps, in some degree to blame before you. Sit + down; let us talk it over!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria + Alexandrovna's voice was tender to a sickly extent. Her face showed + the pain she was suffering. The amazed Mosgliakoff sat down beside + her in the arm-chair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You hid somewhere, and listened, I suppose?”</span> she + began, looking reproachfully into his face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes I did, of course I did; and a good thing too! What a + fool I should have looked if I hadn't! At all events now I know what + you have been plotting against me!”</span> replied the injured man, + rudely; encouraging and supporting himself by his own fury.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And you—and you—with your principles, and with your + bringing up, could condescend to such an action—Oh, oh!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff jumped + up.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Maria Alexandrovna, this is a little too much!”</span> + he cried. <span class="tei tei-q">“Consider what <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> + condescend to do, with <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">your</span></em> principles, and <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">then</span></em> + judge of other people.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“One more question,”</span> she continued, without + replying to his outburst: <span class="tei tei-q">“who recommended + you to be an eavesdropper; who told you anything; who is the spy + here? That's what I wish to know!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, excuse me; that I shall <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></em> tell + you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well; I know already. I said, Paul, that I was in + some degree to blame before you. But if you look into the matter you + will find that if I am to blame it is solely in consequence of my + anxiety to do you a good turn!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">What?</span></em> a good turn—<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">me</span></em>? No, + no, madam! I assure you I am not to be caught again! I'm not quite + such a fool!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He moved so + violently in his arm-chair that it shook again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Now, do be cool, if you can, my good friend. Listen to + me attentively, and you will find that what I say is only the bare + truth. In the first place I was anxious to inform you of all that has + just taken place, in which case you would have learned everything, + down to the smallest detail, without being obliged to descend to + eavesdropping! If I did not tell you all before, it was simply + because the whole matter was in an embryo condition in my mind. It + was then quite possible that what <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">has</span></em> + happened would never happen. You see, I am quite open with + you.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In the second place, do not blame my daughter. She loves + you to distraction; and it was only by the exercise of my utmost + influence that I persuaded her to drop you, and accept the prince's + offer.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have just had the pleasure of receiving convincing + proof of her <span class="tei tei-q">‘love to + distraction!’</span> ”</span> remarked Mosgliakoff, ironically and + bitterly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well. But how did you speak to <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">her</span></em>? As a + lover should speak? Again, ought <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">any</span></em> man + of respectable position and tone to speak like that? You insulted and + wounded her!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Never mind about my <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘tone’</span> now! All I can say is that this morning, + when I went away with the prince, in spite of both of you having been + as sweet as honey to me before, you reviled me behind my back like a + pickpocket! <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> know all about it, you + see!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, from the same dirty source, I suppose?”</span> said + Maria Alexandrovna, smiling disdainfully. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, Paul, I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">did</span></em> revile you: I pitched into you + considerably, and I admit it frankly. But it was simply that I was + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">bound</span></em> to blacken you before her. + Why? Because, as I have said, I required her to consent to leave you, + and this consent was so difficult to tear from her! Short-sighted man + that you are! If she had not loved you, why should I have required so + to blacken your character? Why should I have been obliged to take + this extreme step? Oh! you don't know all! I was forced to use my + fullest maternal authority in order to erase you from her heart; and + with all my influence and skill I only succeeded in erasing your dear + image superficially and partially! If you saw and heard all just now, + it cannot have escaped you that Zina did not once, by either word or + gesture, encourage or confirm my words to the prince? Throughout the + whole scene she said not one word. She sang, but like an automaton! + Her whole soul was in anguish, and at last, out of pity for her, I + took the prince away. I am sure, she cried, when I left her alone! + When you entered the room you must have observed tears in her + eyes?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff + certainly did recall the fact that when he rushed into the room Zina + was crying.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But you—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em>—why were <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> so + against me, Maria Alexandrovna?”</span> he cried. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why did you revile me and malign me, as you admit you + did?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah, now that's quite a different question. Now, if you + had only asked me reasonably at the beginning, you should have had + your answer long ago! Yes, you are right. It was I, and I alone, who + did it all. Do not think of Zina in the matter. Now, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">why</span></em> did I + do it? I reply, in the first place, for Zina's sake. The prince is + rich, influential, has great connections, and in marrying him Zina + will make a brilliant match. Very well; then if the prince dies—as + perhaps he will die soon, for we are all mortal,—Zina is still young, + a widow, a princess, and probably very rich. Then she can marry whom + she pleases; she may make another brilliant match if she likes. But + of course she will marry the man she loves, and loved before, the man + whose heart she wounded by accepting the prince. Remorse alone would + be enough to make her marry the man whom she had loved and so deeply + injured!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hem!”</span> said Paul, gazing at his boots + thoughtfully.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In the second place,”</span> continued Maria, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and I will put this shortly, because, though + you read a great deal of your beloved Shakespeare, and extract his + finest thoughts and ideals, yet you are very young, and cannot, + perhaps, apply what you read. You may not understand my feelings in + this matter: listen, however. <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> am giving my Zina to this prince + partly for the prince's own sake, because I wish to save him by this + marriage. We are old friends; he is the dearest and best of men, he + is a knightly, chivalrous gentleman, and he lives helpless and + miserable in the claws of that devil of a woman at Donchanovo! Heaven + knows that I persuaded Zina into this marriage by putting it to her + that she would be performing a great and noble action. I represented + her as being the stay and the comfort and the darling and the idol of + a poor old man, who probably would not live another year at the most! + I showed her that thus his last days should be made happy with love + and light and friendship, instead of wretched with fear and the + society of a detestable woman. Oh! do not blame Zina. She is + guiltless. I am not—I admit it; for if there have been calculations + it is I who have made them! But I calculated for her, Paul; for her, + not myself! I have outlived my time; I have thought but for my child, + and what mother could blame me for this?”</span> Tears sparkled in + the fond mother's eyes. Mosgliakoff listened in amazement to all this + eloquence, winking his eyes in bewilderment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, yes, of course! You talk well, Maria Alexandrovna, + but you forget—you gave me your word, you encouraged me, you gave me + my hopes; and where am I now? I have to stand aside and look a + fool!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, my dear Paul, you don't surely suppose that I have + not thought of you too! Don't you see the huge, immeasurable gain to + yourself in all this? A gain so vast that I was bound in your + interest to act as I did!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Gain for me! How so?”</span> asked Paul, in the most + abject state of confusion and bewilderment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Gracious Heavens! do you mean to say you are really so + simple and so short-sighted as to be unable to see <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">that</span></em>?”</span> cried Maria + Alexandrovna, raising her eyes to the ceiling in a pious manner. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh! youth, youth! That's what comes of + steeping one's soul in Shakespeare! You ask me, my dear friend Paul, + where is the gain to you in all this. Allow me to make a little + digression. Zina loves you—that is an undoubted fact. But I have + observed that at the same time, and in spite of her evident love, she + is not quite sure of your good feeling and devotion to her; and for + this reason she is sometimes cold and self-restrained in your + presence. Have you never observed this yourself, Paul?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Certainly; I did this very day; but go on, what do you + deduce from that fact?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There, you see! you have observed it yourself; then of + course I am right. She is not quite sure of the <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">lasting</span></em> + quality of your feeling for her! I am a mother, and I may be + permitted to read the heart of my child. Now, then, supposing that + instead of rushing into the room and reproaching, vilifying, even + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">swearing</span></em> at and insulting this + sweet, pure, beautiful, proud being, instead of hurling contempt and + vituperation at her head—supposing that instead of all this you had + received the bad news with composure, with tears of grief, maybe; + perhaps even with despair—but at the same time with noble composure + of soul——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no—don't interrupt me! I wish to show you the + picture as it is. Very well, supposing, then, that you had come to + her and said, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Zina, I love you better than + my life, but family considerations must separate us; I understand + these considerations—they are devised for your greater happiness, and + I dare not oppose them. Zina, I forgive you; be happy, if you + can!’</span>—think what effect such noble words would have wrought + upon her heart!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes—yes, that's all very true, I quite understand that + much! but if I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">had</span></em> said all this, I should have had + to go all the same, without satisfaction!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no, no! don't interrupt me! I wish to show you the + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">whole</span></em> picture in all its detail, in + order to impress you fully and satisfactorily. Very well, then, + imagine now that you meet her in society some time afterwards: you + meet perhaps at a ball—in the brilliant light of a ball-room, under + the soothing strains of music, and in the midst of worldly women and + of all that is gay and beautiful. You alone are + sad—thoughtful—pale,—you lean against some pillar (where you are + visible, however!) and watch her. She is dancing. You hear the + strains of Strauss, and the wit and merriment around you, but you are + sad and wretched.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What, think you, will Zina make of it? With what sort of + eyes will she gaze on you as you stand there? <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘And I could doubt this man!’</span> she will think, + <span class="tei tei-q">‘this man who sacrificed all, all, for my + sake—even to the mortal wounding of his heart!’</span> Of course the + old love will awake in her bosom and will swell with irresistible + power!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + stopped to take breath. Paul moved violently from side to side of his + chair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina now goes abroad for the benefit of the prince's + health—to Italy—to Spain,”</span> she continued, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“where the myrtle and the lemon tree grow, where the sky + is so blue, the beautiful Guadalquiver flows! to the land of love, + where none can live without loving; where roses and kisses—so to + speak—breathe in the very air around. You follow her—you sacrifice + your business, friends, everything, and follow her. And so your love + grows and increases with irresistible might. Of course that love is + irreproachable—innocent—you will languish for one another—you will + meet frequently; of course others will malign and vilify you both, + and call your love by baser names—but your love is innocent, as I + have purposely said; I am her mother—it is not for me to teach you + evil, but good. At all events the prince is not in the condition to + keep a very sharp look-out upon you; but if he did, as if there would + be the slightest ground for base suspicion? Well, the prince dies at + last, and then, who will marry Zina, if not yourself? You are so + distant a relative of the prince's that there could be no obstacle to + the match; you marry her—she is young still, and rich. You are a + grandee in an instant! you, too, are rich now! I will take care that + the prince's will is made as it should be; and lastly, Zina, now + convinced of your loyalty and faithfulness, will look on you + hereafter as her hero, as her paragon of virtue and self-sacrifice! + Oh! you must be blind,—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">blind</span></em>, not to observe and calculate + your own profit when it lies but a couple of strides from you, + grinning at you, as it were, and saying, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Here, I am yours, take me! Oh, Paul, + Paul!’</span> ”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Maria Alexandrovna!”</span> cried Mosgliakoff, in great + agitation and excitement, <span class="tei tei-q">“I see it all! I + have been rude, and a fool, and a scoundrel too!”</span> He jumped up + from his chair and tore his hair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, and unbusinesslike, that's the chief + thing—unbusinesslike, and blindly so!”</span> added Maria + Alexandrovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm an ass! Maria Alexandrovna,”</span> he cried in + despair. <span class="tei tei-q">“All is lost now, and I loved her to + madness!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Maybe all is not lost yet!”</span> said this successful + orator softly, and as though thinking out some idea.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! if only it could be so! help me—teach me. Oh! save + me, save me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff burst + into tears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My dear boy,”</span> said Maria Alexandrovna, + sympathetically, and holding out her hand, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you acted impulsively, from the depth and heat of your + passion—in fact, out of your great love for her; you were in despair, + you had forgotten yourself; she must understand all that!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! I love her madly! I am ready to sacrifice everything + for her!”</span> cried Mosgliakoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Listen! I will justify you before her.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, Maria Alexandrovna!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, I will. I take it upon myself! You come with me, + and you shall tell her exactly what I said!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, how kind, how good you are! Can't we go at once, + Maria Alexandrovna?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Goodness gracious, no! What a very green hand you are, + Paul! She's far too proud! she would take it as a new rudeness and + impertinence! To-morrow I shall arrange it all comfortably for you: + but now, couldn't you get out of the way somewhere for a while, to + that godfather of yours, for instance? You could come back in the + evening, if you pleased; but my advice would be to stay + away!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, yes! I'll go—of course! Good heavens, you've made a + man of me again!—Well, but look here—one more question:—What if the + prince does <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></em> die so soon?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, my dear boy, how delightfully naïve you are! On the + contrary, we must pray for his good health! We must wish with all our + hearts for long life to this dear, good, and chivalrous old man! I + shall be the first to pray day and night for the happiness of my + beloved daughter! But alas! I fear the prince's case is hopeless; you + see, they must visit the capital now, to bring Zina out into + society.—I dreadfully fear that all this may prove fatal to him; + however, we'll pray, Paul, we can't do more, and the rest is in the + hands of a kind Providence. You see what I mean? Very well—good-bye, + my dear boy, bless you! Be a man, and wait patiently—be a man, that's + the chief thing! I never doubted your generosity of character; but be + brave—good-bye!”</span> She pressed his hand warmly, and Mosgliakoff + walked out of the room on tip-toes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There goes <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">one</span></em> fool, got rid of + satisfactorily!”</span> observed Maria Alexandrovna to + herself,—<span class="tei tei-q">“but there are more + behind——!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At this moment the + door opened, and Zina entered the room. She was paler than usual, and + her eyes were all ablaze.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mamma!”</span> she said, <span class="tei tei-q">“be + quick about this business, or I shall not be able to hold out. It is + all so dirty and mean that I feel I must run out of the house if it + goes on. Don't drive me to desperation! I warn you—don't weary me + out—don't weary me out!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina—what is it, my darling? You—you've been + listening?”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna, gazing intently and + anxiously at her daughter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, I have; but you need not try to make me ashamed of + myself as you succeeded in doing with that fool. Now listen: I + solemnly swear that if you worry and annoy me by making me play + various mean and odious parts in this comedy of yours,—I swear to you + that I will throw up the whole business and put an end to it in a + moment. It is quite enough that I have consented to be a party in the + main and essence of the base transactions; but—but—I did not know + myself, I am poisoned and suffocated with the stench of + it!”</span>—So saying, she left the room and banged the door after + her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + looked fixedly after her for a moment, and reflected.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I must make haste,”</span> she cried, rousing herself; + <span class="tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">she</span></em> is the greatest danger and + difficulty of all! If these detestable people do not let us alone, + instead of acting the town-criers all over the place (as I fear they + are doing already!)—all will be lost! She won't stand the worry of + it—she'll drop the business altogether!—At all hazards, I must get + the prince to the country house, and that quickly, too! I shall be + off there at once, first, and bring my fool of a husband up: he shall + be made useful for once in his life! Meanwhile the prince shall have + his sleep out, and when he wakes up I shall be back and ready to cart + him away bodily!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She rang the + bell.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Are the horses ready?”</span> she inquired of the + man.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, madam, long ago!”</span> said the latter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She had ordered + the carriage the moment after she had taken the prince upstairs.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + dressed hurriedly, and then looked in at Zina's room for a moment, + before starting, in order to tell her the outlines of her plan of + operations, and at the same time to give Zina a few necessary + instructions. But her daughter could not listen to her. She was lying + on her bed with face hidden in the pillows, crying, and was tearing + her beautiful hair with her long white hands: occasionally she + trembled violently for a moment, as though a blast of cold had passed + through all her veins. Her mother began to speak to her, but Zina did + not even raise her head!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having stood over + her daughter in a state of bewilderment for some little while, Maria + Alexandrovna left the room; and to make up for lost time bade the + coachman drive like fury, as she stepped into the carriage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don't quite like Zina having listened!”</span> she + thought as she rattled away. <span class="tei tei-q">“I gave + Mosgliakoff very much the same argument as to herself: she is proud, + and may easily have taken offence! H'm! Well, the great thing is to + be in time with all the arrangements,—before people know what I am up + to! Good heavens, fancy, if my fool of a husband were to be + out!!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And at the very + thought of such a thing, Maria Alexandrovna's rage so overcame her + that it was clear her poor husband would fare badly for his sins if + he proved to be not at home! She twisted and turned in her place with + impatience,—the horses almost galloped with the carriage at their + heels.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc20" id="toc20"></a> <a name="pdf21" id="pdf21"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER X.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On they flew.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I have said + already that this very day, on her first drive after the prince, + Maria Alexandrovna had been inspired with a great idea! and I + promised to reveal this idea in its proper place. But I am sure the + reader has guessed it already!—It was, to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“confiscate”</span> the prince in her turn, and carry him + off to the village where, at this moment, her husband Afanassy + Matveyevitch vegetated alone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I must admit that + our heroine was growing more and more anxious as the day went on; but + this is often the case with heroes of all kinds, just before they + attain their great ends! Some such instinct whispered to her that it + was not safe to remain in Mordasoff another hour, if it could be + avoided;—but once in the country house, the whole town might go mad + and stand on its head, for all she cared!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of course she must + not lose time, even there! All sorts of things might happen—even the + police might interfere. (Reader, I shall never believe, for my part, + that my heroine really had the slightest fear of the vulgar police + force; but as it has been rumoured in Mordasoff that at this moment + such a thought <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">did</span></em> pass through her brain, why, I + must record the fact.)</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a word she saw + clearly that Zina's marriage with the prince must be brought about at + once, without delay! It was easily done: the priest at the village + should perform the ceremony; why not the day after to-morrow? or + indeed, in case of need, to-morrow? Marriages had often been brought + about in less time than this—in two hours, she had heard! It would be + easy enough to persuade the prince that haste and simplicity would be + in far better taste than all the usual pomps and vanities of common + everyday weddings. In fact, she relied upon her skill in putting the + matter to the old man as a fitting dramatic issue to a romantic story + of love, and thus to touch the most sensitive string of his + chivalrous heart.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In case of + absolute need there was always the possibility of making him drunk, + or rather of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">keeping</span></em> him perpetually drunk. And + then, come what might, Zina would be a princess! And if this marriage + were fated to produce scandal among the prince's relations and + friends in St. Petersburg and Moscow, Maria Alexandrovna comforted + herself with the reflection that marriages in high life nearly always + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">were</span></em> productive of scandal; and that + such a result might fairly be looked upon as <span class= + "tei tei-q">“good form,”</span> and as peculiar to aristocratic + circles.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Besides, she felt + sure that Zina need only show herself in society, with her mamma to + support her, and every one of all those countesses and princes should + very soon either acknowledge her of their own accord, or yield to the + head-washing that Maria Alexandrovna felt herself so competent to + give to any or all of them, individually or collectively.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was in + consequence of these reflections that Maria Alexandrovna was now + hastening with all speed towards her village, in order to bring back + Afanassy Matveyevitch, whose presence she considered absolutely + necessary at this crisis. It was desirable that her husband should + appear and invite the prince down to the country: she relied upon the + appearance of the father of the family, in dress-coat and white tie, + hastening up to town on the first rumours of the prince's arrival + there, to produce a very favourable impression upon the old man's + self-respect: it would flatter him; and after such a courteous + action, followed by a polite and warmly-couched invitation to the + country, the prince would hardly refuse to go.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last the + carriage stopped at the door of a long low wooden house, surrounded + by old lime trees. This was the country house, Maria Alexandrovna's + village residence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lights were + burning inside.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where's my old fool?”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna + bursting like a hurricane into the sitting-room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Whats this towel lying here for?—Oh!—he's been wiping + his head, has he. What, the baths again! and tea—of course + tea!—always tea! Well, what are you winking your eyes at me for, you + old fool?—Here, why is his hair not cropped? Grisha, Grisha!—here; + why didn't you cut your master's hair, as I told you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria + Alexandrovna, on entering the room, had intended to greet her husband + more kindly than this; but seeing that he had just been to the baths + and that he was drinking tea with great satisfaction, as usual, she + could not restrain her irritable feelings.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She felt the + contrast between her own activity and intellectual energy, and the + stolid indifference and sheep-like contentedness of her husband, and + it went to her heart!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile the + <span class="tei tei-q">“old fool,”</span> or to put it more + politely, he who had been addressed by that title, sat at the + tea-urn, and stared with open mouth, in abject alarm, opening and + shutting his lips as he gazed at the wife of his bosom, who had + almost petrified him by her sudden appearance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the door stood + the sleepy, fat Grisha, looking on at the scene, and blinking both + eyes at periodical intervals.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I couldn't cut his hair as you wished, because he + wouldn't let me!”</span> he growled at last. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“ <span class="tei tei-q">‘You'd better let me do + it!’</span>—I said, <span class="tei tei-q">‘or the mistress'll be + down one of these days, and then we shall both catch + it!’</span> ”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No,”</span> he says, <span class="tei tei-q">“I want it + like this now, and you shall cut it on Sunday. I like it + long!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What!—So you wish to curl it without my leave, do you! + What an idea—as if you could wear curls with your sheep-face + underneath! Good gracious, what a mess you've made of the place; and + what's the smell—what have you been doing, idiot, eh!”</span> cried + Maria Alexandrovna, waxing more and more angry, and turning furiously + upon the wretched and perfectly innocent Afanassy!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mam—mammy!”</span> muttered the poor frightened master + of the house, gazing with frightened eyes at the mistress, and + blinking with all his might—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“mammy!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How many times have I dinned into your stupid head that + I am <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></em> your <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘mammy.’</span> How can I be your mammy, you idiotic + pigmy? How dare you call a noble lady by such a name; a lady whose + proper place is in the highest circles, not beside an ass like + yourself!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes—yes,—but—but, you <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">are</span></em> my + legal wife, you know, after all;—so I—it was husbandly affection you + know——”</span> murmured poor Afanassy, raising both hands to his head + as he spoke, to defend his hair from the tugs he evidently + expected.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, idiot that you are! did anyone ever hear such a + ridiculous answer as that—legal wife, indeed! Who ever heard the + expression <span class="tei tei-q">‘<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">legal</span></em> + wife,’</span> in good society—nasty low expression! And how dare you + remind me that I am your wife, when I use all my power and do all I + possibly can at every moment to forget the fact, eh? What are you + covering your head with your hands for? Look at his hair—now: wet, as + wet as reeds! it will take three hours to dry that head! How on earth + am I to take him like this? How can he show his face among + respectable people? What am I to do?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And Maria + Alexandrovna bit her finger-nails with rage as she walked furiously + up and down the room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was no very + great matter, of course; and one that was easily set right; but Maria + Alexandrovna required a vent for her feelings and felt the need of + emptying out her accumulated wrath upon the head of the wretched + Afanassy Matveyevitch; for tyranny is a habit recallable at need.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Besides, everyone + knows how great a contrast there is between the sweetness and + refinement shown by many ladies of a certain class on the stage, as + it were, of society life, and the revelations of character behind the + scenes at home; and I was anxious to bring out this contrast for my + reader's benefit.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Afanassy watched + the movements of his terrible spouse in fear and trembling; + perspiration formed upon his brow as he gazed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Grisha!”</span> she cried at last, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“dress your master this instant! Dress-coat, black + trousers, white waistcoat and tie, quick! Where's his + hairbrush—quick, quick!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mam—my! Why, I've just been to the bath. I shall catch + cold if I go up to town just now!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You won't catch cold!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But—mammy, my hair's quite wet!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We'll dry it in a minute. Here, Grisha, take this brush + and brush away till he's dry,—harder—harder—much harder! There, + that's better!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Grisha worked like + a man. For the greater convenience of his herculean task he seized + his master's shoulder with one hand as he rubbed violently with the + other. Poor Afanassy grunted and groaned and almost wept.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Now, then, lift him up a bit. Where's the pomatum? Bend + your head, duffer!—bend lower, you abject dummy!”</span> And Maria + Alexandrovna herself undertook to pomade her husband's hair, + ploughing her hands through it without the slightest pity. Afanassy + heartily wished that his shock growth had been cut. He winced, and + groaned and moaned, but did not cry out under the painful + operation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You suck my life-blood out of me—bend lower, you + idiot!”</span> remarked the fond wife—<span class="tei tei-q">“bend + lower still, I tell you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How have I sucked your life blood?”</span> asked the + victim, bending his head as low as circumstances permitted.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Fool!—allegorically, of course—can't you understand? + Now, then, comb it yourself. Here, Grisha, dress him, + quick!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Our heroine threw + herself into an arm-chair, and critically watched the ceremony of + adorning her husband. Meanwhile the latter had a little opportunity + to get his breath once more and compose his feelings generally; so + that when matters arrived at the point where the tie is tied, he had + even developed so much audacity as to express opinions of his own as + to how the bow should be manufactured.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last, having + put his dress-coat on, the lord of the manor was his brave self + again, and gazed at his highly ornate person in the glass with great + satisfaction and complacency.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where are you going to take me to?”</span> he now asked, + smiling at his reflected self.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + could not believe her ears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">what</span></em>? How <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">dare</span></em> you + ask me where I am taking you to, sir!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But—mammy—I must know, you know——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hold your tongue! You let me hear you call me mammy + again, especially where we are going to now! you sha'n't have any tea + for a month!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The frightened + consort held his peace.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Look at that, now! You haven't got a single 'order' to + put on—sloven!”</span> she continued, looking at his black coat with + contempt.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The Government awards orders, mammy; and I am not a + sloven, but a town councillor!”</span> said Afanassy, with a sudden + excess of noble wrath.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What, what—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">what</span></em>! So you've learned to argue + now, have you—you mongrel, you? However, I haven't time to waste over + you now, or I'd——but I sha'n't forget it. Here, Grisha, give him his + fur coat and his hat—quick; and look here, Grisha, when I'm gone, get + these three rooms ready, and the green room, and the corner bedroom. + Quick—find your broom; take the coverings off the looking-glasses and + clocks, and see that all is ready and tidy within an hour. Put on a + dress coat, and see that the other men have gloves: don't lose time. + Quick, now!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She entered the + carriage, followed by Afanassy. The latter sat bewildered and + lost.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile Maria + Alexandrovna reflected as to how best she could drum into her + husband's thick skull certain essential instructions with regard to + the present situation of affairs. But Afanassy anticipated her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I had a very original dream to-day, Maria + Alexandrovna,”</span> he observed quite unexpectedly, in the middle + of a long silence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Tfu! idiot. I thought you were going to say something of + terrific interest, from the look of you. Dream, indeed! How dare you + mention your miserable dreams to me! Original, too! Listen here: if + you dare so much as remind me of the word <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘dream,’</span> or say anything else, either, where we + are going to-day, I—I don't know <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">what</span></em> I + won't do to you! Now, look here: Prince K. has arrived at my house. + Do you remember Prince K.?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, yes, mammy, I remember; and why has he done us this + honour?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Be quiet; that's not your business. Now, you are to + invite him, with all the amiability you can, to come down to our + house in the country, at once! That is what I am taking you up for. + And if you dare so much as breathe another word of any kind, either + to-day or to-morrow, or next day, without leave from me, you shall + herd geese for a whole year. You're not to say a single word, mind! + and that's all you have to think of. Do you understand, + now?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, but if I'm asked anything?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hold your tongue all the same!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, but I can't do that—I can't do——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well, then; you can say <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘H'm,’</span> or something of that sort, to give them the + idea that you are very wise indeed, and like to think well before + answering.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Understand me, now. I am taking you up because you are + to make it appear that you have just heard of the prince's visit, and + have hastened up to town in a transport of joy to express your + unbounded respect and gratitude to him, and to invite him at once to + your country house! Do you understand me?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don't want you to say <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘H'm’</span> <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">now</span></em>, you fool! You must answer + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">me</span></em> when I speak!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“All right—all right, mammy. All shall be as you wish; + but why am I to ask the prince down?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What—what! arguing again. What business is it of yours + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">why</span></em> you are to invite him? How dare + you ask questions!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why it's all the same thing, mammy. How am I to invite + him if I must not say a word?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, I shall do all the talking. All you have to do is to + bow. Do you hear? <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bow</span></em>; and hold your hat in your hand + and look polite. Do you understand, or not?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I understand, mam—Maria-Alexandrovna.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The prince is very witty, indeed; so mind, if he says + anything either to yourself or anyone else, you are to laugh + cordially and merrily. Do you hear me?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't say <span class="tei tei-q">‘H'm’</span> to + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">me</span></em>, I tell you. You are to answer me + plainly and simply. Do you hear me, or not?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, yes; I hear you, of course. That's all right. I + only say <span class="tei tei-q">‘H'm,’</span> for practice; I want + to get into the way of saying it. But look here, mammy, it's all very + well; you say I'm not to speak, and if he speaks to me I'm to look at + him and laugh—but what if he asks me a question?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh—you dense log of a man! I tell you again, you are to + be quiet. <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I'll</span></em> answer for you. You have simply + got to look polite, and smile!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But he'll think I am dumb!”</span> said Afanassy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, and what if he does. Let him! You'll conceal the + fact that you are a fool, anyhow!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm, and if <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">other</span></em> people ask me + questions?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No one will; there'll be no one to ask you. But if there + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">should</span></em> be anyone else in the room, + and they ask you questions, all you have to do is to smile + sarcastically. Do you know what a sarcastic smile is?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What, a witty sort of smile, is it, mammy?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'll let you know about it! <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Witty</span></em>, + indeed! Why, who would think of expecting anything witty from a fool + like you. No, sir, a jesting smile—<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">jesting</span></em> + and <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">contemptuous</span></em>!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Good heavens. I'm afraid for this idiot,”</span> thought + Maria Alexandrovna to herself. <span class="tei tei-q">“I really + think it would have been almost better to leave him behind, after + all.”</span> So thinking, nervous and anxious, Maria Alexandrovna + drove on. She looked out of the window, and she fidgeted, and she + bustled the coachman up. The horses were almost flying through the + air; but to her they appeared to be crawling. Afanassy sat silent and + thoughtful in the corner of the carriage, practising his lessons. At + last the carriage arrived at the town house.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hardly, however, + had Maria Alexandrovna mounted the outer steps when she became aware + of a fine pair of horses trotting up—drawing a smart sledge with a + hood to it. In fact, the very <span class= + "tei tei-q">“turn-out”</span> in which Anna Nicolaevna Antipova was + generally to be seen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Two ladies sat in + the sledge. One of these was, of course, Mrs. Antipova herself; the + other was Natalia Dimitrievna, of late the great friend and ally of + the former lady.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria + Alexandrovna's heart sank.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But she had no + time to say a word, before another smart vehicle drove up, in which + there reclined yet another guest. Exclamations of joy and delight + were now heard.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Maria Alexandrovna! and Afanassy Matveyevitch! Just + arrived, too! Where from? How extremely delightful! And here we are, + you see, just driven up at the right moment. We are going to spend + the evening with you. What a delightful surprise.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The guests + alighted and fluttered up the steps like so many swallows.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + could neither believe her eyes nor her ears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Curse you all!”</span> she said to herself. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“This looks like a plot—it must be seen to; but it takes + more than a flight of magpies like <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> to + get to windward of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">me</span></em>. Wait a little!!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc22" id="toc22"></a> <a name="pdf23" id="pdf23"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XI.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff went + out from Maria Alexandrovna's house to all appearances quite + pacified. She had fired his ardour completely. His imagination was + kindled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He did not go to + his godfather's, for he felt the need of solitude. A terrific rush of + heroic and romantic thoughts surged over him, and gave him no + rest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He pictured to + himself the solemn explanation he should have with Zina, then the + generous throbs of his all-forgiving heart; his pallor and despair at + the future ball in St. Petersburg; then Spain, the Guadalquiver, and + love, and the old dying prince joining their hands with his last + blessing. Then came thoughts of his beautiful wife, devoted to + himself, and never ceasing to wonder at and admire her husband's + heroism and exalted refinement of taste and conduct. Then, among + other things, the attention which he should attract among the ladies + of the highest circles, into which he would of course enter, thanks + to his marriage with Zina—widow of the Prince K.: then the inevitable + appointments, first as a vice-governor, with the delightful + accompaniment of salary: in a word, all, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">all</span></em> that + Maria Alexandrovna's eloquence had pictured to his imagination, now + marched in triumphant procession through his brain, soothing and + attracting and flattering his self-love.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And yet—(I really + cannot explain this phenomenon, however!)—and yet, no sooner did the + first flush of this delightful sunrise of future delights pass off + and fade away, than the annoying thought struck him: this is all very + well, but it is in the future: and now, to-day, I shall look a + dreadful fool. As he reflected thus, he looked up and found that he + had wandered a long way, to some of the dirty back slums of the town. + A wet snow was falling; now and again he met another belated + pedestrian like himself. The outer circumstances began to anger + Mosgliakoff, which was a bad sign; for when things are going well + with us we are always inclined to see everything in a rose-coloured + light.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Paul could not + help remembering that up to now he had been in the habit of cutting a + dash at Mordasoff. He had enjoyed being treated at all the houses he + went to in the town, as Zina's accepted lover, and to be + congratulated, as he often was, upon the honour of that distinction. + He was proud of being her future husband; and here he was now with + notice to quit. He would be laughed at. He couldn't tell everybody + about the future scene in the ball-room at St. Petersburg, and the + Guadalquiver, and all that! And then a thought came out into + prominence, which had been uncomfortably fidgeting about in his brain + for some time: <span class="tei tei-q">“Was it all true? <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Would</span></em> it + really come about as Maria Alexandrovna had predicted?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here it struck him + that Maria Alexandrovna was an amazingly cunning woman; that, however + worthy she might be of universal esteem, still she was a known + scandal-monger, and lied from morning to night! that, again, she + probably had some good reason for wishing him out of the place + to-night. He next bethought him of Zina, and of her parting look at + him, which was very far from being expressive of passionate love; he + remembered also, that, less than an hour ago she had called him a + fool.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As he thought of + the last fact Paul stopped in his tracks, as though shot; blushed, + and almost cried for very shame! At this very moment he was + unfortunate enough to lose his footing on the slippery pavement, and + to go head-first into a snow-heap. As he stood shaking himself dry, a + whole troop of dogs, which had long trotted barking at his heels, + flew at him. One of them, a wretched little half-starved beast, went + so far as to fix her teeth into his fur coat and hang therefrom. + Swearing and striking out, Paul cleared his way out of the yelping + pack at last, in a fury, and with rent clothes; and making his way as + fast as he could to the corner of the street, discovered that he + hadn't the slightest idea where he was. He walked up lanes, and down + streets, and round corners, and lost himself more and more + hopelessly; also his temper. <span class="tei tei-q">“The devil take + all these confounded exalted ideas!”</span> he growled, half aloud; + <span class="tei tei-q">“and the archfiend take every one of you, you + and your Guadalquivers and humbug!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff was + not in a pretty humour at this moment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last, tired and + horribly angry, after two hours of walking, he reached the door of + Maria Alexandrovna's house.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Observing a host + of carriages standing outside, he paused to consider.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Surely she has not a party to-night!”</span> he thought, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and if she has, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">why</span></em> has + she a party?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He inquired of the + servants, and found out that Maria Alexandrovna had been out of town, + and had fetched up Afanassy Matveyevitch, gorgeous in his dress-suit + and white tie. He learned, further, that the prince was awake, but + had not as yet made his appearance in the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“salon.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On receiving this + information, Paul Mosgliakoff said not a word, but quietly made his + way upstairs to his uncle's room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was in that + frame of mind in which a man determines to commit some desperate act, + out of revenge, aware at the time, and wide awake to the fact that he + is about to do the deed, but forgetting entirely that he may very + likely regret it all his life afterwards!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Entering the + prince's room, he found that worthy seated before the glass, with a + perfectly bare head, but with whiskers and napoleon stuck on. His wig + was in the hands of his old and grey valet, his favourite Ivan + Pochomitch, and the latter was gravely and thoughtfully combing it + out.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As for the prince, + he was indeed a pitiable object! He was not half awake yet, for one + thing; he sat as though he were still dazed with sleep; he kept + opening and shutting his mouth, and stared at Mosgliakoff as though + he did not know him!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, how are you, uncle?”</span> asked Mosgliakoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What, it's you, is it!”</span> said the prince. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ye—yes; I've been as—leep a little while! + Oh, heavens!”</span> he cried suddenly, with great animation, + <span class="tei tei-q">“why, I've got no wi—ig on!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, never mind that, uncle; I'll help you on with it, if + you like!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear me; now you've found out my se—ecret! I told him to + shut the door. Now, my friend, you must give me your word in—stantly, + that you'll never breathe a hint of this to anyone—I mean about my + hair being ar—tificial!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, uncle! As if I could be guilty of such + meanness?”</span> cried Paul, who was anxious to please the prince, + for reasons of his own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, ye—yes. Well, as I see you are a good fe—ellow, + I—I'll just as—tonish you a little: I'll tell you all my secrets! How + do you like my mous—tache, my dear boy?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wonderful, uncle, wonderful! It astonishes me that you + should have been able to keep it so long!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Sp—are your wonder, my friend, it's + ar—tificial!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No!! That's difficult to believe! Well, and your + whiskers, uncle! admit—you black them, now <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">don't</span></em> + you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Black them? Not—only I don't black them, but they, too, + are ar—tificial!”</span> said the Prince, regarding Mosgliakoff with + a look of triumph.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">What!</span></em> Artificial? No, no, uncle! I + can't believe <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">that</span></em>! You're laughing at + me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">Parole d'honneur, mon + ami!</span></span>”</span> cried the delighted old man; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and fancy, all—everybody is taken in by them just as you + were! Even Stepanida Matveyevna cannot believe they are not real, + sometimes, although she often sticks them on herself! But, I am sure, + my dear friend, you will keep my se—cret. Give me your + word!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I do give you my word, uncle! But surely you do not + suppose I would be so mean as to divulge it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, my boy! I had such a fall to-day, without you. The + coachman upset me out of the carriage again!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How? When?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, we were driving to the mo—nastery, + when?——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know, uncle: that was early this morning!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no! A couple of hours ago, not more! I was driving + along with him, and he suddenly took and up—set me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, my dear uncle, you were asleep,”</span> began Paul, + in amazement!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, ye—yes. I did have a sleep; and then I drove + away, at least I—at least I—dear me, how strange it all + seems!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I assure you, uncle, you have been dreaming! You saw all + this in a dream! You have been sleeping quietly here since just after + dinner!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No!”</span> And the prince reflected. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes. Perhaps I did see it all in a dream! However, I + can remember all I saw quite well. First, I saw a large bull with + horns; and then I saw a pro—curor, and I think he had huge horns too. + Then there was Napoleon Buonaparte. Did you ever hear, my boy, that + people say I am so like Napoleon Buonaparte? But my profile is very + like some old pope. What do you think about it, my bo—oy?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I think you are much more like Napoleon Buonaparte, + uncle!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, ye—yes, of course—full face; so I am, my boy, so I + am! I dreamt of him on his is—land, and do you know he was such a + merry, talk—ative fellow, he quite am—used me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Who, uncle—Napoleon?”</span> asked Mosgliakoff, looking + thoughtfully at the old man. A strange idea was beginning to occupy + his brain—an idea which he could not quite put into shape as yet.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, ye—yes, Nap—oleon. We talked about philosophical + subjects. And do you know, my boy, I became quite sorry that the + English had been so hard upon him. Of course, though, if one didn't + chain him up, he would be flying at people's throats again! Still I'm + sorry for him. Now I should have managed him quite differently. I + should have put him on an uninhabited island.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why uninhabited, uncle?”</span> asked Mosgliakoff, + absently.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, well, an inhabited one, then; but the in—habitants + must be good sort of people. And I should arrange all sorts of + amusements for him, at the State's charge: theatres, balle's, and so + on. And, of course, he should walk about, under proper su—pervision. + Then he should have tarts (he liked tarts, you know), as many tarts + as ever he pleased. I should treat him like a fa—ather; and he would + end by being sorry for his sins, see if he wouldn't!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff + listened absently to all this senile gabble, and bit his nails with + impatience. He was anxious to turn the conversation on to the subject + of marriage. He did not know quite clearly why he wished to do so, + but his heart was boiling over with anger.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Suddenly the old + man made an exclamation of surprise.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, my dear boy, I declare I've forgotten to tell you + about it. Fancy, I made an offer of marriage to-day!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“An offer of marriage, uncle?”</span> cried Paul, + brightening up.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, ye—yes! an offer. Pachomief, are you going? All + right! Away with you! Ye—yes, <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">c'est une charmante + personne</span></span>. But I confess, I took the step rather + rash—ly. I only begin to see that now. Dear me! dear, dear + me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Excuse me, uncle; but <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">when</span></em> did + you make this offer?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, I admit I don't know exactly <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">when</span></em> I + made it! Perhaps I dre—dreamed it; I don't know. Dear me, how very + strange it all seems!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff + trembled with joy: his new idea blazed forth in full developed + glory.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">whom</span></em> did you propose to?”</span> he + asked impatiently.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The daughter of the house, my boy; that beau—tiful girl. + I—I forget what they call her. Bu—but, my dear boy, you see I—I can't + possibly marry. What am I to do?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! of course, you are done for if you marry, that's + clear. But let me ask you one more question, uncle. Are you perfectly + certain that you actually made her an offer of marriage?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, I'm sure of it; I—I——.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And what if you dreamed the whole thing, just as you did + that you were upset out of the carriage a second time?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear me! dear me! I—I really think I may have dreamed + it; it's very awkward. I don't know how to show myself there, now. + H—how could I find out, dear boy, for certain? Couldn't I get to know + by some outside way whether I really did make her an offer of + ma—arriage or not? Why, just you think of my dreadful + po—sition!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you know, uncle, I don't think we need trouble + ourselves to find out at all.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, wh—what then?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am convinced that you were dreaming.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I—I think so myself, too, my dear fellow; es—pecially as + I often have that sort of dream.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You see, uncle, you had a drop of wine for lunch, and + then another drop or two for dinner, don't you know; and so you may + easily have——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, quite so, quite so; it may easily have been + that.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Besides, my dear uncle, however excited you may have + been, you would never have taken such a senseless step in your waking + moments. So far as I know you, uncle, you are a man of the highest + and most deliberate judgment, and I am positive that——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, ye—yes.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, only imagine—if your relations were to get to hear + of such a thing. My goodness, uncle! they were cruel enough to you + before. What do you suppose they would do <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">now</span></em>, + eh?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Goodness gracious!”</span> cried the frightened old + prince. <span class="tei tei-q">“Good—ness gracious! Wh—why, what + would they do, do you think?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do? Why, of course, they would all screech out that you + had acted under the influence of insanity: in fact, that you were + mad; that you had been swindled, and that you must be put under + proper restraint. In fact, they'd pop you into some lunatic + asylum.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff was + well aware of the best method of frightening the poor old man out of + his wits.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Gracious heavens!”</span> cried the latter, trembling + like a leaflet with horror. <span class="tei tei-q">“Gra—cious + heavens! would they really do that?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Undoubtedly; and, knowing this, uncle, think for + yourself. Could you possibly have done such a thing with your eyes + open? As if you don't understand what's good for you just as well as + your neighbours. I solemnly affirm that you saw all this in a + dream!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course, of course; un—doubtedly in a dream, + un—doubtedly so! What a clever fellow you are, my dear boy; you saw + it at once. I am deeply grate—ful to you for putting me right. I was + really quite under the im—pression I had actually done + it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And how glad I am that I met you, uncle, before you went + in there! Just fancy, what a mess you might have made of it! You + might have gone in thinking you were engaged to the girl, and behaved + in the capacity of accepted lover. Think how fearfully + dangerous——.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, of course; most dangerous!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, remember, this girl is twenty-three years old. + Nobody will marry her, and suddenly <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em>, a + rich and eminent man of rank and title, appear on the scene as her + accepted swain. They would lay hold of the idea at once, and act up + to it, and swear that you really were her future husband, and would + marry you off, too. I daresay they would even count upon your speedy + death, and make their calculations accordingly.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then again, uncle; a man of your dignity——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, quite so, dig—nity!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And wisdom,—and amiability——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite so; wis—dom—wisdom!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And then—a prince into the bargain! Good gracious, + uncle, as if a man like yourself would make such a match as + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">that</span></em>, if you really did mean + marrying! What would your relations say?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, my dear boy, they'd simply ea—eat me up,—I—I know + their cunning and malice of old! My dear fellow—you won't believe + it—but I assure you I was afraid they were going to put me into a + lun—atic asylum! a common ma—ad-house! Goodness me, think of that! + Whatever should I have done with myself all day in a + ma—ad-house?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course, of course! Well, I won't leave your side, + then, uncle, when you go downstairs. There are guests there + too!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Guests? dear me! I—I——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't be afraid, uncle; I shall be by you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I—I'm <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">so</span></em> much obliged to you, my dear boy; + you have simply sa—ved me, you have indeed! But, do you know what,—I + think I'd better go away altogether!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To-morrow, uncle! to-morrow morning at seven! and this + evening you must be sure to say, in the presence of everybody, that + you are starting away at seven next morning: you must say good-bye + to-night!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Un—doubtedly, undoubtedly—I shall go;—but what if they + talk to me as though I were engaged to the young wo—oman?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't you fear, uncle! I shall be there! And mind, + whatever they say or hint to you, you must declare that you dreamed + the whole thing—as indeed you did, of course?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, quite so, un—doubtedly so! But, do you know my + dear boy, it was a most be—witching dream, for all that! She is a + wond—erfully lovely girl, my boy,—such a + figure—bewitching—be—witching!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">au revoir</span></span>, uncle! + I'm going down, now, and you——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How! How! you are not going to leave me alone?”</span> + cried the old man, greatly alarmed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no—oh no, uncle; but we must enter the room + separately. First, I will go in, and then you come down; that will be + better!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well, very well. Besides, I just want to note down + one little i—dea——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Capital, uncle! jot it down, and then come at once; + don't wait any longer; and to-morrow morning——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And to-morrow morning away we go to the Her—mitage, + straight to the Her—mitage! Charming—charm—ing! but, do you know, my + boy,—she's a fas—cinating girl—she is indeed! be—witching! Such a + bust! and, really, if I were to marry, I—I—really——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no, uncle! Heaven forbid!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes—yes—quite so—Heaven for—bid!—well, <span lang="fr" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">au revoir</span></span>, my friend—I'll come + directly; by the bye—I meant to ask you, have you read Kazanoff's + Memoirs?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, uncle. Why?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, yes, quite so—I forget what I wanted to + say——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You'll remember afterwards, uncle! <span lang="fr" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">au revoir!</span></span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">Au revoir</span></span>, my + boy, <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">au revoir</span></span>—but, I + say, it was a bewitching dream, a most be—witching dream!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc24" id="toc24"></a> <a name="pdf25" id="pdf25"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here we all are, all of us, come to spend the evening; + Proskovia Ilinishna is coming too, and Luisa Karlovna and + all!”</span> cried Mrs. Antipova as she entered the salon, and looked + hungrily round. She was a neat, pretty little woman! she was + well-dressed, and knew it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked + greedily around, as I say, because she had an idea that the prince + and Zina were hidden together somewhere about the room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, and Katerina Petrovna, and Felisata Michaelovna are + coming as well,”</span> added Natalia Dimitrievna, a huge woman—whose + figure had pleased the prince so much, and who looked more like a + grenadier than anything else. This monster had been hand and glove + with little Mrs. Antipova for the last three weeks; they were now + quite inseparable. Natalia looked as though she could pick her little + friend up and swallow her, bones and all, without thinking.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I need not say with what <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">rapture</span></em> I + welcome you both to my house, and for a whole evening, too!”</span> + piped Maria Alexandrovna, a little recovered from her first shock of + amazement; <span class="tei tei-q">“but do tell me, what miracle is + it that has brought you all to-day, when I had quite despaired of + ever seeing anyone of you in my house again?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, oh! my <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">dear</span></em> Maria Alexandrovna!”</span> + said Natalia, very affectedly, but sweetly. The attributes of + sweetness and affectation were a curious contrast to her personal + appearance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You see, dearest Maria Alexandrovna,”</span> chirped + Mrs. Antipova, <span class="tei tei-q">“we really must get on with + the private theatricals question! It was only this very day that + Peter Michaelovitch was saying how <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">bad</span></em> it + was of us to have made no progress towards rehearsing, and so on; and + that it was quite time we brought all our silly squabbles to an end! + Well, four of us got together to-day, and then it struck us + <span class="tei tei-q">‘Let's all go to Maria Alexandrovna's, and + settle the matter once for all!’</span> So Natalia Dimitrievna let + all the rest know that we were to meet here! We'll soon settle it—I + don't think we should allow it to be said that we do nothing but + <span class="tei tei-q">‘squabble’</span> over the preliminaries and + get no farther, do <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em>, dear Maria + Alexandrovna?”</span> She added, playfully, and kissing our heroine + affectionately, <span class="tei tei-q">“Goodness me, Zenaida, I + declare you grow prettier every day!”</span> And she betook herself + to embracing Zina with equal affection.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She has nothing else to do, but sit and grow more and + more beautiful!”</span> said Natalia with great sweetness, rubbing + her huge hands together.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, the devil take them all! they know I care nothing + about private theatricals—cursed magpies!”</span> reflected Maria + Alexandrovna, beside herself with rage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Especially, dear, as that delightful prince is with you + just now. You know there is a private theatre in his house at + Donchanof, and we have discovered that somewhere or other there, + there are a lot of old theatrical properties and decorations and + scenery. The prince was at my house to-day, but I was so surprised to + see him that it all went clean out of my head and I forgot to ask + him. Now we'll broach the subject before him. You must support me and + we'll persuade him to send us all the old rubbish that can be found. + We want to get the prince to come and see the play, too! He is sure + to subscribe, isn't he—as it is for the poor? Perhaps he would even + take a part; he is such a dear, kind, willing old man. If only he + did, it would make the fortune of our play!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course he will take a part! why, he can be made to + play <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">any</span></em> part!”</span> remarked Natalia + significantly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mrs. Antipova had + not exaggerated. Guests poured in every moment! Maria Alexandrovna + hardly had time to receive one lot and make the usual exclamations of + surprise and delight exacted by the laws of etiquette before another + arrival would be announced.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I will not + undertake to describe all these good people. I will only remark that + every one of them, on arrival, looked about her cunningly; and that + every face wore an expression of expectation and impatience.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some of them came + with the distinct intention of witnessing some scene of a + delightfully scandalous nature, and were prepared to be very angry + indeed if it should turn out that they were obliged to leave the + house without the gratification of their hopes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All behaved in the + most amiable and affectionate manner towards their hostess; but Maria + Alexandrovna firmly braced her nerves for battle.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Many apparently + natural and innocent questions were asked about the prince; but in + each one might be detected some hint or insinuation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Tea came in, and + people moved about and changed places: one group surrounded the + piano; Zina was requested to play and sing, but answered drily that + she was not quite well—and the paleness of her face bore out this + assertion. Inquiries were made for Mosgliakoff; and these inquiries + were addressed to Zina.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + proved that she had the eyes and ears of ten ordinary mortals. She + saw and heard all that was going on in every corner of the room; she + heard and answered every question asked, and answered readily and + cleverly. She was dreadfully anxious about Zina, however, and + wondered why she did not leave the room, as she usually did on such + occasions.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Poor Afanassy came + in for his share of notice, too. It was the custom of these amiable + people of Mordasoff to do their best to set Maria Alexandrovna and + her husband <span class="tei tei-q">“by the ears;”</span> but to-day + there were hopes of extracting valuable news and secrets out of the + candid simplicity of the latter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + watched the state of siege into which the wretched Afanassy was + thrown, with great anxiety; he was answering <span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm!”</span> to all questions put to him, as instructed; + but with so wretched an expression and so extremely artificial a mien + that Maria Alexandrovna could barely restrain her wrath.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Maria Alexandrovna! your husband won't have a word to + say to me!”</span> remarked a sharp-faced little lady with a + devil-may-care manner, as though she cared nothing for anybody, and + was not to be abashed under any circumstances. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do ask him to be a <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">little</span></em> more courteous towards + ladies!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I really don't know myself what can have happened to him + to-day!”</span> said Maria Alexandrovna, interrupting her + conversation with Mrs. Antipova and Natalia, and laughing merrily; + <span class="tei tei-q">“he is so <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">dreadfully</span></em> uncommunicative! He has + scarcely said a word even to <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">me</span></em>, all day! Why don't you answer + Felisata Michaelovna, Afanassy? What did you ask him?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, but—why, mammy, you told me yourself”</span>—began + the bewildered and lost Afanassy. At this moment he was standing at + the fireside with one hand placed inside his waistcoat, in an + artistic position which he had chosen deliberately, on mature + reflection,—and he was sipping his tea. The questions of the ladies + had so confused him that he was blushing like a girl.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When he began the + justification of himself recorded above, he suddenly met so dreadful + a look in the eyes of his infuriated spouse that he nearly lost all + consciousness, for terror!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Uncertain what to + do, but anxious to recover himself and win back her favour once more, + he said nothing, but took a gulp of tea to restore his scattered + senses.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Unfortunately the + tea was too hot; which fact, together with the hugeness of the gulp + he took—quite upset him. He burned his throat, choked, sent the cup + flying, and burst into such a fit of coughing that he was obliged to + leave the room for a time, awakening universal astonishment by his + conduct.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a word, Maria + Alexandrovna saw clearly enough that her guests knew all about it, + and had assembled with malicious intent! The situation was dangerous! + They were quite capable of confusing and overwhelming the + feeble-minded old prince before her very eyes! They might even carry + him off bodily—after stirring up a quarrel between the old man and + herself! <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Anything</span></em> might happen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But fate had + prepared her one more surprise. The door opened and in came + Mosgliakoff—who, as she thought, was far enough away at his + godfather's, and would not come near her to-night! She shuddered as + though something had hurt her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff stood + a moment at the door, looking around at the company. He was a little + bewildered, and could not conceal his agitation, which showed itself + very clearly in his expression.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, it's Paul Alexandrovitch! and you told us he had + gone to his godfather's, Maria Alexandrovna. We were told you had + hidden yourself away from us, Paul Alexandrovitch!”</span> cried + Natalia.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hidden myself?”</span> said Paul, with a crooked sort of + a smile. <span class="tei tei-q">“What a strange expression! Excuse + me, Natalia Dimitrievna, but I never hide from anyone; I have no + cause to do so, that I know of! Nor do I ever hide anyone + else!”</span> he added, looking significantly at Maria + Alexandrovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + trembled in her shoes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Surely this fool of a man is not up to anything + disagreeable!”</span> she thought. <span class="tei tei-q">“No, no! + that would be worse than anything!”</span> She looked curiously and + anxiously into his eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is it true, Paul Alexandrovitch, that you have just been + politely dismissed?—the Government service, I mean, of + course!”</span> remarked the daring Felisata Michaelovna, looking + impertinently into his eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dismissed! How dismissed? I'm simply changing my + department, that's all! I am to be placed at Petersburg!”</span> + Mosgliakoff answered, drily.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! well, I congratulate you!”</span> continued the bold + young woman. <span class="tei tei-q">“We were alarmed to hear that + you were trying for a—a place down here at Mordasoff. The berths here + are wretched, Paul Alexandrovitch—no good at all, I assure + you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don't know—there's a place as teacher at the school, + vacant, I believe,”</span> remarked Natalia.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was such a + crude and palpable insinuation that even Mrs. Antipova was ashamed of + her friend, and kicked her, under the table.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You don't suppose Paul Alexandrovitch would accept the + place vacated by a wretched little schoolmaster!”</span> said + Felisata Michaelovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Paul did not + answer. He turned at this moment, and encountered Afanassy + Matveyevitch, just returning into the room. The latter offered him + his hand. Mosgliakoff, like a fool, looked beyond poor Afanassy, and + did not take his outstretched hand: annoyed to the limits of + endurance, he stepped up to Zina, and muttered, gazing angrily into + her eyes:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This is all thanks to you! Wait a bit; you shall see + this very day whether I am a fool or not!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why put off the revelation? It is clear enough + already!”</span> said Zina, aloud, staring contemptuously at her + former lover.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff + hurriedly left her. He did not half like the loud tone she spoke + in.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Have you been to your godfather's?”</span> asked Maria + Alexandrovna at last, determined to sound matters in this + direction.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, I've just been with uncle.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“With your uncle! What! have you just come from the + prince now?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh—oh! and we were told the prince was asleep!”</span> + added Natalia Dimitrievna, looking daggers at Maria Alexandrovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do not be disturbed about the prince, Natalia + Dimitrievna,”</span> replied Paul, <span class="tei tei-q">“he is + awake now, and quite restored to his senses. He was persuaded to + drink a good deal too much wine, first at your house, and then here; + so that he quite lost his head, which never was too strong. However, + I have had a talk with him, and he now seems to have entirely + recovered his judgment, thank God! He is coming down directly to take + his leave, Maria Alexandrovna, and to thank you for all your kind + hospitality; and to-morrow morning early we are off to the Hermitage. + Thence I shall myself see him safe home to Donchanovo, in order that + he may be far from the temptation to further excesses like that of + to-day. There I shall give him over into the hands of Stepanida + Matveyevna, who must be back at home by this time, and who will + assuredly never allow him another opportunity of going on his + travels, I'll answer for that!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So saying, + Mosgliakoff stared angrily at Maria Alexandrovna. The latter sat + still, apparently dumb with amazement. I regret to say—it gives me + great pain to record it—that, perhaps for the first time in her life, + my heroine was decidedly alarmed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So the prince is off to-morrow morning! Dear me; why is + that?”</span> inquired Natalia Dimitrievna, very sweetly, of Maria + Alexandrovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes. How is that?”</span> asked Mrs. Antipova, in + astonishment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes; dear me! how comes that, I wonder!”</span> said two + or three voices. <span class="tei tei-q">“How can that be? When we + were told—dear me! How very strange!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the mistress + of the house could not find words to reply in.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">However, at this + moment the general attention was distracted by a most unwonted and + eccentric episode. In the next room was heard a strange noise—sharp + exclamations and hurrying feet, which was followed by the sudden + appearance of Sophia Petrovna, the fidgety guest who had called upon + Maria Alexandrovna in the morning.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sophia Petrovna + was a very eccentric woman indeed—so much so that even the good + people of Mordasoff could not support her, and had lately voted her + out of society. I must observe that every evening, punctually at + seven, this lady was in the habit of having, what she called, + <span class="tei tei-q">“a snack,”</span> and that after this snack, + which she declared was for the benefit of her liver, her condition + was well <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">emancipated</span></em>, to use no stronger + term. She was in this very condition, as described, now, as she + appeared flinging herself into Maria Alexandrovna's salon.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oho! so this is how you treat me, Maria + Alexandrovna!”</span> she shouted at the top of her voice. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh! don't be afraid, I shall not inflict + myself upon you for more than a minute! I won't sit down. I just came + in to see if what they said was true! Ah! so you go in for balls and + receptions and parties, and Sophia Petrovna is to sit at home alone, + and knit stockings, is she? You ask the whole town in, and leave me + out, do you? Yes, and I was <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">mon + ange</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-q">‘dear,’</span> and + all the rest of it when I came in to warn you of Natalia Dimitrievna + having got hold of the prince! And now this very Natalia Dimitrievna, + whom you swore at like a pickpocket, and who was just about as polite + when she spoke of you, is here among your guests? Oh, don't mind + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">me</span></em>, Natalia Dimitrievna, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">I</span></em> don't + want your <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">chocolat à la + santé</span></span> at a penny the ounce, six cups to the ounce! + thanks, I can do better at home; t'fu, a good deal + better.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Evidently!”</span> observed Natalia Dimitrievna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But—goodness gracious, Sophia Petrovna!”</span> cried + the hostess, flushing with annoyance; <span class="tei tei-q">“what + is it all about? Do show a little common sense!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, don't bother about me, Maria Alexandrovna, thank + you! I know all about it—oh, dear me, yes!—<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">I</span></em> know + all about it!”</span> cried Sophia Petrovna, in her shrill squeaky + voice, from among the crowd of guests who now surrounded her, and who + seemed to derive immense satisfaction from this unexpected scene. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, yes, I know all about it, I assure you! + Your friend Nastasia came over and told me all! You got hold of the + old prince, made him drunk and persuaded him to make an offer of + marriage to your daughter Zina—whom nobody else will marry; and I + daresay you suppose you are going to be a very great lady, indeed—a + sort of duchess in lace and jewellery. Tfu! Don't flatter yourself; + you may not be aware that I, too, am a colonel's lady! and if you + don't care to ask me to your betrothal parties, you needn't: I scorn + and despise you and your parties too! I've seen honester women than + you, you know! I have dined at Countess Zalichvatsky's; a chief + commissioner proposed for my hand! A lot <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">I</span></em> care + for your invitations. Tfu!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Look here, Sophia Petrovna,”</span> said Maria + Alexandrovna, beside herself with rage; <span class="tei tei-q">“I + assure you that people do not indulge in this sort of sally at + respectable houses; especially in <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">the condition you are + now in</span></em>! And let me tell you that if you do not + immediately relieve me of your presence and eloquence, I shall be + obliged to take the matter into my own hands!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, I know—you'll get your people to turn me out! Don't + trouble yourself—I know the way out! Good-bye,—marry your daughter to + whom you please, for all I care. And as for <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em>, + Natalia Dimitrievna, I will thank you not to laugh at me! I may not + have been asked here, but at all events <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">I</span></em> did not + dance a can-can for the prince's benefit. What may <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> be + laughing at, Mrs. Antipova? I suppose you haven't heard that your + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">great + friend</span></em> Lushiloff has broken his leg?—he has just been + taken home. Tfu! Good-bye, Maria Alexandrovna—good luck to you! + Tfu!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sophia Petrovna + now disappeared. All the guests laughed; Maria Alexandrovna was in a + state of indescribable fury.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I think the good lady must have been drinking!”</span> + said Natalia Dimitrievna, sweetly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But what audacity!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">Quelle abominable + femme!</span></span>”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What a raving lunatic!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But really, what excessively improper things she + says!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, but what <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">could</span></em> she have meant by a 'betrothal + party?' What sort of a betrothal party is this?”</span> asked + Felisata Michaelovna innocently.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is too bad—too bad!”</span> Maria Alexandrovna burst + out at last. <span class="tei tei-q">“It is just such abominable + women as this that sow nonsensical rumours about! it is not the fact + that there <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">are</span></em> such women about, Felisata + Michaelovna, that is so surprising; the astonishing part of the + matter is that ladies can be found who support and encourage them, + and believe their abominable tales, and——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The prince, the prince!”</span> cried all the guests at + once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, oh, here he is—the dear, dear prince!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, thank goodness, we shall hear all the particulars + now!”</span> murmured Felisata Michaelovna to her neighbour.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc26" id="toc26"></a> <a name="pdf27" id="pdf27"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XIII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The prince entered + and smiled benignly around.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All the agitation + which his conversation with Mosgliakoff, a quarter of an hour since, + had aroused in his chicken-heart vanished at the sight of the + ladies.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Those gentle + creatures received him with chirps and exclamations of joy. Ladies + always petted our old friend the prince, and were—as a + rule—wonderfully familiar with him. He had a way of amusing them with + his own individuality which was astonishing! Only this morning + Felisata Michaelovna had announced that she would sit on his knee + with the greatest pleasure, if he liked; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“because he was such a dear old pet of an old + man!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + fastened her eyes on him, to read—if she could—if it were but the + slightest indication of his state of mind, and to get a possible idea + for a way out of this horribly critical position. But there was + nothing to be made of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">his</span></em> face; it was just as before—just + as ever it was!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah—h! here's the prince at last!”</span> cried several + voices. <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, Prince, how we have waited and + waited for you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“With impatience, Prince, with impatience!”</span> + another chorus took up the strain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear me, how very flat—tering!”</span> said the old man, + settling himself near the tea-table.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The ladies + immediately surrounded him. There only remained Natalia Dimitrievna + and Mrs. Antipova with the hostess. Afanassy stood and smiled with + great courtesy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff also + smiled as he gazed defiantly at Zina, who, without taking the + slightest notice of him, took a chair near her father, and sat down + at the fireside.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Prince, do tell us—is it true that you are about to + leave us so soon?”</span> asked Felisata Michaelovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, yes, <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="fr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">mesdames</span></span>; I am going abroad almost + im—mediately!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Abroad, Prince, abroad? Why, what can have caused you to + take such a step as that?”</span> cried several ladies at once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes—yes, abroad,”</span> said the prince; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and do you know it is principally for the sake of the + new i—deas——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How, new ideas? what new ideas—what does he + mean?”</span> the astonished ladies asked of one another.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes. Quite so—new ideas!”</span> repeated the prince + with an air of deep conviction, <span class="tei tei-q">“everybody + goes abroad now for new ideas, and I'm going too, to see if I can + pick any up.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Up to this moment + Maria Alexandrovna had listened to the conversation observantly; but + it now struck her that the prince had entirely forgotten her + existence—which would not do!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Allow me, Prince, to introduce my husband, Afanassy + Matveyevitch. He hastened up from our country seat so soon as ever he + heard of your arrival in our house.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Afanassy, under + the impression that he was being praised, smiled amiably and beamed + all over.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very happy, very happy—Afanassy Mat—veyevitch!”</span> + said the prince. <span class="tei tei-q">“Wait a moment: your name + reminds me of something, Afanassy Mat—veyevitch; ye—yes, you are the + man down at the village! Charming, charm—ing! Very glad, I'm sure. Do + you remember, my boy,”</span> (to Paul) <span class="tei tei-q">“the + nice little rhyme we fitted out to him? What was it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, I know, prince,”</span> said Felisata + Michaelovna—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“ <span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">‘When the husband's + away</span></span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">The wife will + play!”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wasn't that it? We had it last year at the + theatre.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, yes, quite so, ye—yes, <span class="tei tei-q">‘the + wife will play!’</span> That's it: charming, charming. So you are + that ve—ry man? Dear me, I'm <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">very</span></em> glad, I'm sure,”</span> said + the prince, stretching out his hand, but not rising from his chair. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Dear me, and how is your health, my dear + sir?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, he's quite well, thank you, prince, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">quite</span></em> + well,”</span> answered Maria Alexandrovna quickly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, I see he is—he looks it! And are you still at + the vill—age? Dear me, very pleased, I'm sure; why, how red he looks, + and he's always laugh—ing.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Afanassy smiled + and bowed, and even <span class="tei tei-q">“scraped,”</span> as the + prince spoke, but at the last observation he suddenly, and without + warning or apparent reason, burst into loud fits of laughter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The ladies were + delighted. Zina flushed up, and with flashing eyes darted a look at + her mother, who, in her turn, was boiling over with rage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was time to + change the conversation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Did you have a nice nap, prince?”</span> she inquired in + honied accents; but at the same time giving Afanassy to understand, + with very un-honied looks that he might go—well, anywhere!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, I slept won—derfully, wonderfully? And do you know, + I had such a most fascinating, be—witching dream!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A dream? how delightful! I do so love to hear people + tell their dreams,”</span> cried Felisata.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, a fas—cinating dream,”</span> stammered the old man + again, <span class="tei tei-q">“quite be—witching, but all the more a + dead secret for that very reas—on.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, Prince, you don't mean to say you can't tell + us?”</span> said Mrs. Antipova. <span class="tei tei-q">“I suppose + it's an <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">extraordinary</span></em> dream, isn't + it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A dead secret!”</span> repeated the prince, purposely + whetting the curiosity of the ladies, and enjoying the fun.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then it <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">must</span></em> be interesting, oh, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">dreadfully</span></em> interesting,”</span> + cried other ladies.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don't mind taking a bet that the prince dreamed that + he was kneeling at some lovely woman's feet and making a declaration + of love,”</span> said Felisata Michaelovna. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Confess, now, prince, that it was so? confess, dear + prince, confess.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, Prince, confess!”</span> the chorus took up the + cry. The old man listened solemnly until the last voice was hushed. + The ladies' guesswork flattered his vanity wonderfully; he was as + pleased as he could be. <span class="tei tei-q">“Though I did say + that my dream was a dead se—cret,”</span> he replied at last, + <span class="tei tei-q">“still I am obliged to confess, dear lady, + that to my great as—tonishment you have almost exactly guessed + it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I've guessed it, I've guessed it,”</span> cried + Felisata, in a rapture of joy. <span class="tei tei-q">“Well, prince, + say what you like, but it's your <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">plain</span></em> + duty to tell us the name of your beauty; come now, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">isn't</span></em> + it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course, of course, prince.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is she in this town?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear prince, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">do</span></em> tell us.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Darling</span></em> prince, do, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">do</span></em> tell + us; you positively <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">must</span></em>,”</span> was heard on all + sides.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">Mesdames, + mes—dames</span></span>; if you must know, I will go so far as to say + that it is the most charming, and be—witching, and vir—tuous lady I + know,”</span> said the prince, unctuously.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The most bewitching? and belonging to this place? Who + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">can</span></em> it be?”</span> cried the ladies, + interchanging looks and signs.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, of course, the young lady who is considered the + reigning beauty here,”</span> remarked Natalia Dimitrievna, rubbing + her hands and looking hard at Zina with those cat's-eyes of hers. All + joined her in staring at Zina.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, prince, if you dream those sort of things, why + should not you marry somebody <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">bona + fide</span></span>?”</span> asked Felisata, looking around her with a + significant expression.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We would marry you off beautifully, prince!”</span> said + somebody else.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, dear prince, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">do</span></em> marry!”</span> chirped + another.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Marry, marry, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">do</span></em> marry!”</span> was now the cry on + all sides.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes. Why should I not ma—arry!”</span> said the old + man, confused and bewildered with all the cries and exclamations + around him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Uncle!”</span> cried Mosgliakoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, my boy, quite so; I un—derstand what you mean. I + may as well tell you, ladies, that I am not in a position to marry + again; and having passed one most delightful evening with our + fascinating hostess, I must start away to-morrow to the Hermitage, + and then I shall go straight off abroad, and study the question of + the enlightenment of Europe.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina shuddered, + and looked over at her mother with an expression of unspeakable + anguish.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Maria + Alexandrovna had now made up her mind how to act; all this while she + had played a mere waiting game, observing closely and carefully all + that was said or done, although she could see only too clearly that + her plans were undermined, and that her foes had come about her in + numbers which were too great to be altogether pleasant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last, however, + she comprehended the situation, she thought, completely. She had + gauged how the matter stood in all its branches, and she determined + to slay the hundred-headed hydra at one fell blow!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With great + majesty, then, she rose from her seat, and approached the tea-table, + stalking across the room with firm and dignified tread, as she looked + around upon her pigmy foes. The fire of inspiration blazed in her + eyes. She resolved to smite once, and annihilate this vile nest of + poisonous scandal-adders: to destroy the miserable Mosgliakoff, as + though he were a blackbeetle, and with one triumphant blow to + reassert all her influence over this miserable old idiot-prince!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some audacity was + requisite for such a performance, of course; but Maria Alexandrovna + had not even to put her hand in her pocket for a supply of that + particular commodity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">Mesdames</span></span>,”</span> + she began, solemnly, and with much dignity (Maria Alexandrovna was + always a great admirer of solemnity); <span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">mesdames</span></span>, I have + been a listener to your conversation—to your witty remarks and merry + jokes—long enough, and I consider that my turn has come, at last, to + put in a word in contribution.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are aware we have all met here accidentally (to my + great joy, I must add—to my very great joy); but, though I should be + the first to refuse to divulge a family secret before the strictest + rules of ordinary propriety rendered such a revelation necessary, + yet, as my dear guest here appears to me to have given us to + understand, by covert hints and insinuations, that he is not averse + to the matter becoming common property (he will forgive me if I have + mistaken his intentions!)—I cannot help feeling that the prince is + not only not averse, but actually desires me to make known our great + family secret. Am I right, Prince?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, quite so, quite so! Very glad, ve—ry glad, I'm + sure!”</span> said the prince, who had not the remotest idea what the + good lady was talking about!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria + Alexandrovna, for greater effect, now paused to take breath, and + looked solemnly and proudly around upon the assembled guests, all of + whom were now listening with greedy but slightly disturbed curiosity + to what their hostess was about to reveal to them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff + shuddered; Zina flushed up, and arose from her seat; Afanassy, seeing + that something important was about to happen, blew his nose + violently, in order to be ready for any emergency.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, ladies; I am ready—nay, gratified—to entrust my + family secret to your keeping!——This evening, the prince, overcome by + the beauty and virtues of my daughter, has done her the honour of + proposing to me for her hand. Prince,”</span> she concluded, in + trembling tearful accents, <span class="tei tei-q">“dear Prince; you + must not, you cannot blame me for my candour! It is only my + overwhelming joy that could have torn this dear secret prematurely + from my heart: and what mother is there who will blame me in such a + case as this?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Words fail me to + describe the effect produced by this most unexpected sally on the + part of Maria Alexandrovna. All present appeared to be struck dumb + with amazement. These perfidious guests, who had thought to frighten + Maria Alexandrovna by showing her that they knew her secret; who + thought to annihilate her by the premature revelation of that secret; + who thought to overwhelm her, for the present, with their hints and + insinuations; these guests were themselves struck down and pulverized + by this fearless candour on her part! Such audacious frankness argued + the consciousness of strength.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So that the prince actually, and of his own free-will is + really going to marry Zina? So they did not drink and bully and + swindle him into it? So he is not to be married burglariously and + forcibly? So Maria Alexandrovna is not afraid of anybody? Then we + can't knock this marriage on the head—since the prince is not being + married compulsorily!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such were the + questions and exclamations the visitors now put to themselves and + each other.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But very soon the + whispers which the hostess's words had awakened all over the room, + suddenly changed to chirps and exclamations of joy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Natalia + Dimitrievna was the first to come forward and embrace Maria + Alexandrovna; then came Mrs. Antipova; next Felisata Michaelovna. All + present were shortly on their feet and moving about, changing places. + Many of the ladies were pale with rage. Some began to congratulate + Zina, who was confused enough without; some attached themselves to + the wretched Afanassy Matveyevitch. Maria Alexandrovna stretched her + arms theatrically, and embraced her daughter—almost by force.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The prince alone + gazed upon the company with a sort of confused wonder; but he smiled + on as before. He seemed to be pleased with the scene. At sight of the + mother and daughter embracing, he took out his handkerchief, and + wiped his eye, in the corner of which there really was a tear.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of course the + company fell upon him with their congratulations before very + long.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I congratulate you, Prince! I congratulate you!”</span> + came from all sides at once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So you <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">are</span></em> going to be married, + Prince?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So you <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">really are</span></em> going to + marry?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear Prince! You really are to be married, + then?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, ye—yes; quite so, quite so!”</span> replied the + old fellow, delighted beyond measure with all the rapture and + atmosphere of congratulation around him; <span class="tei tei-q">“and + I confess what I like best of all, is the ve—ery kind in—terest you + all take in me! I shall never forget it, never for—get it! Charming! + charming! You have brought the tears to my eyes!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Kiss me, prince!”</span> cried Felisata Michaelovna, in + stentorian tones.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And I con—fess further,”</span> continued the Prince, as + well as the constant physical interruptions from all sides allowed + him; <span class="tei tei-q">“I confess I am beyond measure + as—tonished that Maria Alexandrovna, our revered hostess, should have + had the extraordinary penet—ration to guess my dream! She might have + dreamed it herself, instead of me. Ex—traordinary perspicacity! + Won—derful, wonderful!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, prince; your dream again!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, come, prince! admit—confess!”</span> cried one and + all.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, prince, it is no use concealing it now; it is time + we divulged this secret of ours!”</span> said Maria Alexandrovna, + severely and decidedly. <span class="tei tei-q">“I quite entered into + your refined, allegorical manner; the delightful delicacy with which + you gave me to understand, by means of subtle insinuations, that you + wished the fact of your engagement to be made known. Yes, ladies, it + is all true! This very evening the prince knelt at my daughter's + feet, and actually, and by no means in a dream, made a solemn + proposal of marriage to her!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes—yes, quite so! just exactly like that; and under the + very cir—cumstances she describes: just like re—ality,”</span> said + the old man. <span class="tei tei-q">“My dear young lady,”</span> he + continued, bowing with his greatest courtesy to Zina, who had by no + means recovered from her amazement as yet; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“my dear young lady, I swear to you, I should never have + dared thus to bring your name into pro—minence, if others had not + done so before me! It was a most be—witching dream! a be—witching + dream! and I am doubly happy that I have been per—mitted to describe + it. Charming—charming!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear me! how very curious it is: he insists on sticking + to his idea about a dream!”</span> whispered Mrs. Antipova to the now + slightly paling Maria Alexandrovna. Alas! that great woman had felt + her heart beating more quickly than she liked without this last + little reminder!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What does it mean?”</span> whispered the ladies among + themselves.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Excuse me, prince,”</span> began Maria Alexandrovna, + with a miserable attempt at a smile, <span class="tei tei-q">“but I + confess you astonish me a great deal! What is this strange idea of + yours about a dream? I confess I had thought you were joking up to + this moment; but—if it be a joke on your part, it is exceedingly out + of place! I should like—I am <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">anxious</span></em> to ascribe your conduct to + absence of mind, but——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes; it may really be a case of absence of mind!”</span> + put in Natalia Dimitrievna in a whisper.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes—yes—of course, quite so; it may easily be absence of + mind!”</span> confirmed the prince, who clearly did not in the least + comprehend what they were trying to get out of him; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and with regard to this subject, let me tell you a + little an—ecdote. I was asked to a funeral at Petersburg, and I went + and made a little mis—take about it and thought it was a birthday + par—ty! So I brought a lovely bouquet of cam—ellias! When I came in + and saw the master of the house lying in state on a table, I didn't + know where to lo—ok, or what to do with my ca—mellias, I assure + you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes; but, Prince, this is not the moment for + stories!”</span> observed Maria Alexandrovna, with great annoyance. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course, my daughter has no need to beat + up a husband; but at the same time, I must repeat that you yourself + here, just by the piano, made her an offer of marriage. <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">I</span></em> did not + ask you to do it! I may say I was amazed to hear it! However, since + the episode of your proposal, I may say that I have thought of + nothing else; and I have only waited for your appearance to talk the + matter over with you. But now—well, I am a mother, and this is my + daughter. You speak of a dream. I supposed, naturally, that you were + anxious to make your engagement known by the medium of an allegory. + Well, I am perfectly well aware that someone may have thought fit to + confuse your mind on this matter; in fact, I may say that I have my + suspicions as to the individual responsible for such a——however, + kindly explain yourself, Prince; explain yourself quickly and + satisfactorily. You cannot be permitted to jest in this fashion in a + respectable house.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes—quite so, quite so; one should not jest in + respectable houses,”</span> remarked the prince, still bewildered, + but beginning gradually to grow a little disconcerted.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But that is no answer to my question, Prince. I ask you + to reply categorically. I insist upon your confirming—confirming here + and at once—the fact that this very evening you made a proposal of + marriage to my daughter!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite so—quite so; I am ready to confirm that! But I + have told the com—pany all about it, and Felisata Michaelovna + ac—tually guessed my dream!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Not dream!</span></em> it was <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></em> a + dream!”</span> shouted Maria Alexandrovna furiously. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was not a dream, Prince, but you were wide awake. Do + you hear? Awake—you were <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">awake</span></em>!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Awake?”</span> cried the prince, rising from his chair + in astonishment. <span class="tei tei-q">“Well, there you are, my + friend; it has come about just as you said,”</span> he added, turning + to Mosgliakoff. <span class="tei tei-q">“But I assure you, most + es—teemed Maria Alexandrovna, that you are under a del—usion. I am + quite convinced that I saw the whole scene in a dream!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Goodness gracious!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do not disturb yourself, dear Maria + Alexandrovna,”</span> said Natalia Dimitrievna, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“probably the prince has forgotten; he will recollect + himself by and by.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am astonished at you, Natalia Dimitrievna!”</span> + said the now furious hostess. <span class="tei tei-q">“As if people + forget this sort of thing! Excuse me, Prince, but are you laughing at + us, or what are you doing? Are you trying to act one of Dumas' + heroes, or Lauzun or Ferlacourt, or somebody? But, if you will excuse + me saying so, you are a good deal too old for that sort of thing, and + I assure you, your amiable little play-acting will not do here! My + daughter is not a French viscountess! I tell you, this very evening + and in this very spot here, my daughter sang a ballad to you, and + you, amazed at the beauty of her singing, went down on your knees and + made her a proposal of marriage. I am not talking in my sleep, am I? + Surely I am wide awake? Speak, Prince, am I asleep, or + not?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, of course, of course—quite so. I don't + know,”</span> said the bewildered old man. <span class="tei tei-q">“I + mean, I don't think I am drea—ming now; but, a little while ago I + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">was</span></em> asleep, you see; and while + asleep I had this dream, that I——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Goodness me, Prince, I tell you you were <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></em> + dreaming. <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Not dreaming</span></em>, do you hear? + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Not</span></em> dreaming! What on earth do you + mean? Are you raving, Prince, or what?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes; deuce only knows. I don't know! It seems to me + I'm getting be—wildered,”</span> said the prince, looking around him + in a state of considerable mental perturbation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, my dear Prince, how can you possibly have + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">dreamed</span></em> this, when I can tell you + all the minutest details of your proposal and of the circumstances + attending it? You have not told any of us of these details. How could + I possibly have known what you dreamed?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, perhaps the prince <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">did</span></em> tell + someone of his dream, in detail,”</span> remarked Natalia + Dimitrievna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, quite so—quite so! Perhaps I did tell someone + all about my dream, in detail,”</span> said the now completely lost + and bewildered prince.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here's a nice comedy!”</span> whispered Felisata + Michaelovna to her neighbour.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My goodness me! this is too much for <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">anybody's</span></em> + patience!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna, beside herself with + helpless rage. <span class="tei tei-q">“Do you hear me, Prince? She + sang you a ballad—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">sang you a ballad</span></em>! Surely you didn't + dream that too?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Certainly—cer—tainly, quite so. It really did seem to me + that she sang me a ballad,”</span> murmured the prince; and a ray of + recollection seemed to flash across his face. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“My friend,”</span> he continued, addressing Mosgliakoff, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I believe I forgot to tell you, there was a + ballad sung—a ballad all about castles and knights; and some + trou—badour or other came in. Of course, of course, I remember it all + quite well. I recoll—ect I did turn over the ballad. It puzzles me + much, for now it seems as though I had really heard the ballad, and + not dreamt it all.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I confess, uncle,”</span> said Mosgliakoff, as calmly as + he could, though his voice shook with agitation, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I confess I do not see any difficulty in bringing your + actual experience and your dream into strict conformity; it is + consistent enough. You probably <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">did</span></em> hear the ballad. Miss Zenaida + sings beautifully; probably you all adjourned into this room and + Zenaida Afanassievna sang you the song. Of course, I was not there + myself, but in all probability this ballad reminded you of old times; + very likely it reminded you of that very vicomtesse with whom you + used once to sing, and of whom you were speaking to-day; well, and + then, when you went up for your nap and lay down, thinking of the + delightful impressions made upon you by the ballad and all, you + dreamed that you were in love and made an offer of marriage to the + lady who had inspired you with that feeling.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Alexandrovna + was struck dumb by this display of barefaced audacity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, ye—yes, my boy, yes, of course; that's exactly how + it really wa—as!”</span> cried the prince, in an ecstasy of delight. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course it was the de—lightful impressions + that caused me to dream it. I certainly re—member the song; and then + I went away and dreamed about my pro—posal, and that I really wished + to marry! The viscountess was there too. How beautifully you have + unravelled the diffi—culty, my dear boy. Well, now I am quite + convinced that it was all a dream. Maria Alex—androvna! I assure you, + you are under a delu—usion: it was a dream. I should not think of + trifling with your feelings otherwise.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, indeed! Now I perceive very clearly whom we have to + thank for making this dirty mess of our affairs!”</span> cried Maria + Alexandrovna, beside herself with rage, and turning to Mosgliakoff: + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are the man, sir—the <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">dishonest</span></em> + person. It is you who stirred up this mud! It is you that puzzled an + unhappy old idiot into this eccentric behaviour, because you yourself + were rejected! But we shall be quits, my friend, for this offence! + You shall pay, you shall pay! Wait a bit, my dishonest friend; wait a + bit!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Maria Alexandrovna!”</span> cried Mosgliakoff, blushing + in his turn until he looked as red as a boiled lobster, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“your words are so, so——to such an extent—I really don't + know how to express my opinion of you. No lady would ever permit + herself to—to—. At all events I am but protecting my relative. You + must allow that to <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">allure</span></em> an old man like this is, + is——.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite so, quite so; <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">allure</span></em>,”</span> + began the prince, trying to hide himself behind Mosgliakoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Afanassy Matveyevitch!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna, + in unnatural tones; <span class="tei tei-q">“do you hear, sir, how + these people are shaming and insulting me? Have you <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">quite</span></em> + exempted yourself from all the responsibilities of a man? Or are you + actually a—a wooden block, instead of the father of a family? What do + you stand blinking there for? eh! Any other husband would have wiped + out such an insult to his family with the blood of the offender long + ago.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wife!”</span> began Afanassy, solemnly, delighted, and + proud to find that a need for him had sprung up for once in his life. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Wife, are you quite certain, now, that + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> did not dream all this? You + might so easily have fallen asleep and dreamed it, and then muddled + it all up with what really happened, you know, and so——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Afanassy + Matveyevitch was never destined to complete his ingenious, but + unlucky guess.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Up to this moment + the guests had all restrained themselves, and had managed, cleverly + enough, to keep up an appearance of solid and judicial interest in + the proceedings. But at the first sound, almost, of Afanassy's voice, + a burst of uncontrollable laughter rose like a tempest from all parts + of the room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria + Alexandrovna, forgetting all the laws of propriety in her fury, tried + to rush at her unlucky consort; but she was held back by force, or, + doubtless, she would have scratched out that gentleman's eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Natalia + Dimitrievna took advantage of the occasion to add a little, if only a + little, drop more of poison to the bitter cup.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, dear Maria Alexandrovna,”</span> she said, in the + sweetest honied tones, <span class="tei tei-q">“perhaps it may be + that it really <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">was</span></em> so, as your husband suggests, + and that you are actually under a strange delusion?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How! What was a delusion?”</span> cried Maria + Alexandrovna, not quite catching the remark.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, my dear Maria, I was saying, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">mightn't</span></em> + it have been so, dear, after all? These sort of things <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">do</span></em> happen + sometimes, you know!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">What</span></em> sort of things do happen, eh? + What are you trying to do with me? What am I to make of + you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, perhaps, dear, you really <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">did</span></em> dream + it all!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What? <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">dream</span></em> it! <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">I</span></em> dreamed + it? And you dare suggest such a thing to me—straight to my + face?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, why not? Perhaps it really was the case,”</span> + observed Felisata Michaelovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, quite so, very likely it act—ually <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">was</span></em> the + case,”</span> muttered the old prince.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He, too—gracious Heaven!”</span> cried poor Maria + Alexandrovna, wringing her hands.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear me, how you do worry yourself, Maria Alexandrovna. + You should remember that dreams are sent us by a good Providence. If + Providence so wills it, there is no more to be said. Providence gives + the word, and we can neither weep nor be angry at its + dictum.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite so, quite so. We can't be a—angry about + it,”</span> observed the prince.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Look here; do you take me for a lunatic, or not?”</span> + said Maria Alexandrovna. She spoke with difficulty, so dreadfully was + she panting with fury. It was more than flesh and blood could stand. + She hurriedly grasped a chair, and fell fainting into it. There was a + scene of great excitement.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She has fainted in obedience to the laws of + propriety!”</span> observed Natalia Dimitrievna to Mrs. Antipova. But + at this moment—at this moment when the general bewilderment and + confusion had reached its height, and when the scene was strained to + the last possible point of excitement, another actor suddenly stepped + to the front; one who had been silent hitherto, but who immediately + threw quite a different complexion on the scene.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc28" id="toc28"></a> <a name="pdf29" id="pdf29"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XIV.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zenaida, or Zina + Afanassievna, was an individual of an extremely romantic turn of + mind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I don't know + whether it really was that she had read too much of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that fool Shakespeare,”</span> with her <span class= + "tei tei-q">“little tutor fellow,”</span> as Maria Alexandrovna + insisted; but, at all events she was very romantic. However, never, + in all her experience of Mordasoff life, had Zina before made such an + ultra-romantic, or perhaps I might call it <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">heroic</span></em>, + display as on the occasion of the sally which I am now about to + describe.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pale, and with + resolution in her eyes, yet almost trembling with agitation, and + wonderfully beautiful in her anger and scorn, she stepped to the + front.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Gazing around at + all, defiantly, she approached her mother in the midst of the sudden + silence which had fallen on all present. Her mother roused herself + from her swoon at the first indication of a projected movement on + Zina's part, and she now opened her eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mamma!”</span> cried Zina, <span class="tei tei-q">“why + should we deceive anyone? Why befoul ourselves with more lies? + Everything is so foul already that surely it is not worth while to + bemean ourselves any further by attempting to gloss over the + filth!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina, Zina! what are you thinking of? <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Do</span></em> + recollect yourself!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna, frightened out + of her wits, and jumping briskly up from her chair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I told you, mamma—I told you before, that I should not + be able to last out the length of this shameful and ignominious + business!”</span> continued Zina. <span class="tei tei-q">“Surely we + need no further bemean and befoul ourselves! I will take it all on + myself, mamma. I am the basest of all, for lending myself, of my own + free will, to this abominable intrigue! You are my mother; you love + me, I know, and you wished to arrange matters for my happiness, as + you thought best, and according to your lights. <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Your</span></em> + conduct, therefore, is pardonable; but mine! oh, no! never, + never!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina, Zina! surely you are not going to tell the whole + story? Oh! woe, woe! I felt that the knife would pierce my + heart!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, mamma, I shall tell all; I am disgraced, you—we all + of us are disgraced——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina, you are exaggerating! you are beside yourself; and + you don't know what you are saying. And why say anything about it? + The ignominy and disgrace is not on our side, dear child; I will show + in a moment that it is not on our side!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, mamma, no!”</span> cried Zina, with a quiver of rage + in her voice, <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not wish to remain silent + any longer before these—persons, whose opinion I despise, and who + have come here for the purpose of laughing at us. I do not wish to + stand insult from any one of them; none of them have any right to + throw dirt at me; every single one of them would be ready at any + moment to do things thirty times as bad as anything either I or you + have done or would do! Dare they, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">can</span></em> they + constitute themselves our judges?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Listen to that!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There's a pretty little speech for you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, that's <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">us</span></em> she's abusing”</span>!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A nice sort of creature she is herself!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">These and other + such-like exclamations greeted the conclusion of Zina's speech.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, she simply doesn't know what she's talking + about!”</span> observed Natalia Dimitrievna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We will make a + digression, and remark that Natalia Dimitrievna was quite right + there!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For if Zina did + not consider these women competent to judge herself, why should she + trouble herself to make those exposures and admissions which she + proposed to reveal in their presence? Zina was in much too great a + hurry. (She always was,—so the best heads in Mordasoff had agreed!) + All might have been set right; all might have been satisfactorily + arranged! Maria Alexandrovna was a great deal to blame this night, + too! She had been too much <span class="tei tei-q">“in a + hurry,”</span> like her daughter,—and too arrogant! She should have + simply raised the laugh at the old prince's expense, and turned him + out of the house! But Zina, in despite of all common sense (as + indicated above), and of the sage opinions of all Mordasoff, + addressed herself to the prince:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Prince,”</span> she said to the old man, who actually + rose from his arm-chair to show his respect for the speaker, so much + was he struck by her at this moment!—<span class="tei tei-q">“Prince + forgive us; we have deceived you; we entrapped you——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Will</span></em> you be quiet, you wretched + girl?”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna, wild with rage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My dear young lady—my dear child, my darling + child!”</span> murmured the admiring prince.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the proud + haughty character of Zina had led her on to cross the barrier of all + propriety;—she even forgot her own mother who lay fainting at her + feet—a victim to the self-exposure her daughter indulged in.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, prince, we both cheated you. Mamma was in fault in + that she determined that I must marry you; and I in that I consented + thereto. We filled you with wine; I sang to you and postured and + posed for your admiration. We tricked you, a weak defenceless old + man, we <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">tricked</span></em> you (as Mr. Mosgliakoff + would express it!) for the sake of your wealth, and your rank. All + this was shockingly mean, and I freely admit the fact. But I swear to + you, Prince, that I consented to all this baseness from motives which + were <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></em> base. I wished,—but what a + wretch I am! it is doubly mean to justify one's conduct in such a + case as this! But I will tell you, Prince, that if I had accepted + anything from you, I should have made it up to you for it, by being + your plaything, your servant, your—your ballet dancer, your + slave—anything you wished. I had sworn to this, and I should have + kept my oath.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A severe spasm at + the throat stopped her for a moment; while all the guests sat and + listened like so many blocks of wood, their eyes and mouths wide + open.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This unexpected, + and to them perfectly unintelligible sally on Zina's part had utterly + confounded them. The old prince alone was touched to tears, though he + did not understand half that Zina said.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But I will marry you, my beau—t—iful child, I <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">will</span></em> + marry you, if you like”</span>—he murmured, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and est—eem it a great honour, too! But I as—sure you it + was all a dream,—what does it mat—ter what I dream? Why should you + take it so to heart? I don't seem to under—stand it all; please + explain, my dear friend, what it all means!”</span> he added, to + Paul.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“As for you, Pavel Alexandrovitch,”</span> Zina + recommenced, also turning to Mosgliakoff, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you whom I had made up my mind, at one time, to look + upon as my future husband; you who have now so cruelly revenged + yourself upon me; must you needs have allied yourself to these people + here, whose object at all times is to humiliate and shame me? And you + said that you loved me! However, it is not for me to preach + moralities to you, for I am worse than all! I wronged you, + distinctly, in holding out false hopes and half promises. I never + loved you, and if I had agreed to be your wife, it would have been + solely with the view of getting away from here, out of this accursed + town, and free of all this meanness and baseness. However, I swear to + you that had I married you, I should have been a good and faithful + wife! You have taken a cruel vengeance upon me, and if that flatters + your pride, then——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina!”</span> cried Mosgliakoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“If you still hate me——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina!!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“If you ever did love me——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zenaida Afanassievna!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina, Zina—my child!”</span> cried Maria + Alexandrovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am a blackguard, Zina—a blackguard, and nothing + else!”</span> cried Mosgliakoff; while all the assembled ladies gave + way to violent agitation. Cries of amazement and of wrath broke upon + the silence; but Mosgliakoff himself stood speechless and miserable, + without a thought and without a word to plead for him!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am an ass, Zina,”</span> he cried at last, in an + outburst of wild despair,—<span class="tei tei-q">“an ass! oh far, + far worse than an ass. But I will prove to you, Zina, that even an + ass can behave like a generous human being! Uncle, I cheated you! I, + I—it was I who cheated you: you were <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></em> + asleep,—you were wide awake when you made this lady an offer of + marriage! And I—scoundrel that I was—out of revenge because I was + rejected by her myself, persuaded you that you had dreamed it + all!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear me, what wonderful and interesting revelations we + are being treated to now!”</span> whispered Natalia to Mrs. + Antipova.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My dear friend,”</span> replied the prince, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“com—pose yourself, do! I assure you—you quite start—led + me with that sudden ex—clamation of yours! Besides, you are labouring + under a delusion;—I will marr—y the lady, of course, if ne—cessary. + But you told me, yourself, it was all a dre—eam!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, how am I to tell you? Do show me, somebody, how to + explain to him! Uncle, uncle! this is an important matter—a most + important family affair! Think of that, uncle—just try to realise + that——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wait a bit, my boy—wait a bit: let me think! First there + was my coachman, Theophile——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, never mind Theophile now, for goodness + sake!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course we need not waste time over The—ophile. + Well—then came Na—poleon; and then we seemed to be sitting at tea, + and some la—dy came and ate up all our su—gar!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, uncle!”</span> cried Mosgliakoff, at his wits' end, + <span class="tei tei-q">“it was Maria Alexandrovna herself told us + that anecdote about Natalia Dimitrievna! I was here myself and heard + it!—I was a blackguard, and listened at the keyhole!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How, Maria Alexandrovna!”</span> cried Natalia, + <span class="tei tei-q">“you've told the prince too, have you, that I + stole sugar out of your basin? So I come to you to steal your sugar, + do I, eh! do I?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Get away from me!”</span> cried Maria Alexandrovna, with + the abandonment of utter despair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, dear no! I shall do nothing of the sort, Maria + Alexandrovna! I steal your sugar, do I? I tell you you shall not talk + of me like that, madam—you dare not! I have long suspected you of + spreading this sort of rubbish abroad about me! Sophia Petrovna came + and told me all about it. So I stole your sugar, did I, + eh?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, my dear la—dies!”</span> said the prince, + <span class="tei tei-q">“it was only part of a dream! What do my + dreams matter?——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Great tub of a woman!”</span> muttered Maria + Alexandrovna through her teeth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What! what! I'm a tub, too, am I?”</span> shrieked + Natalia Dimitrievna. <span class="tei tei-q">“And what are you + yourself, pray? Oh, I have long known that you call me a tub, madam. + Never mind!—at all events my husband is a man, madam, and not a fool, + like yours!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes—quite so! I remember there <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">was</span></em> + something about a tub, too!”</span> murmured the old man, with a + vague recollection of his late conversation with Maria + Alexandrovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em>, too? <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> join + in abusing a respectable woman of noble extraction, do you? How dare + you call me names, prince—you wretched old one-legged misery! I'm a + tub am I, you one-legged old abomination?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wha—at, madam, I one-legged?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes—one-legged and toothless, sir; that's what you + are!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, and one-eyed too!”</span> shouted Maria + Alexandrovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And what's more, you wear stays instead of having your + own ribs!”</span> added Natalia Dimitrievna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“His face is all on wire springs!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He hasn't a hair of his own to swear by!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Even the old fool's moustache is stuck on!”</span> put + in Maria Alexandrovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, Ma—arie Alexandrovna, give me the credit of having + a nose of my ve—ry own, at all events!”</span> said the prince, + overwhelmed with confusion under these unexpected disclosures. + <span class="tei tei-q">“My friend, it must have been you betrayed + me! <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> must have told them that my hair + is stuck on?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Uncle, what an idea, I——!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My dear boy, I can't stay here any lon—ger, take me away + somewhere—<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">quelle société</span></span>! + Where have you brought me to, eh?—Gracious Hea—eaven, what dreadful + soc—iety!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Idiot! scoundrel!”</span> shrieked Maria + Alexandrovna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Goodness!”</span> said the unfortunate old prince. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I can't quite remember just now what I came + here for at all—I suppose I shall reme—mber directly. Take me away, + quick, my boy, or I shall be torn to pieces here! Besides, I have an + i—dea that I want to make a note of——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Come along, uncle—it isn't very late; I'll take you over + to an hotel at once, and I'll move over my own things + too.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ye—yes, of course, a ho—tel! Good-bye, my charming + child; you alone, you—are the only vir—tuous one of them all; you are + a no—oble child. Good-bye, my charming girl! Come along, my + friend;—oh, good gra—cious, what people!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I will not attempt + to describe the end of this disagreeable scene, after the prince's + departure.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The guests + separated in a hurricane of scolding and abuse and mutual + vituperation, and Maria Alexandrovna was at last left alone amid the + ruins and relics of her departed glory.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Alas, alas! Power, + glory, weight—all had disappeared in this one unfortunate evening. + Maria Alexandrovna quite realised that there was no chance of her + ever again mounting to the height from which she had now fallen. Her + long preeminence and despotism over society in general had + collapsed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What remained to + her? Philosophy? She was wild with the madness of despair all night! + Zina was dishonoured—scandals would circulate, never-ceasing + scandals; and—oh! it was dreadful!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As a faithful + historian, I must record that poor Afanassy was the scapegoat this + night; he <span class="tei tei-q">“caught it”</span> so terribly that + he eventually disappeared; he had hidden himself in the garret, and + was there starved to death almost, with cold, all night.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The morning came + at last; but it brought nothing good with it! Misfortunes never come + singly.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc30" id="toc30"></a> <a name="pdf31" id="pdf31"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XV.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If fate makes up + its mind to visit anyone with misfortune, there is no end to its + malice! This fact has often been remarked by thinkers; and, as if the + ignominy of last night were not enough, the same malicious destiny + had prepared for this family more, yea, and worse—evils to come!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By ten o'clock in + the morning a strange and almost incredible rumour was in full swing + all over the town: it was received by society, of course, with full + measure of spiteful joy, just as we all love to receive delightfully + scandalous stories of anyone about us.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To lose one's sense of shame to such an extent!”</span> + people said one to another.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To humiliate oneself so, and to neglect the first rules + of propriety! To loose the bands of decency altogether like this, + really!”</span> etc., etc.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But here is what + had happened.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Early in the + morning, something after six o'clock, a poor piteous-looking old + woman came hurriedly to the door of Maria Alexandrovna's house, and + begged the maid to wake Miss Zina up as quickly, as + possible,—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">only</span></em> Miss Zina, and very quietly, so + that her mother should not hear of it, if possible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina, pale and + miserable, ran out to the old woman immediately.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The latter fell at + Zina's feet and kissed them and begged her with tears to come with + her at once to see poor Vaísia, her son, who had been so bad, + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">so</span></em> bad all night that she did not + think he could live another day.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old woman told + Zina that Vaísia had sent to beg her to come and bid him farewell in + this his death hour: he conjured her to come by all the blessed + angels, and by all their past—otherwise he must die in despair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina at once + decided to go, in spite of the fact that, by so doing, she would be + justifying all the scandal and slanders disseminated about her in + former days, as to the intercepted letter, her visits to him, and so + on. Without a word to her mother, then, she donned her cloak and + started off with the old woman, passing through the whole length of + the town, into one of the poorest slums of Mordasof—and stopped at a + little low wretched house, with small miserable windows, and snow + piled round the basement for warmth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In this house, in + a tiny room, more than half of which was occupied by an enormous + stove, on a wretched bed, and covered with a miserably thin quilt, + lay a young man, pale and haggard: his eyes were ablaze with the fire + of fever, his hands were dry and thin, and he was breathing with + difficulty and very hoarsely. He looked as though he might have been + handsome once, but disease had put its finger on his features and + made them dreadful to look upon and sad withal, as are so many dying + consumptive patients' faces.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His old mother who + had fed herself for a year past with the conviction that her son + would recover, now saw at last that Vaísia was not to live. She stood + over him, bowed down with her grief—tearless, and looked and looked, + and could not look enough; and felt, but could not realize, that this + dear son of hers must in a few days be buried in the miserable + Mordasof churchyard, far down beneath the snow and frozen earth!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Vaísia was not + looking at her at this moment! His poor suffering face was at rest + now, and happy; for he saw before him the dear image which he had + thought of, dreamed of, and loved through all the long sad nights of + his illness, for the last year and a half! He realised that she + forgave him, and had come, like an angel of God, to tell him of her + forgiveness, here, on his deathbed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She pressed his + hands, wept over him, stood and smiled over him, looked at him once + more with those wonderful eyes of hers, and all the past, the undying + ever-present past rose up before the mind's eye of the dying man. The + spark of life flashed up again in his soul, as though to show, now + that it was about to die out for ever on this earth, how hard, how + hard it was to see so sweet a light fade away.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zina, Zina!”</span> he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“my + Zina, do not weep; don't grieve, Zina, don't remind me that I must + die! Let me gaze at you, so—so,—and feel that our two souls have come + together once more—that you have forgiven me! Let me kiss your dear + hands again, as I used, and so let me die without noticing the + approach of death.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How thin you have grown, Zina! and how sweetly you are + looking at me now, my Zina! Do you remember how you used to laugh, in + bygone days? Oh, Zina, my angel, I shall not ask you to forgive me,—I + will not remember anything about—that, you know what! for if you + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">do</span></em> forgive me, I can never forgive + myself!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“All the long, long nights, Zina, I have lain here and + thought, and thought; and I have long since decided that I had better + die, Zina; for I am not fit to live!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina wept, and + silently pressed his hands, as though she would stop him talking + so.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why do you cry so?”</span> continued the sick man. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Is it because I am dying? but all the past + is long since dead and buried, Zina, my angel! You are wiser than I + am, you know I am a bad, wicked man; surely you cannot love me still? + Do you know what it has cost me to realise that I am a bad man? I, + who have always prided myself before the world—and what on? Purity of + heart, generosity of aim! Yes, Zina, so I did, while we read + Shakespeare; and in theory I was pure and generous. Yet, how did I + prove these qualities in practice?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, don't! don't!”</span> sobbed Zina, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you are not fair to yourself: don't talk like this, + please don't!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't stop me, Zina! You forgave me, my angel; I know + you forgave me long ago, but you must have judged me, and you know + what sort of man I really am; and that is what tortures me so! I am + unworthy of your love, Zina! And you were good and true, not only in + theory, but in practice too! You told your mother you would marry me, + and no one else, and you would have kept your word! Do you know, + Zina, I never realized before what you would sacrifice in marrying + me! I could not even see that you might die of hunger if you did so! + All I thought of was that you would be the bride of a great poet (in + the future), and I could not understand your reasons for wishing to + delay our union! So I reproached you and bullied you, and despised + you and suspected you, and at last I committed the crime of showing + your letter! I was not even a scoundrel at that moment! I was simply + a worm-man. Ah! how you must have despised me! No, it is well that I + am dying; it is well that you did not marry me! I should not have + understood your sacrifice, and I should have worried you, and + perhaps, in time, have learned to hate you, and ... but now it is + good, it is best so! my bitter tears can at least cleanse my heart + before I die. Ah! Zina! Zina! love me, love me as you did before for + a little, little while! just for the last hour of my life. I know I + am not worthy of it, but—oh, my angel, my Zina!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Throughout this + speech Zina, sobbing herself, had several times tried to stop the + speaker; but he would not listen. He felt that he must unburden his + soul by speaking out, and continued to talk—though with difficulty, + panting, and with choking and husky utterance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, if only you had never seen me and never loved + me,”</span> said Zina, <span class="tei tei-q">“you would have lived + on now! Ah, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">why</span></em> did we ever meet?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no, darling, don't blame yourself because I am + dying! think of all my self-love, my romanticism! I am to blame for + all, myself! Did they ever tell you my story in full? Do you + remember, three years ago, there was a criminal here sentenced to + death? This man heard that a criminal was never executed whilst ill! + so he got hold of some wine, mixed tobacco in it, and drank it. The + effect was to make him so dreadfully sick, with blood-spitting, that + his lungs became affected; he was taken to a hospital, and a few + weeks after he died of virulent consumption! Well, on that day, you + know, after the letter, it struck me that I would do the same; and + why do you think I chose consumption? Because I was afraid of any + more sudden death? Perhaps. But, oh, Zina! believe me, a romantic + nonsense played a great part in it; at all events, I had an idea that + it would be striking and grand for me to be lying here, dying of + consumption, and you standing and wringing your hands for woe that + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">love</span></em> should have brought me to this! + You should come, I thought, and beg my pardon on your knees, and I + should forgive you and die in your arms!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, don't! don't!”</span> said Zina, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“don't talk of it now, dear! you are not really like + that. Think of our happy days together, think of something else—not + that, not that!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, but it's so bitter to me, darling; and that's why I + must speak of it. I havn't seen you for a year and a half, you know, + and all that time I have been alone; and I don't think there was one + single minute of all that time when I have not thought of you, my + angel, Zina! And, oh! how I longed to do something to earn a better + opinion from you! Up to these very last days I have never believed + that I should really die; it has not killed me all at once, you know. + I have long walked about with my lungs affected. For instance, I have + longed to become a great poet suddenly, to publish a poem such as has + never appeared before on this earth; I intended to pour my whole soul + and being into it, so that wherever I was, or wherever <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> were, + I should always be with you and remind you of myself in my poems! And + my greatest longing of all was that you should think it all over and + say to yourself at last some day, 'No, he is not such a wretch as I + thought, after all!' It was stupid of me, Zina, stupid—stupid—wasn't + it, darling?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no, Vaísia—no!”</span> cried Zina. She fell on his + breast and kissed his poor hot, dry hands.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And, oh! how jealous I have been of you all this time, + Zina! I think I should have died if I had heard of your wedding. I + kept a watch over you, you know; I had a spy—there!”</span> (he + nodded towards his mother). <span class="tei tei-q">“She used to go + over and bring me news. You never loved Mosgliakoff—now <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">did</span></em> you, + Zina? Oh, my darling, my darling, will you remember me when I am + dead? Oh, I know you will; but years go by, Zina, and hearts grow + cold, and yours will cool too, and you'll forget me, + Zina!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no, never! I shall never marry. You are my first + love, and my only—only—undying love!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But all things die, Zina, even our memories, and our + good and noble feelings die also, and in their place comes reason. + No, no, Zina, be happy, and live long. Love another if you can, you + cannot love a poor dead man for ever! But think of me now and then, + if only seldom; don't think of my faults: forgive them! For oh, Zina, + there was good in that sweet love of ours as well as evil. Oh, + golden, golden days never to be recalled! Listen, darling, I have + always loved the sunset hour—remember me at that time, will you? Oh + no, no! why must I die? oh <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">how</span></em> I should love to live on now. + Think of that time—oh, just think of it! it was all spring then, the + sun shone so bright, the flowers were so sweet, ah me! and look, + now—look!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And the poor thin + finger pointed to the frozen window-pane. Then he seized Zina's hand + and pressed it tight over his eyes, and sighed bitterly—bitterly! His + sobs nearly burst his poor suffering breast.... And so he continued + suffering and talking all the long day. Zina comforted and soothed + him as she best could, but she too was full of deadly grief and pain. + She told him—she promised him—never to forget; that she would never + love again as she loved him; and he believed her and wept, and smiled + again, and kissed her hands. And so the day passed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile, Maria + Alexandrovna had sent some ten times for Zina, begging her not to + ruin her reputation irretrievably. At last, at dusk, she determined + to go herself; she was out of her wits with terror and grief.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having called Zina + out into the next room, she proceeded to beg and pray her, on her + knees, <span class="tei tei-q">“to spare this last dagger at her + heart!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina had come out + from the sick-room ill: her head was on fire,—she heard, but could + not comprehend, what her mother said; and Marie Alexandrovna was + obliged to leave the house again in despair, for Zina had determined + to sit up all night with Vaísia.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She never left his + bedside, but the poor fellow grew worse and worse. Another day came, + but there was no hope that the sick man would see its close. His old + mother walked about as though she had lost all control of her + actions; grief had turned her head for the time; she gave her son + medicines, but he would none of them! His death agony dragged on and + on! He could not speak now, and only hoarse inarticulate sounds + proceeded from his throat. To the very last instant he stared and + stared at Zina, and never took his eyes off her; and when their light + failed them he still groped with uncertain fingers for her hand, to + press and fondle it in his own!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile the + short winter day was waning! And when at even the last sunbeam gilded + the frozen window-pane of the little room, the soul of the sufferer + fled in pursuit of it out of the emaciated body that had kept it + prisoner.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old mother, + seeing that there was nothing left her now but the lifeless body of + her beloved Vaísia, wrung her hands, and with a loud cry flung + herself on his dead breast.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This is your doing, you viper, you cursed snake,”</span> + she yelled to Zina, in her despair; <span class="tei tei-q">“it was + you ruined and killed him, you wicked, wretched girl.”</span> But + Zina heard nothing. She stood over the dead body like one bereft of + her senses.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last she bent + over him, made the sign of the Cross, kissed him, and mechanically + left the room. Her eyes were ablaze, her head whirled. Two nights + without sleep, combined with her turbulent feelings, were almost too + much for her reason; she had a sort of confused consciousness that + all her past had just been torn out of her heart, and that a new life + was beginning for her, dark and threatening.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But she had not + gone ten paces when Mosgliakoff suddenly seemed to start up from the + earth at her feet.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He must have been + waiting for her here.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zenaida Afanassievna,”</span> he began, peering all + around him in what looked like timid haste; it was still pretty + light. <span class="tei tei-q">“Zenaida Afanassievna, of course I am + an ass, or, if you please, perhaps not quite an ass, for I really + think I am acting rather generously this time. Excuse my blundering, + but I am rather confused, from a variety of causes.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina glanced at + him almost unconsciously, and silently went on her way. There was not + much room for two on the narrow pavement, and as Zina did not make + way for Paul, the latter was obliged to walk on the road at the side, + which he did, never taking his eyes off her face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Zenaida Afanassievna,”</span> he continued, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have thought it all over, and if you are agreeable I + am willing to renew my proposal of marriage. I am even ready to + forget all that has happened; all the ignominy of the last two days, + and to forgive it—but on one condition: that while we are still here + our engagement is to remain a strict secret. You will depart from + this place as soon as ever you can, and I shall quietly follow you. + We will be married secretly, somewhere, so that nobody shall know + anything about it; and then we'll be off to St. Petersburg by express + post—don't take more than a small bag—eh? What say you, Zenaida + Afanassievna; tell me quick, please, I can't stay here. We might be + seen together, you know.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zina did not + answer a word; she only looked at Mosgliakoff; but it was such a look + that he understood all instantly, bowed, and disappeared down the + next lane.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear me,”</span> he said to himself, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“what's the meaning of this? The day before yesterday she + became so jolly humble, and blamed herself all round. I've come on + the wrong day, evidently!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile event + followed event in Mordasof.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A very tragical + circumstance occurred.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The old prince, + who moved over to the hotel with Mosgliakoff, fell very ill that same + night, dangerously ill. All Mordasof knew of it in the morning; the + doctor never left his side. That evening a consultation of all the + local medical talent was held over the old man (the invitations to + which were issued in Latin); but in spite of the Latin and all they + could do for him, the poor prince was quite off his head; he raved + and asked his doctor to sing him some ballad or other; raved about + wigs, and occasionally cried out as though frightened.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Mordasof + doctors decided that the hospitality of the town had given the prince + inflammation of the stomach, which had somehow <span class= + "tei tei-q">“gone to the head.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There might be + some subordinate moral causes to account for the attack; but at all + events he ought to have died long ago; and so he would certainly die + now.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In this last + conclusion they were not far wrong; for the poor old prince breathed + his last three days after, at the hotel.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This event + impressed the Mordasof folk considerably. No one had expected such a + tragical turn of affairs. They went in troops to the hotel to view + the poor old body, and there they wagged their heads wisely and ended + by passing severe judgment upon <span class="tei tei-q">“the + murderers of the unfortunate Prince,”</span>—meaning thereby, of + course, Maria Alexandrovna and her daughter. They predicted that this + matter would go further. Mosgliakoff was in a dreadful state of + perturbation: he did not know what to do with the body. Should he + take it back to Donchanof! or what? Perhaps he would be held + responsible for the old man's death, as he had brought him here? He + did not like the look of things. The Mordasof people were less than + useless for advice, they were all far too frightened to hazard a + word.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But suddenly the + scene changed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One fine evening a + visitor arrived—no less a person than the eminent Prince Shepetiloff, + a young man of thirty-five, with colonel's epaulettes, a relative of + the dead man. His arrival created a great stir among all classes at + Mordasof.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It appeared that + this gentleman had lately left St. Petersburg, and had called in at + Donchanof. Finding no one there, he had followed the prince to + Mordasof, where the news and circumstances of the old man's death + fell upon him like a thunder-clap!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even the governor + felt a little guilty while detailing the story of the prince's death: + all Mordasof felt and looked guilty.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This visitor took + the matter entirely into his own hands, and Mosgliakoff made himself + scarce before the presence of the prince's real nephew, and + disappeared, no one knew whither.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The body was taken + to the monastery, and all the Mordasof ladies flocked thither to the + funeral. It was rumoured that Maria Alexandrovna was to be present, + and that she was to go on her knees before the coffin, and loudly + pray for pardon; and that all this was in conformity with the laws of + the country.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of course this was + all nonsense, and Maria Alexandrovna never went near the place!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I forgot to state + that the latter had carried off Zina to the country house, not + deeming it possible to continue to live in the town. There she sat, + and trembled over all the second-hand news she could get hold of as + to events occurring at Mordasof.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The funeral + procession passed within half a mile of her country house; so that + Maria Alexandrovna could get a good view of the long train of + carriages looking black against the white snow roads; but she could + not bear the sight, and left the window.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Before the week + was out, she and her daughter moved to Moscow, taking Afanassy + Matveyevitch with them; and, within a month, the country house and + town house were both for sale.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And so Mordasof + lost its most eminent inhabitant for ever!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Afanassy + Matveyevitch was said to be for sale with the country house.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A year—two years + went by, and Mordasof had quite forgotten Maria Alexandrovna, or + nearly so! Alas! so wags the world! It was said that she had bought + another estate, and had moved over to some other provincial capital; + where, of course, she had everybody under her thumb; that Zina was + not yet married; and that Afanassy Matveyevitch—but why repeat all + this nonsense? None of it was true; it was but rumour!——</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb"> + <hr style="width: 50%" /> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is three years + since I wrote the last words of the above chronicles of Mordasof, and + whoever would have believed that I should have to unfold my MS., and + add another piece of news to my narrative?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Well, to + business!—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Let's begin with + Paul Mosgliakoff.—After leaving Mordasof, he went straight to St. + Petersburg, where he very soon obtained the clerkship he had applied + for. He then promptly forgot all about Mordasof, and the events + enacted there. He enjoyed life, went into society, fell in love, made + another offer of marriage, and had to swallow another snub; became + disgusted with Petersburg life, and joined an expedition to one of + the remote quarters of our vast empire.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This expedition + passed through its perils of land and water, and arrived in due + course at the capital of the remote province which was its + destination.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There the members + were well received by the governor, and a ball was arranged for their + entertainment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff was + delighted. He donned his best Petersburg uniform, and proceeded to + the large ball-room with the full intention of producing a great and + startling effect. His first duty was to make his bow to the + governor-general's lady, of whom it was rumoured that she was young, + and very lovely.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He advanced then, + with some little <span class="tei tei-q">“swagger,”</span> but was + suddenly rooted to the spot with amazement. Before him stood Zina, + beautifully dressed, proud and haughty, and sparkling with diamonds! + She did not recognize him; her eyes rested a moment on his face, and + then passed on to glance at some other person.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Paul immediately + departed to a safe and quiet corner, and there button-holed a young + civilian whom he questioned, and from whom he learned certain most + interesting facts. He learned that the governor-general had married a + very rich and very lovely lady in Moscow, two years since; that his + wife was certainly very beautiful, but, at the same time, excessively + proud and haughty, and danced with none but generals. That the + governor's lady had a mother, a lady of rank and fashion, who had + followed them from Moscow; that this lady was very clever and wise, + but that even she was quite under the thumb of her daughter; as for + the general (the governor), he doted on his wife.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mosgliakoff + inquired after our old friend Afanassy; but in their <span class= + "tei tei-q">“remote province”</span> nothing was known of that + gentleman.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Feeling a little + more at home presently, Paul began to walk about the room, and + shortly espied Maria Alexandrovna herself. She was wonderfully + dressed, and was surrounded by a bevy of ladies who evidently dwelt + in the glory of her patronage: she appeared to be exceedingly amiable + to them—wonderfully so!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Paul plucked up + courage and introduced himself. Maria Alexandrovna seemed to give a + shudder at first sight of him, but in an instant she was herself + again. She was kind enough to recognise Paul, and to ask him all + sorts of questions as to his Petersburg experiences, and so on. She + never said a word about Mordasof, however. She behaved as though no + such place existed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a minute or + so, and having dropped a question as to some Petersburg prince whom + Paul had never so much as heard of, she turned to speak to another + young gentleman standing by, and in a second or two was entirely + oblivious of Mosgliakoff. With a sarcastic smile our friend passed on + into the large hall. Feeling offended—though he knew not why—he + decided not to dance. So he leant his back against one of the + pillars, and for a couple of hours did nothing but follow Zina about + with his eyes. But alas! all the grace of his figure and attitude, + and all the fascinations of his general appearance were lost upon + her, she never looked at him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last, with legs + stiff from standing, tired, hungry, and feeling miserable generally, + he went home. Here he tossed about half the night thinking of the + past, and next morning, having the chance of joining a branch party + of his expedition, he accepted the opportunity with delight, and left + the town at once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The bells tinkled, + the horses trotted gaily along, kicking up snowballs as they went. + Paul Mosgliakoff fell to thinking, then he fell to snoring, and so he + continued until the third station from the start; there he awoke + fresh and jolly, and with the new scenery came newer, and healthier, + and pleasanter thoughts.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.20em"><br /> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%">THE END OF</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%">“</span><span style="font-size: 120%">UNCLE'S + DREAM.</span><span style="font-size: 120%">”</span></span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="pdf32" id="pdf32"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">THE PERMANENT HUSBAND.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc233" id="toc233"></a> <a name="pdf34" id="pdf34"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER I.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Summer had come, + and Velchaninoff, contrary to his expectations, was still in St. + Petersburg. His trip to the south of Russia had fallen through, and + there seemed no end to the business which had detained him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This + business—which was a lawsuit as to certain property—had taken a very + disagreeable aspect. Three months ago the thing had appeared to be by + no means complicated—in fact, there had seemed to be scarcely any + question as to the rights and wrongs of the matter, but all seemed to + change suddenly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Everything else seems to have changed for the worse, + too!”</span> said Velchaninoff to himself, over and over again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was employing a + clever lawyer—an eminent man, and an expensive one, too; but in his + impatience and suspicion he began to interfere in the matter himself. + He read and wrote papers—all of which the lawyer put into his + waste-paper basket—<span class="tei tei-foreign"><span style= + "font-style: italic">holus bolus</span></span>; called in continually + at the courts and offices, made inquiries, and confused and worried + everybody concerned in the matter; so at least the lawyer declared, + and begged him for mercy's sake to go away to the country + somewhere.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But he could not + make up his mind to do so. He stayed in town and enjoyed the dust, + and the hot nights, and the closeness of the air of St. Petersburg, + things which are enough to destroy anyone's nerves. His lodgings were + somewhere near the Great Theatre; he had lately taken them, and did + not like them. Nothing went well with him; his hypochondria increased + with each day, and he had long been a victim to that disorder.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff was a + man who had seen a great deal of the world; he was not quite young, + thirty-eight years old—perhaps thirty-nine, or so; and all this + <span class="tei tei-q">“old age,”</span> as he called it, had + <span class="tei tei-q">“fallen upon him quite unawares.”</span> + However, as he himself well understood, he had aged more in the + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">quality</span></em> than in the number of the + years of his life; and if his infirmities were really creeping upon + him, they must have come from within and not from outside causes. He + looked young enough still. He was a tall, stout man, with light-brown + thick hair, without a suspicion of white about it, and a light beard + that reached half way down his chest. At first sight you might have + supposed him to be of a lax, careless disposition or character, but + on studying him more closely you would have found that, on the + contrary, the man was decidedly a stickler for the proprieties of + this world, and withal brought up in the ways and graces of the very + best society. His manners were very good—free but graceful—in spite + of this lately-acquired habit of grumbling and reviling things in + general. He was still full of the most perfect, aristocratic + self-confidence: probably he did not himself suspect to how great an + extent this was so, though he was a most decidedly intelligent, I may + say clever, even talented man. His open, healthy-looking face was + distinguished by an almost feminine refinement, which quality gained + him much attention from the fair sex. He had large blue eyes—eyes + which ten years ago had known well how to persuade and attract; such + clear, merry, careless eyes they had been, that they invariably + brought over to his side any person he wished to gain. Now, when he + was nearly forty years old, their ancient, kind, frank expression had + died out of them, and a certain cynicism—a cunning—an irony very + often, and yet another variety of expression, of late—an expression + of melancholy or pain, undefined but keen, had taken the place of the + earlier attractive qualities of his eyes. This expression of + melancholy especially showed itself when he was alone; and it was a + strange fact that the gay, careless, happy fellow of a couple of + years ago, the man who could tell a funny story so inimitably, should + now love nothing so well as to be all alone. He intended to throw up + most of his friends—a quite unnecessary step, in spite of his present + financial difficulties. Probably his vanity was to blame for this + intention: he could not bear to see his old friends in his present + position; with his vain suspicious character it would be most + unpalatable to him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But his vanity + began to change its nature in solitude. It did not grow less, on the + contrary; but it seemed to develop into a special type of vanity + which was unlike its old self. This new vanity suffered from entirely + different causes, <span class="tei tei-q">“<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">higher</span></em> + causes, if I may so express it,”</span> he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and if there really be higher and lower motives in this + world.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He defined these + <span class="tei tei-q">“higher things”</span> as matters which he + could not laugh at, or turn to ridicule when happening in his own + individual experience. Of course it would be quite another thing with + the same subjects in society; by <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">himself</span></em> + he could not ridicule then; but put him among other people, and he + would be the first to tear himself from all of those secret + resolutions of his conscience made in solitude, and laugh them to + scorn.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Very often, on + rising from his bed in the morning, he would feel ashamed of the + thoughts and feelings which had animated him during the long + sleepless night—and his nights of late had been sleepless. He seemed + suspicious of everything and everybody, great and small, and grew + mistrustful of himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One fact stood out + clearly, and that was that during those sleepless nights his thoughts + and opinions took huge leaps and bounds, sometimes changing entirely + from the thoughts and opinions of the daytime. This fact struck him + very forcibly; and he took occasion to consult an eminent medical + friend. He spoke in fun, but the doctor informed him that the fact of + feelings and opinions changing during meditations at night, and + during sleeplessness, was one long recognised by science; and that + that was especially the case with persons of strong thinking power, + and of acute feelings. He stated further that very often the beliefs + of a whole life are uprooted under the melancholy influence of night + and inability to sleep, and that often the most fateful resolutions + are made under the same influence; that sometimes this + impressionability to the mystic influence of the dark hours amounted + to a malady, in which case measures must be taken, the radical manner + of living should be changed, diet considered, a journey undertaken if + possible, etc., etc.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + listened no further, but he was sure that in his own case there was + decided malady.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Very soon his + morning meditations began to partake of the nature of those of the + night, but they were more bitter. Certain events of his life now + began to recur to his memory more and more vividly; they would strike + him suddenly, and without apparent reason: things which had been + forgotten for ten or fifteen years—some so long ago that he thought + it miraculous that he should have been able to recall them at all. + But that was not all—for, after all, what man who has seen any life + has not hundreds of such recollections of the past? The principal + point was that all this past came back to him now with an absolutely + new light thrown upon it, and he seemed to look at it from an + entirely new and unexpected point of view. Why did some of his acts + appear to him now to be nothing better than crimes? It was not merely + in the judgment of his intellect that these things appeared so to him + now—had it been only his poor sick mind, he would not have trusted + it; but his whole being seemed to condemn him; he would curse and + even weep over these recollections of the past! If anyone had told + him a couple of years since that he would <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">weep</span></em> over + anything, he would have laughed the idea to scorn.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At first he + recalled the unpleasant experiences of his life: certain failures in + society, humiliations; he remembered how some designing person had so + successfully blackened his character that he was requested to cease + his visits to a certain house; how once, and not so very long ago, he + had been publicly insulted, and had not challenged the offender; how + once an epigram had been fastened to his name by some witty person, + in the midst of a party of pretty women and he had not found a reply; + he remembered several unpaid debts, and how he had most stupidly run + through two very respectable fortunes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then he began to + recall facts belonging to a <span class="tei tei-q">“higher”</span> + order. He remembered that he had once insulted a poor old grey-headed + clerk, and that the latter had covered his face with his hands and + cried, which Velchaninoff had thought a great joke at the time, but + now looked upon in quite another light. Then he thought how he had + once, merely for fun, set a scandal going about the beautiful little + wife of a certain schoolmaster, and how the husband had got to hear + the rumour. He (Velchaninoff) had left the town shortly after and did + not know how the matter had ended; but now he fell to wondering and + picturing to himself the possible consequences of his action; and + goodness knows where this theme would not have taken him to if he had + not suddenly recalled another picture: that of a poor girl, whom he + had been ashamed of and never thought of loving, but whom he had + betrayed and forsaken, her and her child, when he left St. + Petersburg. He had afterwards searched for this girl and her baby for + a whole year, but never found them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of this sort of + recollections there were, alas! but too many; and each one seemed to + bring along with it a train of others. His vanity began to suffer, + little by little, under these memories. I have said that his vanity + had developed into a new type of vanity. There were moments (few + albeit) in which he was not even ashamed of having no carriage of his + own, now; or of being seen by one of his former friends in shabby + clothes; or when, if seen and looked at by such a person + contemptuously, he was high-minded enough to suppress even a frown. + Of course such moments of self-oblivion were rare; but, as I said + before, his vanity began little by little to change away from its + former quarters and to centre upon one question which was perpetually + ranging itself before his intellect. <span class="tei tei-q">“There + is some power or other,”</span> he would muse, sarcastically, + <span class="tei tei-q">“somewhere, which is extremely interested in + my morals, and sends me these damnable recollections and tears of + remorse! Let them come, by all means; but they have not the slightest + effect on me! for I haven't a scrap of independence about me, in + spite of my wretched forty years, I know that for certain. Why, if it + were to happen so that I should gain anything by spreading another + scandal about that schoolmaster's wife, (for instance, that she had + accepted presents from me, or something of that sort), I should + certainly spread it without a thought.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But though no + other opportunity ever did occur of maligning the schoolmistress, yet + the very thought alone that <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">if</span></em> such an opportunity were to occur + he would inevitably seize it was almost fatal to him at times. He was + not tortured with memory at every moment of his life; he had + intervals of time to breathe and rest in. But the longer he stayed, + the more unpleasant did he find his life in St. Petersburg. July came + in. At certain moments he felt inclined to throw up his lawsuit and + all, and go down to the Crimea; but after an hour or so he would + despise his own idea, and laugh at himself for entertaining it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“These thoughts won't be driven away by a mere journey + down south,”</span> he said to himself, <span class="tei tei-q">“when + they have once begun to annoy me; besides, if I am easy in my + conscience now, I surely need not try to run away from any such + worrying recollections of past days!”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why should I go after all?”</span> he resumed, in a + strain of melancholy philosophizing; <span class="tei tei-q">“this + place is a very heaven for a hypochondriac like myself, what with the + dust and the heat, and the discomfort of this house, what with the + nonsensical swagger and pretence of all these wretched little + <span class="tei tei-q">‘civil servants’</span> in the departments I + frequent! Everyone is delightfully candid—and candour is undoubtedly + worthy of all respect! I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">won't</span></em> go away—I'll stay and die here + rather than go!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc235" id="toc235"></a> <a name="pdf36" id="pdf36"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER II.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was the third + of July. The heat and closeness of the air had become quite + unbearable. The day had been a busy one for Velchaninoff—he had been + walking and driving about without rest, and had still in prospect a + visit in the evening to a certain state councillor who lived + somewhere on the Chornaya Riéchka (black stream), and whom he was + anxious to drop in upon unexpectedly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At six o'clock our + hero issued from his house once more, and trudged off to dine at a + restaurant on the Nefsky, near the police-bridge—a second-rate sort + of place, but French. Here he took his usual corner, and ordered his + usual dinner, and waited.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He always had a + rouble<a id="noteref_1" name="noteref_1" href="#note_1"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">1</span></span></a> dinner, + and paid for his wine extra, which moderation he looked upon as a + discreet sacrifice to the temporary financial embarrassment under + which he was suffering.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He regularly went + through the ceremony of wondering how he could bring himself to eat + <span class="tei tei-q">“such nastiness,”</span> and yet as regularly + he demolished every morsel, and with excellent show of appetite too, + just as though he had eaten nothing for three days.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This appetite can't be healthy!”</span> he murmured to + himself sometimes, observing his own voracity. However, on this + particular occasion, he sat down to his dinner in a miserably bad + humour: he threw his hat angrily away somewhere, tipped his chair + back,—and reflected.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was in the sort + of humour that if his next neighbour—dining at the little table near + him—were to rattle his plate, or if the boy serving him were to make + any little blunder, or, in fact, if any little petty annoyance were + to put him out of a sudden, he was quite capable of shouting at the + offender, and, in fact, of kicking up a serious row on the smallest + pretext.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Soup was served to + him. He took up his spoon, and was about to commence operations, when + he suddenly threw it down again, and started from his seat. An + unexpected thought had struck him, and in an instant he had realized + why he had been plunged in gloom and mental perturbation during the + last few days. Goodness knows why he thus suddenly became inspired, + as it were, with the truth; but so it was. He jumped from his chair, + and in an instant it all stood out before him as plain as his five + fingers! <span class="tei tei-q">“It's all that hat!”</span> he + muttered to himself; <span class="tei tei-q">“it's all simply and + solely that damnable round hat, with the crape band round it; that's + the reason and cause of all my worries these last days!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He began to think; + and the more he thought, the more dejected he became, and the more + astonishing appeared the <span class="tei tei-q">“remarkable + circumstance of the hat.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, hang it all, there <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">is</span></em> no + circumstance!”</span> he growled to himself. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“What circumstance do I mean? There's been nothing in the + nature of an event or occurrence!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The fact of the + matter was this: Nearly a fortnight since, he had met for the first + time, somewhere about the corner of the Podiacheskaya, a gentleman + with crape round his hat. There was nothing particular about the + man—he was just like all others; but as he passed Velchaninoff he had + stared at him so fixedly that it was impossible to avoid noticing + him, and more than noticing—observing him attentively.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The man's face + seemed to be familiar to Velchaninoff. He had evidently seen him + somewhere and at some time or other.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But one sees thousands of people during one's + life,”</span> thought Velchaninoff; <span class="tei tei-q">“one + can't remember every face!”</span> So he had gone on his way, and + before he was twenty yards further, to all appearances he had + forgotten all about the meeting, in spite of the strength of the + first impression made upon him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And yet he had + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></em> forgotten; for the impression + remained all day, and a very original impression it was, too,—a kind + of objectless feeling of anger against he knew not what. He + remembered his exact feelings at this moment, a fortnight after the + occurrence: how he had been puzzled by the angry nature of his + sentiments at the time, and puzzled to such an extent that he had + never for a moment connected his ill-humour with the meeting of the + morning, though he had felt as cross as possible all day. But the + gentleman with the crape band had not lost much time about reminding + Velchaninoff of his existence, for the very next day he met the + latter again, on the Nefsky Prospect and again he had stared in a + peculiarly fixed way at him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + flared up and spat on the ground in irritation—Russian like, but a + moment after he was wondering at his own wrath. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“There are faces, undoubtedly,”</span> he reflected, + <span class="tei tei-q">“which fill one with disgust at first sight; + but I certainly <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">have</span></em> met that fellow somewhere or + other.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">have</span></em> met him before!”</span> he + muttered again, half an hour later.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And again, as on + the last occasion, he was in a vile humour all that evening, and even + went so far as to have a bad dream in the night; and yet it never + entered his head to imagine that the cause of his bad temper on both + occasions had been the accidental meeting with the gentleman in + mourning, although on the second evening he had remembered and + thought of the chance encounter two or three times.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had even flared + up angrily to think that <span class="tei tei-q">“such a + dirty-looking cad”</span> should presume to linger in his memory so + long; he would have felt it humiliating to himself to imagine for a + moment that such a wretched creature could possibly be in any way + connected with the agitated condition of his feelings.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Two days later the + pair had met once more at the landing place of one of the small Neva + ferry steamers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the third + occasion Velchaninoff was ready to swear that the man recognised him, + and had pressed through the crowd towards him; had even dared to + stretch out his hand and call him by name. As to this last fact he + was not quite certain, however. <span class="tei tei-q">“At all + events, who the deuce <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">is</span></em> he?”</span> thought Velchaninoff, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and why can't the idiot come up and speak to + me if he really does recognise me; and if he so much wishes to do + so?”</span> With these thoughts Velchaninoff had taken a droshky and + started off for the Smolney Monastery, where his lawyer lived.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Half an hour later + he was engaged in his usual quarrel with that gentleman.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But that same + evening he was in a worse humour than ever, and his night was spent + in fantastic dreams and imaginings, which were anything but pleasant. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I suppose it's bile!”</span> he concluded, + as he paid his matutinal visit to the looking-glass.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was the third + meeting.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then, for five + days there was not a sign of the man; and yet, much to his distaste, + Velchaninoff could not, for the life of him, avoid thinking of the + man with the crape band.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He caught himself + musing over the fellow. <span class="tei tei-q">“What have I to do + with him?”</span> he thought. <span class="tei tei-q">“What can his + business in St. Petersburg be?—he looks busy: and whom is he in + mourning for? He clearly recognises me, but I don't know in the least + who he is! And why do such people as he is put crape on their hats? + it doesn't seem 'the thing' for them, somehow! I believe I shall + recognise this fellow if I ever get a good close look at + him!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And there came + over him that sensation we all know so well—the same feeling that one + has when one can't for the life of one think of the required word; + every other word comes up; associations with the right word come up; + occasions when one has used the word come up; one wanders round and + round the immediate vicinity of the word wanted, but the actual word + itself will not appear, though you may break your head to get at + it!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let's see, now: it was—yes—some while since. It + was—where on earth was it? There was a—oh! devil take whatever there + was or wasn't there! What does it matter to me?”</span> he broke off + angrily of a sudden. <span class="tei tei-q">“I'm not going to lower + myself by thinking of a little cad like that!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He felt very + angry; but when, in the evening, he remembered that he had been so + upset, and recollected the cause of his anger, he felt the + disagreeable sensation of having been caught by someone doing + something wrong.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This fact puzzled + and annoyed him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There must be some reason for my getting so angry at the + mere recollection of that man's face,”</span> he thought, but he + didn't finish thinking it out.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the next + evening he was still more indignant; and this time, he really + thought, with good cause. <span class="tei tei-q">“Such audacity is + unparalleled!”</span> he said to himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The fact of the + matter is, there had been a fourth meeting with the man of the crape + hat band. The latter had apparently arisen from the earth and + confronted him. But let me explain what had happened.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It so chanced that + Velchaninoff had just met, accidentally, that very state-councillor + mentioned a few pages back, whom he had been so anxious to see, and + on whom he had intended to pounce unexpectedly at his country house. + This gentleman evidently avoided Velchaninoff, but at the same time + was most necessary to the latter in his lawsuit. Consequently, when + Velchaninoff met him, the one was delighted, while the other was very + much the reverse. Velchaninoff had immediately button-holed him, and + walked down the street with him, talking; doing his very utmost to + keep the sly old fox to the subject on which it was so necessary that + he should be pumped. And it was just at this most important moment, + when Velchaninoff's intellect was all on the <span lang="fr" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">qui + vive</span></span> to catch up the slightest hints of what he wished + to get at, while the foxy old councillor (aware of the fact) was + doing his best to reveal nothing, that the former, taking his eyes + from his companion's face for one instant, beheld the gentleman of + the crape hatband walking along the other side of the road, and + looking at him—nay, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">watching</span></em> him, evidently—and + apparently smiling!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Devil take him!”</span> said Velchaninoff, bursting out + into fury at once, while the <span class="tei tei-q">“old fox”</span> + instantly disappeared, <span class="tei tei-q">“and I should have + succeeded in another minute. Curse that dirty little hound! he's + simply spying me. I'll—I'll hire somebody to—I'll take my oath he + laughed at me! D—n him, I'll thrash him. I wish I had a stick with + me. I'll—I'll buy one! I won't leave this matter so. Who the deuce is + he? I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">will</span></em> know! Who is he?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last, three + days after this fourth encounter, we find Velchaninoff sitting down + to dinner at his restaurant, as recorded a page or two back, in a + state of mind bordering upon the furious. He could not conceal the + state of his feelings from himself, in spite of all his pride. He was + obliged to confess at last, that all his anxiety, his irritation, his + state of agitation generally, must undoubtedly be connected with, and + absolutely attributed to, the appearance of the wretched-looking + creature with the crape hatband, in spite of his insignificance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I may be a hypochondriac,”</span> he reflected, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and I may be inclined to make an elephant + out of a gnat; but how does it help me? What use is it to me if I + persuade myself to believe that <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">perhaps</span></em> all this is fancy? Why, if + every dirty little wretch like that is to have the power of upsetting + a man like myself, why—it's—it's simply unbearable!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Undoubtedly, at + this last (fifth) encounter of to-day, the elephant had proved + himself a very small gnat indeed. The <span class="tei tei-q">“crape + man”</span> had appeared suddenly, as usual, and had passed by + Velchaninoff, but without looking up at him this time; indeed, he had + gone by with downcast eyes, and had even seemed anxious to pass + unobserved. Velchaninoff had turned rapidly round and shouted as loud + as ever he could at him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hey!”</span> he cried. <span class="tei tei-q">“You! + Crape hatband! You want to escape notice this time, do you? Who are + you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Both the question + and the whole idea of calling after the man were absurdly foolish, + and Velchaninoff knew it the moment he had said the words. The man + had turned round, stopped for an instant, lost his head, smiled—half + made up his mind to say something,—had waited half a minute in + painful indecision, then twisted suddenly round again, and + <span class="tei tei-q">“bolted”</span> without a word. Velchaninoff + gazed after him in amazement. <span class="tei tei-q">“What if it be + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> that haunt <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">him</span></em>, and + not he me, after all?”</span> he thought. However, Velchaninoff ate + up his dinner, and then drove off to pounce upon the town councillor + at the latter's house, if he could.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The councillor was + not in; and he was informed that he would scarcely be at home before + three or four in the morning, because he had gone to a <span class= + "tei tei-q">“name's-day party.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff felt + that this was too bad! In his rage he determined to follow and hunt + the fellow up at the party: he actually took a droshky, and started + off with that wild idea; but luckily he thought better of it on the + way, got out of the vehicle and walked away towards the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Great Theatre,”</span> near which he lived. He felt that + he must have motion; also he <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">must</span></em> absolutely sleep well this + coming night: in order to sleep he must be tired; so he walked all + the way home—a fairly long walk, and arrived there about half-past + ten, as tired as he could wish.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His lodging, which + he had taken last March, and had abused ever since, apologising to + himself for living <span class="tei tei-q">“in such a hole,”</span> + and at the same time excusing himself for the fact by the reflection + that it was only for a while, and that he had dropped quite + accidentally into St. Petersburg—thanks to that cursed lawsuit!—his + lodging, I say, was by no means so bad as he made it out to be!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The entrance + certainly was a little dark, and dirty-looking, being just under the + arch of the gateway. But he had two fine large light rooms on the + second floor, separated by the entrance hall: one of these rooms + overlooked the yard and the other the street. Leading out of the + former of these was a smaller room, meant to be used as a bedroom; + but Velchaninoff had filled it with a disordered array of books and + papers, and preferred to sleep in one of the large rooms, the one + overlooking the street, to wit.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His bed was made + for him, every day, upon the large divan. The rooms were full of good + furniture, and some valuable ornaments and pictures were scattered + about, but the whole place was in dreadful disorder; the fact being + that at this time Velchaninoff was without a regular servant. His one + domestic had gone away to stay with her friends in the country; he + thought of taking a man, but decided that it was not worth while for + a short time; besides he hated flunkeys, and ended by making + arrangements with his dvornik's sister Martha, who was to come up + every morning and <span class="tei tei-q">“do out”</span> his rooms, + he leaving the key with her as he went out each day. Martha did + absolutely nothing towards tidying the place and robbed him besides, + but he didn't care, he liked to be alone in the house. But solitude + is all very well within certain limits, and Velchaninoff found that + his nerves could not stand all this sort of thing at certain bilious + moments; and it so fell out that he began to loathe his room more and + more every time he entered it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">However, on this + particular evening he hardly gave himself time to undress; he threw + himself on his bed, and determined that nothing should make him think + of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">anything</span></em>, and that he would fall + asleep at once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And, strangely + enough, his head had hardly touched the pillow before he actually was + asleep; and this was the first time for a month past that such a + thing had occurred.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He awoke at about + two, considerably agitated; he had dreamed certain very strange + dreams, reminding him of the incoherent wanderings of fever.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The subject seemed + to be some crime which he had committed and concealed, but of which + he was accused by a continuous flow of people who swarmed into his + rooms for the purpose. The crowd which had already collected within + was enormous, and yet they continued to pour in in such numbers that + the door was never shut for an instant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But his whole + interest seemed to centre in one strange looking individual,—a man + who seemed to have once been very closely and intimately connected + with him, but who had died long ago and now reappeared for some + reason or other.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The most + tormenting part of the matter was that Velchaninoff could not + recollect who this man was,—he could not remember his name,—though he + recollected the fact that he had once dearly loved him. All the rest + of the people swarming into the room seemed to be waiting for the + final word of this man,—either the condemnation or the justification + of Velchaninoff was to be pronounced by him,—and everyone was + impatiently waiting to hear him speak.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But he sat + motionless at the table, and would not open his lips to say a word of + any sort.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The uproar + continued, the general annoyance increased, and, suddenly, + Velchaninoff himself strode up to the man in a fury, and smote him + because he would not speak. Velchaninoff felt the strangest + satisfaction in having thus smitten him; his heart seemed to freeze + in horror for what he had done, and in acute suffering for the crime + involved in his action,—but in that very sensation of freezing at the + heart lay the sense of satisfaction which he felt.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Exasperated more + and more, he struck the man a second and a third time; and then—in a + sort of intoxication of fury and terror, which amounted to actual + insanity, and yet bore within it a germ of delightful satisfaction, + he ceased to count his blows, and rained them in without ceasing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He felt he must + destroy, annihilate, demolish all this.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Suddenly something + strange happened; everyone present had given a dreadful cry and + turned expectantly towards the door, while at the same moment there + came three terrific peals of the hall-bell, so violent that it + appeared someone was anxious to pull the bell-handle out.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + awoke, started up in a second, and made for the door; he was + persuaded that the ring at the bell had been no dream or illusion, + but that someone had actually rung, and was at that moment standing + at the front door.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It would be <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">too</span></em> unnatural if such a clear and + unmistakable ring should turn out to be nothing but an item of a + dream!”</span> he thought. But, to his surprise, it proved that such + was nevertheless the actual state of the case! He opened the door and + went out on to the landing; he looked downstairs and about him, but + there was not a soul to be seen. The bell hung motionless. Surprised, + but pleased, he returned into his room. He lit a candle, and suddenly + remembered that he had left the door closed, but not locked and + chained. He had often returned home before this evening and forgotten + to lock the door behind him, without attaching any special + significance to the fact; his maid had often respectfully protested + against such neglect while with him. He now returned to the entrance + hall to make the door fast; before doing so he opened it, however, + and had one more look about the stairs. He then shut the door and + fastened the chain and hook, but did not take the trouble to turn the + key in the lock.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some clock struck + half-past two at this moment, so that he had had three hours' + sleep—more or less.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His dream had + agitated him to such an extent that he felt unwilling to lie down + again at once; he decided to walk up and down the room two or three + times first, just long enough to smoke a cigar. Having half-dressed + himself, he went to the window, drew the heavy curtains aside and + pulled up one of the blinds, it was almost full daylight. These light + summer nights of St. Petersburg always had a bad effect upon his + nerves, and of late they had added to the causes of his + sleeplessness, so that a few weeks since he had invested in these + thick curtains, which completely shut out the light when drawn + close.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having thus let in + the sunshine, quite oblivious of the lighted candle on the table, he + commenced to walk up and down the room. Still feeling the burden of + his dream upon him, its impression was even now at work upon his + mind, he still felt a painfully guilty sensation about him, caused by + the fact that he had allowed himself to raise his hand against + <span class="tei tei-q">“that man”</span> and strike him. + <span class="tei tei-q">“But, my dear sir!”</span> he argued with + himself, <span class="tei tei-q">“it was not a man at all! the whole + thing was a dream! what's the use of worrying yourself for + nothing?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff now + became obstinately convinced that he was a sick man, and that to his + sickly state of body was to be attributed all his perturbation of + mind. He was an invalid.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It had always been + a weak point with Velchaninoff that he hated to think of himself as + growing old or infirm; and yet in his moments of anger he loved to + exaggerate one or the other in order to worry himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It's old age,”</span> he now muttered to himself, as he + paced up and down the room. <span class="tei tei-q">“I'm becoming an + old fogey—that's the fact of the matter! I'm losing my memory—see + ghosts, and have dreams, and hear bells ring—curse it all! I know + these dreams of old, they always herald fever with me. I dare swear + that the whole business of this man with the crape hatband has been a + dream too! I was perfectly right yesterday, he isn't haunting me the + least bit in the world; it is I that am haunting <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">him</span></em>! I've + invented a pretty little ghost-story about him and then climb under + the table in terror at my own creation! Why do I call him a little + cad, too? he may be a most respectable individual for all I know! His + face is a disagreeable one, certainly, though there is nothing + hideous about it! He dresses just like anyone else. I don't + know—there's something about his look—There I go again! What the + devil have I got to do with his look? what a fool I am—just as though + I could not live without the dirty little wretch—curse + him!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Among other + thoughts connected with this haunting crape-man was one which puzzled + Velchaninoff immensely; he felt convinced that at some time or other + he had known the man, and known him very intimately; and that now the + latter, when meeting him, always laughed at him because he was aware + of some great secret of his former life, or because he was amused to + see Velchaninoff's present humiliating condition of poverty.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mechanically our + hero approached the window in order to get a breath of fresh air—when + he was suddenly seized with a violent fit of shuddering;—a feeling + came over him that something unusual and unheard-of was happening + before his very eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had not had + time to open the window when something he saw caused him to slip + behind the corner of the curtain, and hide himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The man in the + crape hatband was standing on the opposite side of the street.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was standing + with his face turned directly towards Velchaninoff's window, but + evidently unaware of the latter's presence there, and was carefully + examining the house, and apparently considering some question + connected with it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He seemed to come + to a decision after a moment's thought, and raised his finger to his + forehead; then he looked quietly about him, and ran swiftly across + the road on tiptoe. He reached the gate, and entered it; this gate + was often left open on summer nights until two or three in the + morning.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He's coming to me,”</span> muttered Velchaninoff, and + with equal caution he left the window, and ran to the front door; + arrived in the hall, he stood in breathless expectation before the + door, and placed his trembling hand carefully upon the hook which he + had fastened a few minutes since, and stood listening for the tread + of the expected footfall on the stairs. His heart was beating so loud + that he was afraid he might miss the sound of the cautious steps + approaching.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He could + understand nothing of what was happening, but it seemed clear that + his dream was about to be realised.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff was + naturally brave. He loved risk for its own sake, and very often ran + into useless dangers, with no one by to see, to please himself. But + this was different, somehow; he was not himself, and yet he was as + brave as ever, but with something added. He made out every movement + of the stranger from behind his own door.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ah!—there he comes!—he's on the steps now!—here he + comes!—he's up now!—now he's looking down stairs and all about, and + crouching down! Aha! there's his hand on the door-handle—he's trying + it!—he thought he would find it unlocked!—then he must know that I + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">do</span></em> leave it unlocked sometimes!—He's + trying it again!—I suppose he thinks the hook may slip!—he doesn't + care to go away without doing anything!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So ran + Velchaninoff's thoughts, and so indeed followed the man's actions. + There was no doubt about it, someone was certainly standing outside + and trying the door-handle, carefully and cautiously pulling at the + door itself, and, in fact, endeavouring to effect an entrance; + equally sure was it that the person so doing must have his own object + in trying to sneak into another man's house at dead of night. But + Velchaninoff's plan of action was laid, and he awaited the proper + moment; he was anxious to seize a good opportunity—slip the hook and + chain—open the door wide, suddenly, and stand face to face with this + bugbear, and then ask him what the deuce he wanted there.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner devised + than executed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Awaiting the + proper moment, Velchaninoff suddenly slipped the hook, pushed the + door wide, and almost tumbled over the man with the crape + hatband!</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc237" id="toc237"></a> <a name="pdf38" id="pdf38"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER III.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The crape-man + stood rooted to the spot dumb with astonishment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Both men stood + opposite one another on the landing, and both stared in each other's + eyes, silent and motionless.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So passed a few + moments, and suddenly, like a flash of lightning, Velchaninoff became + aware of the identity of his guest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the same moment + the latter seemed to guess that Velchaninoff had recognised him. + Velchaninoff could see it in his eyes. In one instant the visitor's + whole face was all ablaze with its very sweetest of smiles.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Surely I have the pleasure of speaking to Aleksey + Ivanovitch?”</span> he asked, in the most dulcet of voices, comically + inappropriate to the circumstances of the case.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Surely you are Pavel Pavlovitch Trusotsky?”</span> asked + Velchaninoff, in return, after a pause, and with an expression of + much perplexity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I had the pleasure of your acquaintance ten years ago at + T——, and, if I may remind you of the fact, we were almost intimate + friends.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite so—oh yes! but it is now three o'clock in the + morning, and you have been trying my lock for the last ten + minutes.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Three o'clock!”</span> cried the visitor, looking at his + watch with an air of melancholy surprise.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, so it is! dear me—three o'clock! forgive me, + Aleksey Ivanovitch! I ought to have found it out before thinking of + paying you a visit. I will do myself the honour of calling to explain + another day, and now I—.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh no;—no, no! If you are to explain at all let's have + it at once; this moment!”</span> interrupted Velchaninoff warmly. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Kindly step in here, into the room! You must + have meant to come in, you know; you didn't come here at night, like + this, simply for the pleasure of trying my lock?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He felt excited, + and at the same time was conscious of a sort of timidity; he could + not collect his thoughts. He was ashamed of himself for it. There was + no danger, no mystery about the business, nothing but the silly + figure of Pavel Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And yet he could + not feel satisfied that there was nothing particular in it; he felt + afraid of something to come, he knew not what or when.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">However, he made + the man enter, seated him in a chair, and himself sat down on the + side of his bed, a yard or so off, and rested his elbows on his knees + while he quietly waited for the other to begin. He felt irritated; he + stared at his visitor and let his thoughts run. Strangely enough, the + other never opened his mouth; he seemed to be entirely oblivious of + the fact that it was his duty to speak. Nay, he was even looking + enquiringly at Velchaninoff as though quite expecting that the latter + would speak to <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">him</span></em>!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Perhaps he felt a + little uncomfortable at first, somewhat as a mouse must feel when he + finds himself unexpectedly in the trap.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff very + soon lost his patience.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well?”</span> he cried, <span class="tei tei-q">“you are + not a fantasy or a dream or anything of that kind, are you? You + aren't a corpse, are you? Come, my friend, this is not a game or + play. I want your explanation, please!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The visitor + fidgeted about a little, smiled, and began to speak cautiously.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So far as I can see,”</span> he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the time of night of my visit is what surprises you, and + that I should have come as I did; in fact, when I remember the past, + and our intimacy, and all that, I am astonished myself; but the fact + is, I did not mean to come in at all, and if I did so it was purely + an accident.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“An accident! Why, I saw you creeping across the road on + tip-toes!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You saw me? Indeed! Come, then you know as much or more + about the matter than I do; but I see I am annoying you. This is how + it was: I've been in town three weeks or so on business. I am Pavel + Pavlovitch Trusotsky, you recognized me yourself, my business in town + is to effect an exchange of departments. I am trying for a situation + in another place—one with a large increase of salary; but all this is + beside the point; the fact of the matter is, I believe I have been + delaying my business on purpose. I believe if everything were settled + at this moment I should still be dawdling in this St. Petersburg of + yours in my present condition of mind. I go wandering about as though + I had lost all interest in things, and were rather glad of the fact, + in my present condition of mind.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What condition of mind?”</span> asked Velchaninoff, + frowning.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The visitor raised + his eyes to Velchaninoff's, lifted his hat from the ground beside + him, and with great dignity pointed out the black crape band.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There, sir, in <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">that</span></em> condition of mind!”</span> he + observed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + stared stupidly at the crape, and thence at the man's face. Suddenly + his face flushed up in a hot blush for a moment, and he was violently + agitated.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not Natalia Vasilievna, surely?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, Natalia Vasilievna! Last March! Consumption, sir, + and almost suddenly—all over in two or three months—and here am I + left as you see me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So saying, Pavel + Pavlovitch, with much show of feeling, bent his bald head down and + kept it bent for some ten seconds, while he held out his two hands, + in one of which was the hat with the band, in explanatory + emotion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This gesture, and + the man's whole air, seemed to brighten Velchaninoff up; he smiled + sarcastically for one instant, not more at present, for the news of + this lady's death (he had known her so long ago, and had forgotten + her many a year since) had made a quite unexpected impression upon + his mind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is it possible!”</span> he muttered, using the first + words that came to his lips, <span class="tei tei-q">“and pray why + did you not come here and tell me at once?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thanks for your kind interest, I see and value it, in + spite of——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In spite of what?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In spite of so many years of separation you at once + sympathised with my sorrow—and in fact with myself, and so fully + too—that I feel naturally grateful. That's all I had to tell you, + sir! Don't suppose I doubt my friends, you know; why, even here, in + this place, I could put my finger on several very sincere friends + indeed (for instance, Stepan Michailovitch Bagantoff); but remember, + my dear Aleksey Ivanovitch—nine years have passed since we were + acquaintances—or friends, if you'll allow me to say so—and meanwhile + you have never been to see us, never written.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The guest sang all + this out as though he were reading it from music, but kept his eyes + fixed on the ground the while, although, of course, he saw what was + going on above his eyelashes exceedingly well all the same.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff had + found his head by this time.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With a strange + sort of fascinated attention, which strengthened itself every moment, + he continued to gaze at and listen to Pavel Pavlovitch, and of a + sudden, when the latter stopped speaking, a flood of curious ideas + swept unexpectedly through his brain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But look here,”</span> he cried, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“how is it that I never recognized you all this + while?—we've met five times, at least, in the streets!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite so—I am perfectly aware of the circumstance. You + chanced to meet me two or three times, and——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no! <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> met <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">me</span></em>, you + know—not I you!”</span> Velchaninoff suddenly burst into a roar of + laughter, and rose from his seat. Pavel Pavlovitch paused a moment, + looked keenly at Velchaninoff, and then continued:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“As to your not recognizing me, in the first place you + might easily have forgotten me by now; and besides, I have had + small-pox since last we met, and I daresay my face is a good deal + marked.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Smallpox? why, how did you manage that?—he has had it, + though, by Jove!”</span> cried Velchaninoff. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“What a funny fellow you are—however, go on, don't + stop.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff's + spirits were rising higher and higher; he was beginning to feel + wonderfully light-hearted. That feeling of agitation which had lately + so disturbed him had given place to quite a different sentiment. He + now began to stride up and down the room, very quickly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I was going to say,”</span> resumed Pavel Pavlovitch, + <span class="tei tei-q">“that though I have met you several times, + and though I quite intended to come and look you up, when I was + arranging my visit to Petersburg, still, I was in that condition of + mind, you know, and my wits have so suffered since last March, + that——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wits since last March,—yes, go on: wait a minute—do you + smoke?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh—you know, Natalia Vasilievna, never—”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite so; but since March—eh?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well—I might, a cigarette or so.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here you are, then! Light up and go on,—go on! you + interest me wonderfully.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff lit a + cigar and sat down on his bed again. Pavel Pavlovitch paused a + moment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But what a state of agitation you seem to be in + yourself!”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“are you quite + well?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, curse my health!”</span> cried + Velchaninoff,—<span class="tei tei-q">“you go on!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The visitor + observed his host's agitation with satisfaction; he went on with his + share of the talking with more confidence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What am I to go on about?”</span> he asked. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Imagine me, Alexey Ivanovitch—a broken man,—not simply + broken, but gone at the root, as it were; a man forced to change his + whole manner of living, after twenty years of married life, wandering + about the dusty roads without an object,—mind lost—almost oblivious + of his own self,—and yet, as it were, taking some sort of intoxicated + delight in his loneliness! Isn't it natural that if I should, at such + a moment of self-forgetfulness come across a friend—even a <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">dear</span></em> + friend, I might prefer to avoid him for that moment? and isn't it + equally natural that at another moment I should long to see and speak + with some one who has been an eye-witness of, or a partaker, so to + speak, in my never-to-be-recalled past? and to rush—not only in the + day, but at night, if it so happens,—to rush to the embrace of such a + man?—yes, even if one has to wake him up at three in the morning to + do it! I was wrong in my time, not in my estimate of my friend, + though, for at this moment I feel the full rapture of success; my + rash action has been successful: I have found sympathy! As for the + time of night, I confess I thought it was not twelve yet! You see, + one sups of grief, and it intoxicates one,—at least, not grief, + exactly, it's more the condition of mind—the new state of things that + affects me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear me, how oddly you express yourself!”</span> said + Velchaninoff, rising from his seat once more, and becoming quite + serious again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oddly, do I? Perhaps.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Look here: are you joking?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Joking!”</span> cried Pavel Pavlovitch, in shocked + surprise; <span class="tei tei-q">“<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">joking</span></em>—at + the very moment when I am telling you of——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh—be quiet about that! for goodness sake.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + started off on his journey up and down the room again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So matters stood + for five minutes or so: the visitor seemed inclined to rise from his + chair, but Velchaninoff bade him sit still, and Pavel Pavlovitch + obediently flopped into his seat again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How changed you are!”</span> said the host at last, + stopping in front of the other chair, as though suddenly struck with + the idea; <span class="tei tei-q">“fearfully changed!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wonderful! you're quite another man!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That's hardly surprising! <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">nine</span></em> + years, sir!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no, no! years have nothing to do with it! it's not + in appearance you are so changed: it's something else!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, sir, the nine years might account for + anything.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Perhaps it's only since March, eh?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ha-ha! you are playful, sir,”</span> said Pavel + Pavlovitch, laughing slyly. <span class="tei tei-q">“But, if I may + ask it, wherein am I so changed?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh—why, you used to be such a staid, sober, correct + Pavel Pavlovitch; such a wise Pavel Pavlovitch; and now you're a + good-for-nothing sort of Pavel Pavlovitch.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff was + in that state of irritation when the steadiest, gravest people will + sometimes say rather more than they mean.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Good-for-nothing, am I? and <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">wise</span></em> no + longer, I suppose, eh?”</span> chuckled Pavel Pavlovitch, with + disagreeable satisfaction.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wise, indeed! My dear sir, I'm afraid you are not + sober,”</span> replied Velchaninoff; and added to himself, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am pretty fairly insolent myself, but I + can't compare with this little cad! And what on earth is the fellow + driving at?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, my dear, good, my best of Alexey + Ivanovitches,”</span> said the visitor suddenly, most excitedly, and + twisting about on his chair, <span class="tei tei-q">“and why + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">should</span></em> I be sober? We are not moving + in the brilliant walks of society—you and I—just now. We are but two + dear old friends come together in the full sincerity of perfect love, + to recall and talk over that sweet mutual tie of which the dear + departed formed so treasured a link in our friendship.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So saying, the + sensitive gentleman became so carried away by his feelings that he + bent his head down once more, to hide his emotion, and buried his + face in his hat.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + looked on with an uncomfortable feeling of disgust.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I can't help thinking the man is simply silly,”</span> + he thought; <span class="tei tei-q">“and yet—no, no—his face is so + red he must be drunk. But drunk or not drunk, what does the little + wretch want with me? That's the puzzle.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you remember—oh, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">don't</span></em> you + remember—our delightful little evenings—dancing sometimes, or + sometimes literary—at Simeon Simeonovitch's?”</span> continued the + visitor, gradually removing his hat from before his face, and + apparently growing more and more enthusiastic over the memories of + the past, <span class="tei tei-q">“and our little readings—you and + she and myself—and our first meeting, when you came in to ask for + information about something connected with your business in the town, + and commenced shouting angrily at me; don't you remember—when + suddenly in came Natalia Vasilievna, and within ten minutes you were + our dear friend, and so remained for exactly a year? Just like + Turgenieff's story <span class="tei tei-q">‘The + Provincialka!’</span> ”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff had + continued his walk up and down the room during this <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">tirade</span></em>, + with his eyes on the ground, listening impatiently and with + disgust—but listening <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">hard</span></em>, all the same.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It never struck me to think of 'The Provincialka' in + connection with the matter,”</span> he interrupted. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“And look here, why do you talk in that sneaking, whining + sort of voice? You never used to do that. Your whole manner is unlike + yourself.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite so, quite so. I used to be more silent, I know. I + used to love to listen while others talked. You remember how well the + dear departed talked—the wit and grace of her conversation. As to The + Provincialka, I remember she and I used often to compare your + friendship for us to certain episodes in that piece, and especially + to the doings of one Stupendief. It really was remarkably like that + character and his doings.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What Stupendief do you mean, confound it all?”</span> + cried Velchaninoff, stamping his foot with rage. The name seemed to + have evoked certain most irritating thoughts in his mind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, Stupendief, don't you know, the <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘husband’</span> in <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Provincialka,’</span> ”</span> whined Pavel Pavlovitch, + in the very sweetest of tones; <span class="tei tei-q">“but that + belongs to another set of fond memories—after you departed, in fact, + when Mr. Bagantoff had honoured us with his friendship, just as you + had done before him, only that his lasted five whole + years.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Bagantoff? What Bagantoff? Do you mean that same + Bagantoff who was serving down in your town? Why, he + also——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, yes! quite so. He also, he also!”</span> cried the + enthusiastic Pavel Pavlovitch, seizing upon Velchaninoff's accidental + slip. <span class="tei tei-q">“Of course! So that there you + are—there's the whole company. Bagantoff played the <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘count,’</span> the dear departed was the <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Provincialka,’</span> and I was the <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘husband,’</span> only that the part was taken away from + me, for incapacity, I suppose!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes; fancy <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> a Stupendief. You're a—you're + first a Pavel Pavlovitch Trusotsky!”</span> said Velchaninoff, + contemptuously, and very unceremoniously. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“But look here! Bagantoff is in town; I know he is, for I + have seen him. Why don't you go to see <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">him</span></em> as + well as myself?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My dear sir, I've been there every day for the last + three weeks. He won't receive me; he's ill, and can't receive! And, + do you know, I have found out that he really is very ill! Fancy my + feelings—a five-year's friend! Oh, my dear Alexey Ivanovitch! you + don't know what my feelings are in my present condition of mind. I + assure you, at one moment I long for the earth to open and swallow me + up, and the next I feel that I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">must</span></em> find one of those old friends, + eyewitnesses of the past, as it were, if only to weep on his bosom, + only to weep, sir—give you my word.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, that's about enough for to-night; don't you think + so?”</span> said Velchaninoff, cuttingly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, too—too much!”</span> cried the other, rising. + <span class="tei tei-q">“It must be four o'clock; and here am I + agitating your feelings in the most selfish way.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Now, look here; I shall call upon you myself, and I hope + that you will then——but, tell me honestly, are you drunk + to-night?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Drunk! not the least in the world!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Did you drink nothing before you came here, or + earlier?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you know, my dear Alexey Ivanovitch, you are quite in + a high fever!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Good-night. I shall call to-morrow.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And I have noticed it all the evening, really quite + delirious!”</span> continued Pavel Pavlovitch, licking his lips, as + it were, with satisfaction as he pursued this theme. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am really quite ashamed that I should have allowed + myself to be so awkward as to agitate you. Well, well; I'm going! Now + you must lie down at once and go to sleep.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You haven't told me where you live,”</span> shouted + Velchaninoff after him as he left the room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, didn't I? Pokrofsky Hotel.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + was out on the stairs now.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Stop!”</span> cried Velchaninoff, once more. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You are not <span class="tei tei-q">‘running + away,’</span> are you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How do you mean, <span class="tei tei-q">‘running + away?’</span> ”</span> asked Pavel Pavlovitch, turning round at the + third step, and grinning back at him, with his eyes staring very wide + open.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Instead of + replying, Velchaninoff banged the door fiercely, locked and bolted + it, and went fuming back into his room. Arrived there, he spat on the + ground, as though to get rid of the taste of something loathsome.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He then stood + motionless for at least five minutes, in the centre of the room; + after which he threw himself upon his bed, and fell asleep in an + instant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The forgotten + candle burned itself out in its socket.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc239" id="toc239"></a> <a name="pdf40" id="pdf40"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER IV.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff slept + soundly until half-past nine, at which hour he started up, sat down + on the side of his bed, and began to think.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His thoughts + quickly fixed themselves upon the death of <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that woman.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The agitating + impression wrought upon his mind by yesterday's news as to her death + had left a painful feeling of mental perturbation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This morning the + whole of the events of nine years back stood out before his mind's + eye with extraordinary distinctness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had loved this + woman, Natalia Vasilievna—Trusotsky's wife,—he had loved her, and had + acted the part of her lover during the time which he had spent in + their provincial town (while engaged in business connected with a + legacy); he had lived there a whole year, though his business did not + require by any means so long a visit; in fact, the tie above + mentioned had detained him in the place.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had been so + completely under the influence of this passion, that Natalia + Vasilievna had held him in a species of slavery. He would have obeyed + the slightest whim or the wildest caprice of the woman, at that time. + He had never, before or since, experienced anything approaching to + the infatuation she had caused.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the time came + for departing, Velchaninoff had been in a state of such absolute + despair, though the parting was to have been but a short one, that he + had begged Natalia Vasilievna to leave all and fly across the + frontier with him; and it was only by laughing him out of the idea + (though she had at first encouraged it herself, probably for a joke), + and by unmercifully chaffing him, that the lady eventually persuaded + Velchaninoff to depart alone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">However, he had + not been a couple of months in St. Petersburg before he found himself + asking himself that question which he had never to this day been able + to answer satisfactorily, namely, <span class="tei tei-q">“<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Did</span></em> he + love this woman at all, or was it nothing but the infatuation of the + moment?”</span> He did not ask this question because he was conscious + of any new passion taking root in his heart; on the contrary, during + those first two months in town he had been in that condition of mind + that he had not so much as looked at a woman, though he had met + hundreds, and had returned to his old society ways at once. And yet + he knew perfectly well that if he were to return to T—— he would + instantly fall into the meshes of his passion for Natalia Vasilievna + once more, in spite of the question which he could not answer as to + the reality of his love for her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Five years later + he was as convinced of this fact as ever, although the very thought + of it was detestable to him, and although he did not remember the + name of Natalia Vasilievna but with loathing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was ashamed of + that episode at T——. He could not understand how he (Velchaninoff) + could ever have allowed himself to become the victim of such a stupid + passion. He blushed whenever he thought of the shameful + business—blushed, and even wept for shame.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He managed to + forget his remorse after a few more years—he felt sure that he had + <span class="tei tei-q">“lived it down;”</span> and yet now, after + nine years, here was the whole thing resuscitated by the news of + Natalia's death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At all events, + however, now, as he sat on his bed with agitating thoughts swarming + through his brain, he could not but feel that the fact of her being + dead was a consolation, amidst all the painful reflections which the + mention of her name had called up.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Surely I am a little sorry for her?”</span> he asked + himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Well, he certainly + did not feel that sensation of hatred for her now; he could think of + her and judge her now without passion of any kind, and therefore more + justly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had long since + been of opinion that in all probability there had been nothing more + in Natalia Vasilievna than is to be found in every lady of good + provincial society, and that he himself had created the whole + <span class="tei tei-q">“fantasy”</span> of his worship and her + worshipfulness; but though he had formed this opinion, he always + doubted its correctness, and he still felt that doubt now. Facts + existed to contradict the theory. For instance, this Bagantoff had + lived for several years at T——, and had been no less a victim to + passion for this woman, and had been as helpless as Velchaninoff + himself under her witchery. Bagantoff, though a young idiot (as + Velchaninoff expressed it), was nevertheless a scion of the very + highest society in St. Petersburg. His career was in St. Petersburg, + and it was significant that such a man should have wasted five + important years of his life at T—— simply out of love for this woman. + It was said that he had only returned to Petersburg even then because + the lady had had enough of him; so that, all things considered, there + must have been something which rendered Natalia Vasilievna + preeminently attractive among women.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Yet the woman was + not rich; she was not even pretty (if not absolutely <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">plain</span></em>!) + Velchaninoff had known her when she was twenty-eight years old. Her + face was capable of taking a pleasing expression, but her eyes were + not good—they were too hard. She was a thin, bony woman to look at. + Her mind was intelligent, but narrow and one-sided. She had tact and + taste, especially as to dress. Her character was firm and + overbearing. She was never wrong (in her own opinion) or unjust. The + unfaithfulness towards her husband never caused her the slightest + remorse; she hated corruption, and yet she was herself corrupt; and + she believed in herself absolutely. Nothing could ever have persuaded + her that she herself was actually depraved; Velchaninoff believed + that she really did not know that her own corruption was corrupt. He + considered her to be <span class="tei tei-q">“one of those women who + only exist to be unfaithful wives.”</span> Such women never remain + unmarried,—it is the law of their nature to marry,—their husband is + their first lover, and he is always to blame for anything that may + happen afterwards; the unfaithful wife herself being invariably + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">absolutely</span></em> in the right, and of + course perfectly innocent.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So thought + Velchaninoff; and he was convinced that such a type of woman actually + existed; but he was no less convinced that there also existed a + corresponding type of men, born to be the husbands of such women. In + his opinion the mission of such men was to be, so to speak, + <span class="tei tei-q">“permanent husbands,”</span>—that is, to be + husbands all their lives, and nothing else.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff had + not the smallest doubt as to the existence of these two types, and + Pavel Pavlovitch Trusotsky was, in his opinion, an excellent + representative of the male type. Of course, the Pavel Pavlovitch of + last night was by no means the same Pavel Pavlovitch as he had known + at T——. He had found an extraordinary change in the man; and yet, on + reflection, he was bound to admit that the change was but natural, + for that he could only have remained what he was so long as his wife + lived; and that now he was but a part of a whole, allowed to wander + at will—that is, an imperfect being, a surprising, an + incomprehensible sort of a <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">thing</span></em>, without proper balance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As for the Pavel + Pavlovitch of T——, this is what Velchaninoff remembered of him:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + had been a husband, of course,—a formality,—and that was all. If, for + instance, he was a clerk of department besides, he was so merely in + his capacity of, and as a part of his responsibility as—a husband. He + worked for his wife, and for her social position. He had been + thirty-five years old at that time, and was possessed of some + considerable property. He had not shown any special talent, nor, on + the other hand, any marked incapacity in his professional employment; + his position had been decidedly a good one.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Natalia Vasilievna + had been respected and looked up to by all; not that she valued their + respect in the least,—she considered it merely as her due. She was a + good hostess, and had schooled Pavel Pavlovitch into polite manners, + so that he was able to receive and entertain the very best society + passably well.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He might be a + clever man, for all Velchaninoff knew, but as Natalia Vasilievna did + not like her husband to talk much, there was little opportunity of + judging. He may have had many good qualities, as well as bad; but the + good ones were, so to speak, kept put away in their cases, and the + bad ones were stifled and not allowed to appear. Velchaninoff + remembered, for instance, that Pavel Pavlovitch had once or twice + shown a disposition to laugh at those about him, but this unworthy + proclivity had been very promptly subdued. He had been fond of + telling stories, but this was not allowed either; or, if permitted at + all, the anecdote was to be of the shortest and most uninteresting + description.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + had a circle of private friends outside the house, with whom he was + fain, at times, to taste the flowing bowl; but this vicious tendency + was radically stamped out as soon as possible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And yet, with all + this, Natalia Vasilievna appeared, to the uninitiated, to be the most + obedient of wives, and doubtless considered herself so. Pavel + Pavlovitch may have been desperately in love with her,—no one could + say as to this.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff had + frequently asked himself during his life at T——, whether Pavel + Pavlovitch ever suspected his wife of having formed the tie with + himself, of which mention has been made. Velchaninoff had several + times questioned Natalia Vasilievna on this point, seriously enough; + but had invariably been told, with some show of annoyance, that her + husband neither did know, nor ever could know; and that <span class= + "tei tei-q">“all there might be to know was not his + business!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Another trait in + her character was that she never laughed at Pavel Pavlovitch, and + never found him funny in any sense; and that she would have been down + on any person who dared to be rude to him, at once!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch's + reference to the pleasant little readings enjoyed by the trio nine + years ago was accurate; they used to read Dickens' novels together. + Velchaninoff or Trusotsky reading aloud, while Natalia Vasilievna + worked. The life at T—— had ended suddenly, and so far as + Velchaninoff was concerned, in a way which drove him almost to the + verge of madness. The fact is, he was simply turned out—although it + was all managed in such a way that he never observed that he was + being thrown over like an old worn-out shoe.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A young artillery + officer had appeared in the town a month or so before Velchaninoff's + departure and had made acquaintance with the Trusotsky's. The trio + became a quartet. Before long Velchaninoff was informed that for many + reasons a separation was absolutely necessary; Natalia Vasilievna + adduced a hundred excellent reasons why this had become + unavoidable—and especially one which quite settled the matter. After + his stormy attempt to persuade Natalia Vasilievna to fly with him to + Paris—or anywhere,—Velchaninoff had ended by going to St. Petersburg + alone—for two or three months at the <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">very + most</span></em>, as he said,—otherwise he would refuse to go at all, + in spite of every reason and argument Natalia might adduce.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Exactly two months + later Velchaninoff had received a letter from Natalia Vasilievna, + begging him to come no more to T——, because that she already loved + another. As to the principal reason which she had brought forward in + favour of his immediate departure, she now informed him that she had + made a mistake. Velchaninoff remembered the young artilleryman, and + understood,—and so the matter had ended, once and for all. A year or + two after this Bagantoff appeared at T——, and an intimacy between + Natalia Vasilievna and the former had sprung up which lasted for five + years. This long period of constancy, Velchaninoff attributed to + advancing age on the part of Natalia. He sat on the side of his bed + for nearly an hour and thought. At last he roused himself, rang for + Mavra and his coffee, drank it off quickly—dressed—and punctually at + eleven was on his way to the Pokrofsky Hotel: he felt rather ashamed + of his behaviour to Pavel Pavlovitch last night. Velchaninoff put + down all that phantasmagoria of the trying of the lock and so on to + Pavel Pavlovitch's drunken condition and to other reasons,—but he did + not know why he was now on his way to make fresh relations with the + husband of that woman, since their acquaintanceship and intercourse + had come to so natural and simple a termination; yet something seemed + to draw him thither—some strong current of impulse,—and he went.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc241" id="toc241"></a> <a name="pdf42" id="pdf42"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER V.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + was not thinking of <span class="tei tei-q">“running away,”</span> + and goodness knows why Velchaninoff should have asked him such a + question last night—he did not know himself why he had said it!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was directed to + the Petrofsky Hotel, and found the building at once. At the hotel he + was told that Pavel Pavlovitch had now engaged a furnished lodging in + the back part of the same house.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mounting the dirty + and narrow stairs indicated, as far as the third storey, he suddenly + became aware of someone crying. It sounded like the weeping of a + child of some seven or eight years of age; it was a bitter, but a + more or less suppressed sort of crying, and with it came the sound of + a grown man's voice, apparently trying to quiet the child—anxious + that its sobbing and crying should not be heard,—and yet only + succeeding in making it cry the louder.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The man's voice + did not seem in any way sympathetic with the child's grief; and the + latter appeared to be begging for forgiveness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Making his way + into a narrow dark passage with two doors on each side of it, + Velchaninoff met a stout-looking, elderly woman, in very careless + morning attire, and inquired for Pavel Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She tapped the + door with her fingers in response to his inquiry—the same door, + apparently, whence issued the noises just mentioned. Her fat face + seemed to flush with indignation as she did so.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He appears to be amusing himself in there!”</span> she + said, and proceeded downstairs.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff was + about to knock, but thought better of it and opened the door without + ceremony.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the very middle + of a room furnished with plain, but abundant furniture, stood Pavel + Pavlovitch in his shirt-sleeves, very red in the face, trying to + persuade a little girl to do something or other, and using cries and + gestures, and what looked to Velchaninoff very like kicks, in order + to effect his purpose. The child appeared to be some seven or eight + years of age, and was poorly dressed in a short black stuff frock. + She seemed to be in a most hysterical condition, crying and + stretching out her arms to Pavel Pavlovitch, as though begging and + entreating him to allow her to do whatever it might be she + desired.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On Velchaninoff's + appearance the scene changed in an instant. No sooner did her eyes + fall on the visitor than the child made for the door of the next + room, with a cry of alarm; while Pavel Pavlovitch—thrown out for one + little instant—immediately relaxed into smiles of great + sweetness—exactly as he had done last night, when Velchaninoff + suddenly opened his front door and caught him standing outside.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Alexey Ivanovitch!”</span> he cried in real surprise; + <span class="tei tei-q">“who ever would have thought it! Sit down—sit + down—take the sofa—or this chair,—sit down, my dear sir! I'll just + put on——”</span> and he rushed for his coat and threw it on, leaving + his waistcoat behind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't stand on ceremony with me,”</span> said + Velchaninoff sitting down; <span class="tei tei-q">“stay as you + are!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, sir, no! excuse me—I insist upon standing on + ceremony. There, now! I'm a little more respectable! Dear me, now, + who ever would have thought of seeing <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> + here!—not I, for one!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + sat down on the edge of a chair, which he turned so as to face + Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And pray <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">why</span></em> shouldn't you have expected me? + I told you last night that I was coming this morning!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I thought you wouldn't come, sir—I did indeed; in fact, + when I thought over yesterday's visit, I despaired of ever seeing you + again: I did indeed, sir!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + glanced round the room meanwhile. The place was very untidy; the bed + was unmade; the clothes thrown about the floor; on the table were two + coffee tumblers with the dregs of coffee still in them, and a bottle + of champagne half finished, and with a tumbler standing alongside it. + He glanced at the next room, but all was quiet there; the little girl + had hidden herself, and was as still as a mouse.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You don't mean to say you drink that stuff at this time + of day?”</span> he asked, indicating the champagne bottle.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It's only a remnant,”</span> explained Pavel Pavlovitch, + a little confused.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My word! You <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">are</span></em> a changed man!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Bad habits, sir; and all of a sudden. All dating from + that time, sir. Give you my word, I couldn't resist it. But I'm all + right now—I'm not drunk—I shan't talk twaddle as I did last night; + don't be afraid sir, it's all right! From that very day, sir; give + you my word it is! And if anyone had told me half a year ago that I + should become like this,—if they had shown me my face in a glass then + as I should be <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">now</span></em>, I should have given them the + lie, sir; I should indeed!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hem! Then you <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">were</span></em> drunk last night?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes—I was!”</span> admitted Pavel Pavlovitch, a little + guiltily—<span class="tei tei-q">“not exactly <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">drunk</span></em>, a + little <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">beyond</span></em> drunk!—I tell you this by way + of explanation, because I'm always worse <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">after</span></em> + being drunk! If I'm only a little drunk, still the violence and + unreasonableness of intoxication come out afterwards, and stay out + too; and then I feel my grief the more keenly. I daresay my grief is + responsible for my drinking. I am capable of making an awful fool of + myself and offending people when I'm drunk. I daresay I seemed + strange enough to you last night?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't you remember what you said and did?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Assuredly I do—I remember everything!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Listen to me, Pavel Pavlovitch: I have thought it over + and have come to very much the same conclusion as you did + yourself,”</span> began Velchaninoff gently; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“besides—I believe I was a little too irritable towards + you last night—too impatient,—I admit it gladly; the fact is—I am not + very well sometimes, and your sudden arrival, you know, in the middle + of the night——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In the middle of the night: you are quite right—it + was!”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, wagging his head assentingly; + <span class="tei tei-q">“how in the world could I have brought myself + to do such a thing? I shouldn't have come in, though, if you hadn't + opened the door. I should have gone as I came. I called on you about + a week ago, and did not find you at home, and I daresay I should + never have called again; for I am rather proud—Alexey Ivanovitch—in + spite of my present state. Whenever I have met you in the streets I + have always said to myself, <span class="tei tei-q">‘What if he + doesn't know me and rejects me—nine years is no joke!’</span> and I + did not dare try you for fear of being snubbed. Yesterday, thanks to + that sort of thing, you know,”</span> (he pointed to the bottle), + <span class="tei tei-q">“I didn't know what time it was, and—it's + lucky you are the kind of man you are, Alexey Ivanovitch, or I should + despair of preserving your acquaintance, after yesterday! You + remember old times, Alexey Ivanovitch!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + listened keenly to all this. The man seemed to be talking seriously + enough, and even with some dignity; and yet he had not believed a + single word that Pavel Pavlovitch had uttered from the very first + moment that he entered the room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Tell me, Pavel Pavlovitch,”</span> said Velchaninoff at + last, <span class="tei tei-q">“—I see you are not quite alone + here,—whose little girl is that I saw when I came in?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + looked surprised and raised his eyebrow; but he gazed back at + Velchaninoff with candour and apparent amiability:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Whose little girl? Why that's our Liza!”</span> he said, + smiling affably.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What Liza?”</span> asked Velchaninoff,—and something + seemed to cause him to shudder inwardly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sensation was + dreadfully sudden. Just now, on entering the room and seeing Liza, he + had felt surprised more or less,—but had not been conscious of the + slightest feeling of presentiment,—indeed he had had no special + thought about the matter, at the moment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">our</span></em> Liza!—our daughter Liza!”</span> + repeated Pavel Pavlovitch, smiling.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Your daughter? Do you mean to say that you and Natalia + Vasilievna had children?”</span> asked Velchaninoff timidly, and in a + very low tone of voice indeed!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course—but—what a fool I am—how in the world should + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> know! Providence sent us the + gift after you had gone!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + jumped off his chair in apparently pleasurable excitement.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I heard nothing of it!”</span> said Velchaninoff, + looking very pale.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How should you? how should you?”</span> repeated Pavel + Pavlovitch with ineffable sweetness. <span class="tei tei-q">“We had + quite lost hope of any children—as you may remember,—when suddenly + Heaven sent us this little one. And, oh! my feelings—Heaven alone + knows what I felt! Just a year after you went, I think—no, wait a + bit—not a year by a long way!—Let's see, you left us in October, or + November, didn't you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I left T—— on the twelfth of September, I remember + well.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hum! September was it? Dear me! Well, then, let's + see—September, October, November, December, January, February, March, + April—to the 8th of May—that was Liza's birthday—eight months all but + a bit; and if you could only have seen the dear departed, how + rejoiced——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Show her to me—call her in!”</span> the words seemed to + tear themselves from Velchaninoff, whether he liked it or no.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Certainly—this moment!”</span> cried Pavel Pavlovitch, + forgetting that he had not finished his previous sentence, or + ignoring the fact; and he hastily left the room, and entered the + small chamber adjoining.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Three or four + minutes passed by, while Velchaninoff heard the rapid interchange of + whispers going on, and an occasional rather louder sound of Liza's + voice, apparently entreating her father to leave her alone—so + Velchaninoff concluded.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last the two + came out.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There you are—she's dreadfully shy and proud,”</span> + said Pavel Pavlovitch; <span class="tei tei-q">“just like her + mother.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Liza entered the + room without tears, but with eyes downcast, her father leading her by + the hand. She was a tall, slight, and very pretty little girl. She + raised her large blue eyes to the visitor's face with curiosity; but + only glanced surlily at him, and dropped them again. There was that + in her expression that one always sees in children when they look on + some new guest for the first time—retiring to a corner, and looking + out at him thence seriously and mistrustingly; only that there was a + something in her manner beyond the usual childish mistrust—so, at + least thought Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her father brought + her straight up to the visitor.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There—this gentleman knew mother very well. He was our + friend; you mustn't be shy,—give him your hand!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The child bowed + slightly, and timidly stretched out her hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Natalia Vasilievna never would teach her to curtsey; she + liked her to bow, English fashion, and give her hand,”</span> + explained Pavel Pavlovitch, gazing intently at Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff knew + perfectly well that the other was keenly examining him at this + moment, but he made no attempt to conceal his agitation: he sat + motionless on his chair and held the child's hand in his, gazing into + her face the while.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Liza was + apparently much preoccupied, and did not take her eyes off her + father's face; she listened timidly to every word he said.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + recognised her large blue eyes at once; but what specially struck him + was the refined pallor of her face, and the colour of her hair; these + traits were altogether too significant, in his eyes! Her features, on + the other hand, and the set of her lips, reminded him keenly of + Natalia Vasilievna. Meanwhile Pavel Pavlovitch was in the middle of + some apparently most interesting tale—one of great sentiment + seemingly,—but Velchaninoff did not hear a word of it until the last + few words struck upon his ear:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“... So that you can't imagine what our joy was when + Providence sent us this gift, Alexey Ivanovitch! She was everything + to me, for I felt that if it should be the will of Heaven to deprive + me of my other joy, I should still have Liza left to me; that's what + I felt, sir, I did indeed!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And Natalia Vasilievna?”</span> asked Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, Natalia Vasilievna—”</span> began Pavel Pavlovitch, + smiling with one side of his mouth; <span class="tei tei-q">“she + never used to like to say much—as you know yourself; but she told me + on her deathbed—deathbed! you know, sir—to the very day of her death + she used to get so angry and say that they were trying to cure her + with a lot of nasty medicines when she had nothing the matter but a + simple little feverish attack; and that when Koch arrived (you + remember our old doctor Koch?) he would make her all right in a + fortnight. Why, five hours before she died she was talking of fixing + that day three weeks for a visit to her Aunt, Liza's godmother, at + her country place!”</span> Velchaninoff here started from his seat, + but still held the child's hand. He could not help thinking that + there was something reproachful in the girl's persistent stare in her + father's face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is she ill?”</span> he asked hurriedly, and his voice + had a strange tone in it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No! I don't think so”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch; + <span class="tei tei-q">“but, you see our way of living here, and all + that: she's a strange child and very nervous, besides! After her + mother's death she was quite ill and hysterical for a fortnight. Just + before you came in she was crying like anything; and do you know what + about, sir? Do you hear me, Liza?—You listen!—Simply because I was + going out, and wished to leave her behind, and because she said I + didn't love her so well as I used to in her mother's time. That's + what she pitches into me for! Fancy a child like this getting hold of + such an idea!—a child who ought to be playing at dolls, instead of + developing ideas of that sort! The thing is, she has no one to play + with here.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then—then—are you two quite alone here?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite! a servant comes in once a day, that's + all!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And when you go out, do you leave her quite + alone?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course! What else am I to do? Yesterday I locked her + in that room, and that's what all the tears were about this morning. + What could I do? the day before yesterday she went down into the yard + all by herself, and a boy took a shot at her head with a stone! Not + only that, but she must needs go and cling on to everybody she met, + and ask where I had gone to! That's not so very pleasant, you see! + But I oughtn't to complain when I say I am going out for an hour and + then stay out till four in the morning, as I did last night! The + landlady came and let her out: she had the door broken open! Nice for + my feelings, eh! It's all the result of the eclipse that came over my + life; nothing but that, sir!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Papa!”</span> said the child, timidly and anxiously.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Now, then! none of that again! What did I tell you + yesterday?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I won't; I won't!”</span> cried the child hurriedly, + clasping her hands before her entreatingly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Come! things can't be allowed to go on in this + way!”</span> said Velchaninoff impatiently, and with authority. + <span class="tei tei-q">“In the first place, you are a man of + property; how can you possibly live in a hole like this, and in such + disorder?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This place! Oh, but we shall probably have left this + place within a week; and I've spent a lot of money here, as it is, + though I may be 'a man of property;' and——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well, that'll do,”</span> interrupted Velchaninoff + with growing impatience, <span class="tei tei-q">“now, I'll make you + a proposition: you have just said that you intend to stay another + week—perhaps two. I have a house here—or rather I know a family where + I am as much at home as at my own fireside, and have been so for + twenty years. The family I mean is the Pogoryeltseffs—Alexander + Pavlovitch Pogoryeltseff is a state councillor (he may be of use to + you in your business!) They are now living in the country—they have a + beautiful country villa; Claudia Petrovna, the lady of the house, is + like a sister—like a mother to me; they have eight children. Let me + take Liza down to them without loss of time! they'll receive her with + joy, and they'll treat her like their own little daughter—they will, + indeed!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff was + in a great hurry, and much excited, and he did not conceal his + feelings.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm afraid it's impossible!”</span> said Pavel + Pavlovitch with a grimace, looking straight into his visitor's eyes, + very cunningly, as it seemed to Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why! why, impossible?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, why! to let the child go—so suddenly, you know, of + course with such a sincere well-wisher as yourself—it's not that!—but + a strange house—and such swells, too!—I don't know whether they would + receive her!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But I tell you I'm like a son of the house!”</span> + cried Velchaninoff, almost angrily. <span class="tei tei-q">“Claudia + Petrovna will be delighted to take her, at one word from me! She'd + receive her as though she were my own daughter. Deuce take it, sir, + you know you are only humbugging me,—what's the use of talking about + it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He stamped his + foot.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No—no! I mean to say—don't it look a little strange? + Oughtn't I to call once or twice first?—such a smart house as you say + theirs is—don't you see——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I tell you it's the simplest house in the world; it + isn't <span class="tei tei-q">‘smart’</span> in the least + bit,”</span> cried Velchaninoff; <span class="tei tei-q">“they have a + lot of children: it will make another girl of her!—I'll introduce you + there myself, to-morrow, if you like. Of course you'll have to go and + thank them, and all that. You shall go down every day with me, if you + please.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, but——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nonsense! You know it's nonsense! Now look here: you + come to me this evening—I'll put you up for the night—and we'll start + off early to-morrow and be down there by twelve.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Benefactor!—and I may spend the night at your + house?”</span> cried Pavel Pavlovitch, instantly consenting to the + plan with the greatest cordiality,—<span class="tei tei-q">“you are + really <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">too</span></em> good! And where's their country + house?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“At the Liesnoy.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But look here, how about her dress? Such a house, you + know,—a father's heart shrinks——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nonsense!—she's in mourning—what else could she wear but + a black dress like this? it's exactly the thing; you couldn't imagine + anything more so!—you might let her have some clean linen with her, + and give her a cleaner neck-handkerchief.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Directly, directly. We'll get her linen together in a + couple of minutes—it's just home from the wash!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Send for a carriage—can you? Tell them to let us have it + at once, so as not to waste time.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But now an + unexpected obstacle arose: Liza absolutely rejected the plan; she had + listened to it with terror, and if Velchaninoff had, in his excited + argument with Pavel Pavlovitch, had time to glance at the child's + face, he would have observed her expression of absolute despair at + this moment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I won't go!”</span> she said, quietly but firmly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There—look at that! Just like her mamma!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></em> like mamma, I'm <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></em> like + mamma!”</span> cried Liza, wringing her little hands in despair. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, papa—papa!”</span> she added, + <span class="tei tei-q">“if you desert me—”</span> she suddenly threw + herself upon the alarmed Velchaninoff—<span class="tei tei-q">“If you + take me away—”</span> she cried—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'll——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Liza had no + time to finish her sentence, for Pavel Pavlovitch suddenly seized her + by the arm and collar and hustled her into the next room with + unconcealed rage. For several minutes Velchaninoff listened to the + whispering going on there,—whisperings and seemingly subdued crying + on the part of Liza. He was about to follow the pair, when suddenly + out came Pavel Pavlovitch, and stated—with a disagreeable grin—that + Liza would come directly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff tried + not to look at him and kept his eyes fixed on the other side of the + room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The elderly woman + whom Velchaninoff had met on the stairs also made her appearance, and + packed Liza's things into a neat little carpet bag.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is it you that are going to take the little lady away, + sir?”</span> she asked; <span class="tei tei-q">“if so, you are doing + a good deed! She's a nice quiet child, and you are saving her from + goodness knows what, here!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! come—Maria Sisevna,”</span>—began Pavel + Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well? What? Isn't it true! Arn't you ashamed to let a + girl of her intelligence see the things that you allow to go on here? + The carriage has arrived for you, sir,—<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> + ordered one for the Liesnoy, didn't you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, good luck to you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Liza came out, + looking very pale and with downcast eyes; she took her bag, but never + glanced in Velchaninoff's direction. She restrained herself and did + not throw herself upon her father, as she had done before—not even to + say good-bye. She evidently did not wish to look at him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her father kissed + her and patted her head in correct form; her lip curled during the + operation, the chin trembled a little, but she did not raise her eyes + to her father's.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + looked pale, and his hands shook; Velchaninoff saw that plainly + enough, although he did his best not to see the man at all. He + (Velchaninoff) had but one thought, and that was how to get away at + once!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Downstairs was old + Maria Sisevna, waiting to say good-bye; and more kissing was done. + Liza had just climbed into the carriage when suddenly she caught + sight of her father's face; she gave a loud cry and wrung her + hands,—in another minute she would have been out of the carriage and + away, but luckily the vehicle went on and she was too late!</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc243" id="toc243"></a> <a name="pdf44" id="pdf44"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER VI.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Are you feeling faint?”</span> asked Velchaninoff of his + companion, frightened out of his wits: <span class="tei tei-q">“I'll + tell him to stop and get you some water, shall I?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She looked at him + angrily and reproachfully.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where are you taking me to?”</span> she asked coldly and + abruptly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To a very beautiful house, Liza. There are plenty of + children,—they'll all love you there, they are so kind! Don't be + angry with me, Liza; I wish you well, you know!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In truth, + Velchaninoff would have looked strange at this moment to any + acquaintance, if such had happened to see him!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How—how—how—oh! <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">how</span></em> wicked you are!”</span> said + Liza, fighting with suppressed tears, and flashing her fine angry + eyes at him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But Liza—I——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are bad—bad—and wicked!”</span> cried Liza. She + wrung her hands.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff was + beside himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, Liza, Liza! if only you knew what despair you are + causing me!”</span> he said.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is it true that he is coming down to-morrow?”</span> + asked the child haughtily—<span class="tei tei-q">“is it true or + not?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite true—I shall bring him down myself,—I shall take + him and bring him!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He will deceive you somehow!”</span> cried the child, + drooping her eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Doesn't he love you, then, Liza?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Has he ill-treated you,—has he?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Liza looked + gloomily at her questioner, and said nothing. She then turned away + from him and sat still and depressed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + commenced to talk: he tried to win her,—he spoke + warmly—excitedly—feverishly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Liza listened + incredulously and with a hostile air,—but still she listened. Her + attention delighted him beyond measure;—he went so far as to explain + to her what it meant when a man took to drink. He said that he loved + her and would himself look after her father.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last Liza + raised her eyes and gazed fixedly at him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then Velchaninoff + began to speak of her mother and of how well he had known her; and he + saw that his tales attracted her. Little by little she began to reply + to his questions, but very cautiously and in an obstinately + monosyllabic way.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She would answer + nothing to his chief inquiries; as to her former relations with her + father, for instance, she maintained an obstinate silence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While speaking to + her, Velchaninoff held the child's hand in his own, as before; and + she did not try to take it away.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Liza said enough + to make it apparent that she had loved her father more than her + mother at first, because that her father had loved the child better + than her mother did; but that when her mother had died and was lying + dead, Liza wept over her and kissed her, and ever since then she had + loved her mother more than all—all there was in the whole world—and + that every night she thought of her and loved her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Liza was very + proud, and suddenly recollecting herself and finding that she was + saying a great deal more than she had meant to reveal, she paused, + and relapsed into obstinate silence once more, and gazed at + Velchaninoff with something like hatred in her eyes, considering that + he had beguiled her into the revelations just made.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By the end of the + journey, however, her hysterical condition was nearly over, but she + was very silent and sat looking morosely about her, obstinately + silent and gloomy, like a little wild animal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The fact that she + was being taken to a strange house where she had never been before + did not seem so far to weigh upon her; Velchaninoff saw clearly + enough that other things distressed her, and principally that she was + ashamed—ashamed that her father should have let her go so + easily—thrown her away, as it were—into Velchaninoff's arms.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She's ill,”</span> thought the latter, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and perhaps very ill; she has been bullied and + ill-treated. Oh! that drunken, blackguardly wretch of a + fellow!”</span> He hurried on the coachman. Velchaninoff trusted + greatly to the fresh air, to the garden, to the children, to the new + life, now; as to the future, he was in no sort of doubt at all, his + hopes were clear and defined. One thing he was quite sure of, and + that was that he had never before felt what now swelled within his + soul, and that the sensation would last for ever and ever.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have an object at last! this is Life!”</span> he said + to himself enthusiastically.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Many thoughts + welled into his brain just now, but he would have none of them; he + did not care to think of details at this moment, for without details + the future was all so clear and so beautiful, and so safe and + indestructible!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The basis of his + plan was simple enough; it was simply this, in the language of his + own thoughts:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I shall so work upon that drunken little blackguard that + he will leave Liza with the Pogoryeltseffs, and go away alone—at + first, <span class="tei tei-q">‘for a time,’</span> of course!—and so + Liza shall remain behind for me! what more do I want? The plan will + suit him, too!—else why does he bully her like this?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The carriage + arrived at last.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was certainly a + very beautiful place. They were met first of all by a troop of noisy + children, who overflowed on to the front-door steps. Velchaninoff had + not been down for some time, and the delight of the little ones to + see him was excessive—they were very fond of him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The elder ones + shouted, before he had left the carriage, by way of chaff:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How's the lawsuit getting on, eh?”</span> and the + smaller gang took up the joke, and all clamoured the same question: + it was a pet joke in this establishment to chaff Velchaninoff about + his lawsuit. But when Liza climbed down the carriage steps, she was + instantly surrounded and stared at with true juvenile curiosity. Then + Claudia Petrovna and her husband came out, and both of them + good-humouredly bantered Velchaninoff about his lawsuit.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Claudia Petrovna + was a lady of some thirty-seven summers, stout and well-favoured, and + with a sweet fresh-looking face. Her husband was a man of fifty-five, + a clever and long-headed man of the world, but above all, a good and + kind-hearted friend to anyone requiring kindness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The + Pogoryeltseffs' house was in the full sense of the word a + <span class="tei tei-q">“home”</span> to Velchaninoff, as the latter + had stated. There was rather more here, however; for, twenty years + since Claudia had very nearly married young Velchaninoff almost a boy + at that time, and a student at the university.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This had been his + first experience of love—and very hot and fiery and funny—and sweet + it was! The end of it was, however, that Claudia married Mr + Pogoryeltseff. Five years later she and Velchaninoff had met again, + and a quiet candid friendship had sprung up between them. Since then + there had always been a warmth, a speciality about their friendship, + a radiance which overspread it and glorified their relations one to + the other. There was nothing here that Velchaninoff could remember + with shame—all was pure and sweet; and this was perhaps the reason + why the friendship was specially dear to Velchaninoff; he had not + experienced many such platonic intimacies.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In this house + Velchaninoff was simple and happy, confessed his sins, played with + the children and lectured them, and never bothered his head about + outside matters; he had promised the Pogoryeltseffs that he would + live a few more years alone in the world, and then move over to their + household for good and all; and he looked forward to that good time + coming with all seriousness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff now + gave all the information about Liza which he thought fit, though his + simple request would have been amply sufficient here.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Claudia Petrovna + kissed the little <span class="tei tei-q">“orphan,”</span> and + promised to do all she possibly could for her; and the children + carried Liza off to play in the garden. Half an hour passed in + conversation, and then Velchaninoff rose to depart: he was in such a + hurry, that his friends could not help remarking upon the fact. He + had not been near them for three weeks, they said, and now he only + stayed half an hour! Velchaninoff laughed and promised to come down + to-morrow. Someone observed that Velchaninoff's state of agitation + was remarkable, even for <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">him</span></em>! Whereupon the latter jumped up, + seized Claudia Petrovna's hand, and, under pretence of having + forgotten to tell her something most important about Liza, he led her + into another room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you remember,”</span> he began, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“what I told you, and only you,—even your husband does + not know of it—about my year of life down at T——?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh yes! only too well! You have often spoken of + it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No—I did not <span class="tei tei-q">‘speak about + it,’</span> I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">confessed</span></em>, and only to yourself; but + I never told you the lady's name. It was Trusotsky, the wife of this + Trusotsky; it is she who has died, and this little Liza is her + child—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">my</span></em> child!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is this certain? Are you quite sure there is no + mistake?”</span> asked Claudia Petrovna, with some agitation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite, quite certain!”</span> said Velchaninoff + enthusiastically. He then gave a short, hasty, and excited narrative + of all that had occurred. Claudia had heard it all before, excepting + the lady's name.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The fact is, + Velchaninoff had always been so afraid that one of his friends might + some fine day meet Madame Trusotsky at T——, and wonder how in the + world he could have loved such a woman as that, that he had never + revealed her name to a single soul; not even to Claudia Petrovna, his + great friend.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And does the <span class="tei tei-q">‘father’</span> + know nothing of it?”</span> asked Claudia, having heard the tale + out.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“N—no; he knows—you see, that's just what is bothering me + now. I haven't sifted the matter as yet,”</span> resumed Velchaninoff + hotly. <span class="tei tei-q">“He must know—he <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">does</span></em> + know. I remarked that fact both yesterday and to-day. But I wish to + discover <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">how much</span></em> he knows. That's why I am + hurrying back now; he is coming to-night. He knows all about + Bagantoff; but how about myself? You know how such wives can deceive + their husbands! If an angel from Heaven were to come down and convict + a woman, her husband will still trust her, and give the angel the + lie.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! don't nod your head at me, don't judge me! I have + long since judged and convicted myself. You see, this morning I felt + so sure that he knew all, that I compromised myself before him. + Fancy, I was really ashamed of having been rude to him last night. He + only called in to see me out of the pure unconquerably malicious + desire to show me that he knew all the offence, and knew who was the + offender! I behaved like a fool; I gave myself into his hands too + easily; I was too heated; he came at such a feverish moment for me. I + tell you, he has been bullying Liza, simply to <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘let off bile,’</span>—you understand. He needs a + safety-valve for his offended feelings, and vents them upon + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">anyone</span></em>, even a little + child!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is exasperation, and quite natural. We must treat him + in a Christian spirit, my friend; and do you know, I wish to change + my way of treating him, entirely; I wish to be particularly kind to + him. That will be a good action on my part, for I am to blame before + him, I know I am; there's no disguising the fact! Besides, once at + T——, it so happened that I required four thousand roubles at a + moment's notice. Well, the fellow gave me the money, without a + receipt, at once, and with every manifestation of delight to be able + to serve me! And I took the money from his hands,—I did, indeed! I + took it as though he were a friend. Think of that!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well; only be careful!”</span> said Claudia + Petrovna. <span class="tei tei-q">“You are so enthusiastic that I am + really alarmed for you! Of course Liza shall now be no less than my + own daughter to me; but there is so much to know and to settle yet! + Above all, be very careful and observant! You are not nearly careful + enough when you are happy! You are much too exalted an individual to + be cautious, when you are happy!”</span> she added with a smile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The whole family + went out to see Velchaninoff off. The children brought Liza along + with them; they had been playing in the garden. They seemed to look + at her now with even more perplexity then at first! The girl became + dreadfully shy when Velchaninoff kissed her before all, and promised + to come down next day and bring her father with him. To the last + moment she did not say a single word, and never looked at him at all; + but just before he was about to start she seized his hand and drew + him away to one side, looking imploringly in his face: she evidently + had something to say to him. Velchaninoff immediately took her into + an adjoining room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is it, Liza?”</span> he asked, kindly and + encouragingly; but she drew him farther away,—into the very farthest + corner of the room, anxious to get well out of sight and hearing of + the rest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is it, Liza? What is it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But she was still + silent, and could not make up her mind to speak; she stared with her + motionless, large blue eyes, into his face, and in every lineament of + her little face was betrayed the wildest terror and anxiety.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He'll—hang himself!”</span> she whispered at last, as + though she were talking in her sleep.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Who will hang himself?”</span> asked Velchaninoff, in + alarm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He will—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">he</span></em>! He tried to hang himself to a + hook last night!”</span> said the child, panting with haste and + excitement; <span class="tei tei-q">“I saw it myself! To-day he tried + it again,—he wishes to hang himself; he told me so!—he told me so! He + wanted to, long ago; he has always wanted to do it! I saw it + myself—in the night!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Impossible!”</span> muttered Velchaninoff, + incredulously.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Liza suddenly + threw herself into his arms, kissed his hands, and cried. She could + hardly breathe for sobbing; she was begging and imploring + Velchaninoff, but he could not understand what she was trying to + say.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff never + afterwards forgot the terrible look of this distressed child; he + thought of it waking and thought of it sleeping—how she had come to + him in her despair as to her last hope, and hysterically begged and + prayed him to help her! <span class="tei tei-q">“And to think of her + being so deeply attached to him!”</span> he reflected jealously, as + he drove, impatient and feverish, towards town. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“She said herself that she loved her mother + better;—perhaps she hates him, and doesn't love him at all! And + what's all that nonsense about <span class="tei tei-q">‘hanging + himself!’</span> What did she mean by that? As if he would hang + himself, the fool! I must sift the matter—the whole matter. I must + settle this business once and for ever—and quickly!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc245" id="toc245"></a> <a name="pdf46" id="pdf46"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER VII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was in a great + hurry to <span class="tei tei-q">“know all.”</span> In order to lose + no time about finding out what he felt he must know at once, he told + the coachman to drive him straight to Trusotsky's rooms. On the way + he changed his mind; <span class="tei tei-q">“let him come to me, + himself,”</span> he thought, <span class="tei tei-q">“and meanwhile I + can attend to my cursed law business.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But to-day he + really felt that he was too absent to attend to anything at all; and + at five o'clock he set out with the intention of dining. And at this + moment, for the first time, an amusing idea struck him. What if he + really only hindered his law business by meddling as he did, and + hunting his wretched lawyer about the place, when the latter plainly + avoided meeting him? Velchaninoff laughed merrily over this idea. + <span class="tei tei-q">“And yet,”</span> he thought; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“if this notion had struck me in the evening instead of + now, how angry I should have been!”</span> He laughed again, more + merrily than before. But in spite of his merriness he grew more and + more thoughtful and impatient, and could settle to nothing, nor could + he think out what he most wanted to reflect upon.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">must</span></em> have that fellow here!”</span> + he said at length; <span class="tei tei-q">“I must read the mystery + of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">him</span></em> first of all, and then I can + settle what to do next. There's a duel in this business!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Returning home at + seven o'clock he did not find Pavel Pavlovitch there, which fact + first surprised him, then angered him, then depressed him, and at + last, frightened him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“God knows, God knows how it will all end!”</span> he + cried; first trying to settle himself on a sofa, and then marching up + and down the room, and all the while looking at his watch every other + minute.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length—at about + nine o'clock—Pavel Pavlovitch appeared.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“If this man was cunning enough to mean it he could not + have managed better in order to put me into a state of + nervousness!”</span> thought Velchaninoff, though his heart bounded + for joy to see his guest arrive.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To Velchaninoff's + cordial inquiry as to why he was so late, Pavel Pavlovitch smiled + disagreeably—took a seat with easy familiarity, carelessly threw his + crapebound hat on a chair,—and made himself perfectly at home. + Velchaninoff observed and took stock of the careless manner adopted + by his visitor; it was not like yesterday. Velchaninoff then quietly, + and in a few words, gave Pavel Pavlovitch an account of what he had + done with Liza, of how kindly she had been received, of how good it + would be for the child down there; then he led the conversation to + the topic of the Pogoryeltseffs, leaving Liza out of the talking + altogether, and spoke of how kind the whole family were, of how long + he had known them, and so on.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + listened absently, occasionally looking ironically at his host from + under his eyelashes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What an enthusiast you are!”</span> he muttered at last, + smiling very unpleasantly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hum, you seem in a bad humour to-day!”</span> remarked + Velchaninoff with annoyance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And why shouldn't I be as wicked as my + neighbours?”</span> cried Pavel Pavlovitch suddenly! He said this so + abruptly that he gave one the idea that he had pounced out of a + corner where he had been lurking, on purpose to make a dash at the + first opportunity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh dear me! do as you like, pray!”</span> laughed + Velchaninoff; <span class="tei tei-q">“I only thought something had + put you out, perhaps!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So it has,”</span> cried Pavel Pavlovitch, as though + proud of the fact.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, what was it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + waited a moment or two before he replied.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why it's that Stepan Michailovitch Bagantoff of ours—up + to his tricks again; he's a shining light among the highest circles + of society—he is!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wouldn't he receive you again—or what?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“N—no! not quite that, this time; on the contrary I was + allowed to go in for the first time on record, and I had the honour + of musing over his features, too!—but he happened to be a corpse, + that's all!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What! Bagantoff dead?”</span> cried Velchaninoff, in the + greatest astonishment; though there was no particular reason why he + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">should</span></em> be surprised.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes—my unalterable—six-years-standing friend is + dead!—died yesterday at about mid-day, and I knew nothing of it! + Perhaps he died just when I called there—who knows? To-morrow is the + funeral! he's in his coffin at this moment! Died of nervous fever; + and they let me in to see him—they did indeed!—to contemplate his + features! I told them I was a great friend—and therefore they allowed + me in! A pretty trick he has played me—this dear friend of six years' + standing! why—perhaps I came to St. Petersburg <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">specially for + him</span></em>!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well—it's hardly worth your while to be angry with him + about it, is it—he didn't die on purpose!”</span> said Velchaninoff + laughing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, but I'm speaking out of pure sympathy—he was a + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">dear</span></em> friend to me! oh a <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">very</span></em> dear + friend!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + gave a smile of detestable irony and cunning.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you know what, Alexey Ivanovitch,”</span> he resumed, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I think you ought to treat me to + something,—I have often treated you; I used to be your host every + blessed day, sir, at T——, for a whole year! Send for a bottle of + wine, do—my throat is so dry!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“With pleasure—why didn't you say so before! what would + you like?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't say <span class="tei tei-q">‘you!’</span> say + <span class="tei tei-q">‘we’</span>! we'll drink together of + course!”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch defiantly, but at the same time + looking into Velchaninoff's eyes with some concern.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shall it be champagne?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course! it isn't time for vodki yet!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff rose + slowly—rang the bell and gave Mavra the necessary orders.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We'll drink to this happy meeting of friends after nine + years' parting!”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, with a very + inappropriate and unnecessary giggle. <span class="tei tei-q">“Why, + you are the only real, true friend left to me now! Bagantoff is no + more! it quite reminds one of the great poet:</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“Great Patroclus + is no more,</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Mean Thersites + liveth yet!”</span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">—and so on,—don't you know!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the name + <span class="tei tei-q">“Thersites”</span> Pavel Pavlovitch touched + his own breast.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I wish you would speak plainly, you pig of a + fellow!”</span> said Velchaninoff to himself, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I hate hints!”</span> His own anger was on the rise, and + he had long been struggling with his self-restraint.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Look here,—tell me this, since you consider Bagantoff to + have been guilty before you (as I see you do) surely you must be glad + that your betrayer is dead? What are you so angry about?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Glad! Why should I be glad?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I judge by what I should imagine your feelings to + be.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ha-ha! well, this time you are a little bit in error as + to my feelings, for once! A certain sage has said 'my good enemy is + dead, but I have a still better one alive! ha-ha!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well but you saw him alive for five years at a + stretch,—I should have thought that was enough to contemplate his + features in!”</span> said Velchaninoff angrily and + contemptuously.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, but how was I to know then, sir?”</span> snapped + Pavel Pavlovitch—jumping out of an ambush once more, as it + were,—delighted to be asked a question which he had long awaited; + <span class="tei tei-q">“why, what do you take me for, Alexey + Ivanovitch?”</span> at this moment there was in the speaker's face a + new expression altogether, transfiguring entirely the hitherto merely + disagreeably malicious look upon it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you mean to say you knew nothing of it?”</span> said + Velchaninoff in astonishment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How! Didn't know? As if I could have known it and——Oh, + you race of Jupiters! you reckon a man to be no better than a dog, + and judge of him by your own sentiments. Look here, sir,—there, look + at that.”</span> So saying, he brought his fist madly down upon the + table with a resounding bang, and immediately afterwards looked + frightened at his own act.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff's + face beamed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Listen, Pavel Pavlovitch,”</span> he said; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“it is entirely the same thing to me whether you knew or + did not know all about it. If you did not know, so much the more + honourable is it for you; but—I can't understand why you should have + selected me for your confidant.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I wasn't talking of you; don't be angry, it wasn't about + you,”</span> muttered Pavel Pavlovitch, with his eyes fixed on the + ground.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At this moment, + Mavra entered with the champagne.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here it is!”</span> cried Pavel Pavlovitch, immensely + delighted at the appearance of the wine. <span class="tei tei-q">“Now + then, tumblers my good girl, tumblers quick! Capital! Thank you, we + don't require you any more, my good Mavra. What! you've drawn the + cork? Excellent creature. Well, ta-ta! off with you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Mavra's advent + with the bottle so encouraged him that he again looked at + Velchaninoff with some defiance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Now confess,”</span> he giggled suddenly, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“confess that you are very curious indeed to hear about + all this, and that it is by no means <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘entirely the same to you,’</span> as you declared! + Confess that you would be miserable if I were to get up and go away + this very minute without telling you anything more.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not the least in the world, I assure you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + smiled; and his smile said, as plainly as words could, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“That's a lie!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, let's to business,”</span> he said, and poured out + two glasses of champagne.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here's a toast,”</span> he continued, raising his + goblet, <span class="tei tei-q">“to the health in Paradise of our + dear departed friend Bagantoff.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He raised his + glass and drank.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I won't drink such a toast as that!”</span> said + Velchaninoff; and put his glass down on the table.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why not? It's a very pretty toast.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Look here, were you drunk when you came + here?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A little; why?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh—nothing particular. Only it appeared to me that + yesterday, and especially this morning, you were sincerely sorry for + the loss of Natalia Vasilievna.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And who says I am not sorry now?”</span> cried Pavel + Pavlovitch, as if somebody had pulled a string and made him snap the + words out, like a doll.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, I don't mean that; but you must admit you may be in + error about Bagantoff; and that's a serious matter!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + grinned and gave a wink.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hey! Wouldn't you just like to know how I found out + about Bagantoff, eh?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + blushed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I repeat, it's all the same to me,”</span> he said; and + added to himself, <span class="tei tei-q">“Hadn't I better pitch him + and the bottle out of the window together.”</span> He was blushing + more and more now.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + poured himself out another glass.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'll tell you directly how I found out all about Mr. + Bagantoff, and your burning wish shall be satisfied. For you are a + fiery sort of man, you know, Alexey Ivanovitch, oh, dreadfully so! + Ha-ha-ha. Just give me a cigarette first, will you, for ever since + March——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here's a cigarette for you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ever since March I have been a depraved man, sir, and + this is how it all came about. Listen. Consumption, as you know, my + dear friend”</span> (Pavel Pavlovitch was growing more and more + familiar!), <span class="tei tei-q">“is an interesting malady. One + sees a man dying of consumption without a suspicion that to-morrow is + to be his last day. Well, I told you how Natalia Vasilievna, up to + five hours before her death, talked about going to visit her aunt, + who lived thirty miles or so away, and starting in a fortnight. You + know how some ladies—and gentlemen, too, I daresay—have the bad habit + of keeping a lot of old rubbish by them, in the way of love-letters + and so on. It would be much safer to stick them all into the fire, + wouldn't it? But no, they must keep every little scrap of paper in + drawers and desks, and endorse it and classify it, and tie it up in + bundles, for each year and month and class! I don't know whether they + find this consoling to their feelings afterwards, or what. Well, + since she was arranging a visit to her aunt just five hours before + her death, Natalia Vasilievna naturally did not expect to die so + soon; in fact, she was expecting old Doctor Koch down till the last; + and so, when Natalia Vasilievna <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">did</span></em> die, she left behind her a + beautiful little black desk all inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and + bound with silver, in her bureau; oh, a lovely little box, an + heirloom left her by her grandmother, with a lock and key all + complete. Well, sir, in this box everything—I mean <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">everything</span></em>, you know, for every day + and hour for the last twenty years—was disclosed; and since Mr. + Bagantoff had a decided taste for literature (indeed, he had + published a passionate novel once, I am told, in a + newspaper!)—consequently there were about a hundred examples of his + genius in the desk, ranging over a period of five years. Some of + these talented effusions were covered with pencilled remarks by + Natalia Vasilievna herself! Pleasant, that, for a fond husband's + feelings, sir, eh?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + quickly cast his thoughts back over the past, and remembered that he + had never written a single letter or a single note to Natalia + Vasilievna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had written a + couple of letters from St. Petersburg, but, according to a previous + arrangement, he had addressed them to both Mr. and Mrs. Trusotsky + together. He had not answered Natalia Vasilievna's last letter—which + had contained his dismissal—at all.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having ended his + speech, Pavel Pavlovitch relapsed into silence, and sat smiling + repulsively for a whole minute or so.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why don't you answer my question, my friend?”</span> he + asked, at length, evidently disturbed by Velchaninoff's silence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What question?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“As to the pleasure I must have felt as a fond husband, + upon opening the desk.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Your feelings are no business of mine!”</span> said the + other bitterly, rising and commencing to stride up and down the + room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I wouldn't mind betting that you are thinking at this + very moment: <span class="tei tei-q">‘What a pig of a fellow he is to + parade his shame like this!’</span> Ha-ha! dear me, what a squeamish + gentleman you are to be sure!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not at all. I was thinking nothing of the sort; on the + contrary, I consider that you are—besides being more or less + intoxicated—so put out by the death of the man who has injured you + that you are not yourself. There's nothing surprising in it at all! I + quite understand why you wish Bagantoff were still alive, and am + ready to respect your annoyance, but——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And pray <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">why</span></em> do you suppose that I wish + Bagantoff were alive?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, that's your affair!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'll take my oath you are thinking of a + duel!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Devil take it, sir!”</span> cried Velchaninoff, obliged + to hold himself tighter than ever. <span class="tei tei-q">“I was + thinking that you, like every respectable person in similar + circumstances, would act openly and candidly and straightforwardly, + and not humiliate yourself with comical antics and silly grimaces, + and ridiculous complaints and detestable innuendoes, which only heap + greater shame upon you. I say I was thinking you would act like a + respectable person.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ha-ha-ha!—but perhaps I am <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></em> a + respectable person!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, well, that's your own affair again and yet, if so, + what in the devil's name could you want with Bagantoff + alive?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, my dear sir, I should have liked just to have a nice + peep at a dear old friend, that's all. We should have got hold of a + bottle of wine, and drunk it together!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He wouldn't have drunk with <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em>!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why not? <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">Noblesse + oblige?</span></span> Why, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> are drinking with me. Wherein is + he better than you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have not drunk with you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wherefore this sudden pride, sir?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + suddenly burst into a fit of nervous, irritable laughter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, deuce take it all!”</span> he cried, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you are quite a different type to what I believed. I + thought you were nothing but a <span class="tei tei-q">‘permanent + husband,’</span> but I find you are a sort of bird of + prey.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What! <span class="tei tei-q">‘permanent + husband?’</span> What is a <span class="tei tei-q">‘permanent + husband?’</span> ”</span> asked Pavel Pavlovitch, pricking up his + ears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh—just one type of husbands—that's all, it's too long + to explain. Come, you'd better get out now; it's quite time you went. + I'm sick of you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And bird of prey, sir; what did that mean?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I said you were a bird of prey for a joke.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes; but—bird of prey—tell me what you mean, Alexey + Ivanovitch, for goodness sake!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Come, come, that's quite enough!”</span> shouted + Velchaninoff, suddenly flaring up and speaking at the top of his + voice. <span class="tei tei-q">“It's time you went; get out of this, + will you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, sir, it's <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></em> enough!”</span> cried Pavel + Pavlovitch, jumping up, too. <span class="tei tei-q">“Even if you + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">are</span></em> sick of me, sir, it's not + enough; for you must first drink and clink glasses with me. I won't + go before you do! No, no; oh dear no! drink first; it's <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></em> + enough yet.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pavel Pavlovitch, will you go to the devil or will you + not?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“With pleasure, sir. I'll go to the devil with pleasure; + but first we must drink. You say you don't wish to drink <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">with me</span></em>; + but <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">I wish + you</span></em> to drink with me—actually <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">with + me</span></em>.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + was grimacing and giggling no longer. He seemed to be suddenly + transfigured again, and was as different from the Pavel Pavlovitch of + but a few moments since as he could possibly be, both in appearance + and in the tone of his voice; so much so that Velchaninoff was + absolutely confounded.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Come, Alexey Ivanovitch, let's drink!—don't refuse + me!”</span> continued Pavel Pavlovitch, seizing the other tightly by + the hand and gazing into his face with an extraordinary + expression.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was clear there + was more in this matter than the mere question of drinking a glass of + wine.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> muttered Velchaninoff, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but that's nothing but dregs!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, there's just a couple of glasses left—it's quite + clear. Now then, clink glasses and drink. There, I'll take your glass + and you take mine.”</span> They touched glasses and drank.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, Alexey Ivanovitch! now that we've drunk + together—oh!”</span> Pavel Pavlovitch suddenly raised his hand to his + forehead and sat still for a few moments.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + trembled with excitement. He thought Pavel Pavlovitch was about to + disclose <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">all</span></em>; but Pavel Pavlovitch said + nothing whatever. He only looked at him, and quietly smiled his + detestable cunning smile in the other's face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What do you want with me, you drunken wretch?”</span> + cried Velchaninoff, furious, and stamping his foot upon the floor; + <span class="tei tei-q">“you are making a fool of me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't shout so—don't shout! Why make such a + noise?”</span> cried Pavel Pavlovitch. <span class="tei tei-q">“I'm + not making a fool of you! Do you know what you are to me now?”</span> + and he suddenly seized Velchaninoff's hand, and kissed it before + Velchaninoff could recollect himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There, that's what you are to me <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">now</span></em>; and + now I'll go to the devil.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wait a bit—stop!”</span> cried Velchaninoff, + recollecting himself; <span class="tei tei-q">“there's something I + wished to say to you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + turned back from the door.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You see,”</span> began Velchaninoff, blushing and + keeping his eye well away from the other, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you ought to go with me to the Pogoryeltseffs + to-morrow—just to thank them, you know, and make their + acquaintance.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course, of course; quite so!”</span> said Pavel + Pavlovitch readily, and making a gesture of the hand to imply that he + knew his duty, and there was no need to remind him of it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Besides Liza expects you anxiously—I promised + her.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Liza?”</span> Pavel Pavlovitch turned quickly once more + upon him. <span class="tei tei-q">“Liza? Do you know, sir, what this + Liza has been to me—has been and is?”</span> he cried passionately + and almost beside himself; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but—no!—afterwards—that shall be afterwards! Meanwhile + it's not enough for me, Alexey Ivanovitch, that we have drunk + together; there's another satisfaction I must have, sir!”</span> He + placed his hat on a chair, and, panting with excitement, gazed at his + companion with much the same expression as before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Kiss me, Alexey Ivanovitch!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Are you drunk?”</span> cried the other, drawing + back.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, I am—but kiss me all the same, Alexey + Ivanovitch—oh, do! I kissed your hand just now, you know.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Alexey Ivanovitch + was silent for a few moments, as though stunned by the blow of a + cudgel. Then he quickly bent down to Pavel Pavlovitch (who was about + the height of his shoulder), and kissed his lips, from which + proceeded a disagreeably powerful odour of wine. He performed the + action as though not quite certain of what he was doing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well! <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">now, now!</span></em>”</span> cried Pavel + Pavlovitch, with drunken enthusiasm, and with his eyes flashing + fiercely; <span class="tei tei-q">“<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">now</span></em>—look + here—I'll tell you what! I thought at that time: <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Surely not <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">he</span></em>, too! If <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">this</span></em> + man,’</span> I thought, <span class="tei tei-q">‘if <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">this</span></em> man + is guilty too—then whom am I ever to trust + again!’</span> ”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + suddenly burst into tears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So now you must understand <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">how</span></em> dear + a friend you are to me henceforth.”</span> With these words he took + his hat and rushed out of the room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff stood + for several minutes in one spot, just as he had done after Pavel + Pavlovitch's first visit.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It's merely a drunken sally—nothing more!”</span> he + muttered. <span class="tei tei-q">“Absolutely nothing + further!”</span> he repeated, when he was undressed and settled down + in his bed.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc247" id="toc247"></a> <a name="pdf48" id="pdf48"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER VIII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next morning, + while waiting for Pavel Pavlovitch, who had promised to be in good + time in order to drive down to the Pogoryeltseffs with him, + Velchaninoff walked up and down the room, sipped his coffee, and + every other minute reflected upon one and the same idea; namely, that + he felt like a man who had awaked from sleep with the deep impression + of having received a box on the ear the last thing at night.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hm!”</span> he thought, anxiously, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“he understands the state of the case only too well; + he'll take it out of me by means of Liza!”</span> The dear image of + the poor little girl danced before his eyes. His heart beat quicker + when he reflected that to-day—in a couple of hours—he would see + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">his + own</span></em> Liza once more. <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes—there's + no question about it,”</span> he said to himself; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“my whole end and aim in life is <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">there</span></em> + now! What do I care about all these <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘memories’</span> and boxes on the ear; and what have I + lived for up to now?—for sorrow and discomfort—that's all! but + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">now</span></em>, now—it's all + different!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But in spite of + his ecstatic feelings he grew more and more thoughtful.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He is worrying me for Liza, that's plain; and he bullies + Liza—he is going to take it out of me that way—for <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">all</span></em>! Hm! + at all events I cannot possibly allow such sallies as his of last + night,”</span> and Velchaninoff blushed hotly <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and here's half-past eleven and he hasn't come + yet.”</span> He waited long—till half-past twelve, and his anguish of + impatience grew more and more keen. Pavel Pavlovitch did not appear. + At length the idea began to take shape that Pavel Pavlovitch + naturally would not come again for the sole purpose of another scene + like that of last night. The thought filled Velchaninoff with + despair. <span class="tei tei-q">“The brute knows I am depending upon + him—and what on earth am I to do now about Liza? How can I make my + appearance without him?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last he could + bear it no longer and set off to the Pokrofsky at one o'clock to look + for Pavel Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the lodging, + Velchaninoff was informed that Pavel Pavlovitch had not been at home + all night, and had only called in at nine o'clock, stayed a quarter + of an hour, and had gone out again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff stood + at the door listening to the servants' report, mechanically tried the + handle, recollected himself, and asked to see Maria Sisevna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The latter obeyed + his summons at once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was a + kind-hearted old creature, of generous feelings, as Velchaninoff + described her afterwards to Claudia Petrovna. Having first enquired + as to his journey yesterday with Liza, Maria launched into anecdotes + of Pavel Pavlovitch. She declared that she would long ago have turned + her lodger out neck and crop, but for the child. Pavel Pavlovitch had + been turned out of the hotel for generally disreputable behaviour. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, he does dreadful things!”</span> she + continued. <span class="tei tei-q">“Fancy his telling the poor child, + in anger, that she wasn't his daughter, but——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh no, no! impossible!”</span> cried Velchaninoff in + alarm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I heard it myself! She's only a small child, of course, + but that sort of thing doesn't do before an intelligent child like + her! She cried dreadfully—she was quite upset. We had a catastrophe + in the house a short while since. Some commissionnaire or somebody + took a room in the evening, and hung himself before morning. He had + bolted with money, they say. Well, crowds of people came in to stare + at him. Pavel Pavlovitch wasn't at home, but the child had escaped + and was wandering about; and she must needs go with the rest to see + the sight. I saw her looking at the suicide with an extraordinary + expression, and carried her off at once, of course; and fancy, I + hardly managed to get home with her—trembling all over she was—when + off she goes in a dead faint, and it was all I could do to bring her + round at all. I don't know whether she's epileptic or what—and ever + since that she has been ill. When her father heard, he came and + pinched her all over—he doesn't beat her; he always pinches her like + that,—then he went out and got drunk somewhere, and came back and + frightened her. <span class="tei tei-q">‘I'm going to hang myself + too,’</span> he says, <span class="tei tei-q">‘because of you. I + shall hang myself on that blind string there,’</span> he says, and he + makes a loop in the string before her very eyes. The poor little + thing went quite out of her mind with terror, and cried and clasped + him round with her little arms. <span class="tei tei-q">‘I'll be + good—I'll be good!’</span> she shrieks. It was a pitiful sight—it + was, indeed!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff, + though prepared for strange revelations concerning Pavel Pavlovitch + and his ways, was quite dumbfounded by these tales; he could scarcely + believe his ears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Maria Sisevna told + him many more such little anecdotes. Among others, there was one + occasion, when, if she (Maria) had not been by, Liza would have + thrown herself out of the window.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + had come staggering out of the room muttering, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I shall smash her head in with a stick! I shall murder + her like a dog!”</span> and he had gone away, repeating this over and + over again to himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff hired + a carriage and set off towards the Pogoryeltseffs. Before he had left + the town behind him, the carriage was delayed by a block at a cross + road, just by a small bridge, over which was passing, at the moment, + a long funeral procession. There were carriages waiting to move on on + both sides of the bridge, and a considerable crowd of foot passengers + besides.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The funeral was + evidently of some person of considerable importance, for the train of + private and hired vehicles was a very long one; and at the window of + one of these carriages in the procession Velchaninoff suddenly beheld + the face of Pavel Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff would + not have believed his eyes, but that Pavel Pavlovitch nodded his head + and smiled to him. He seemed to be delighted to have recognised + Velchaninoff; he even began to kiss his hand out of the window.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + jumped out of his own vehicle, and in spite of policemen, crowd, and + everything else, elbowed his way to Pavel Pavlovitch's carriage + window. He found the latter sitting alone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What are you doing?”</span> he cried. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why didn't you come to my house? Why are you + here?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm paying a debt; don't shout so! I'm repaying a + debt,”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, giggling and winking. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I'm escorting the mortal remains of my dear + friend Stepan Michailovitch Bagantoff!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What absurdity, you drunken, insane creature,”</span> + cried Velchaninoff louder than ever, and beside himself with outraged + feeling. <span class="tei tei-q">“Get out and come with me. Quick! + get out instantly!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I can't. It's a debt——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'll pull you out, then!”</span> shouted + Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then I'll scream, sir, I'll scream!”</span> giggled + Pavel Pavlovitch, as merrily as ever, just as though the whole thing + was a joke. However, he retreated into the further corner of the + carriage, all the same.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Look out, sir, look out! You'll be knocked down!”</span> + cried a policeman.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sure enough, an + outside carriage was making its way on to the bridge from the side, + stopping the procession, and causing a commotion. Velchaninoff was + obliged to spring aside, and the press of carriages and people + immediately separated him from Pavel Pavlovitch. He shrugged his + shoulders and returned to his own vehicle.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It's all the same. I couldn't take such a fellow with + me, anyhow,”</span> he reflected, still all of a tremble with + excitement and the rage of disgust. When he repeated Maria Sisevna's + story, and his meeting at the funeral, to Claudia Petrovna + afterwards, the latter became buried in deep thought.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am anxious for you,”</span> she said at last. + <span class="tei tei-q">“You must break off all relations with that + man, and as soon as possible.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, he's nothing but a drunken fool!”</span> cried + Velchaninoff passionately; <span class="tei tei-q">“as if I am to be + afraid of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">him</span></em>! And how can I break off + relations with him? Remember Liza!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile Liza was + lying ill; fever had set in last night, and an eminent doctor was + momentarily expected from town! He had been sent for early this + morning.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">These news quite + upset Velchaninoff. Claudia Petrovna took him in to see the + patient.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I observed her very carefully yesterday,”</span> she + said, stopping at the door of Liza's room before entering it. + <span class="tei tei-q">“She is a proud and morose child. She is + ashamed of being with us, and of having been thrown over by her + father. In my opinion that is the whole secret of her + illness.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How <span class="tei tei-q">‘thrown over’</span>? Why do + you suppose that he has thrown her over?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The simple fact that he allowed her to come here to a + strange house, and with a man who was also a stranger, or nearly so; + or, at all events, with whom his relations were such + that——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, but I took her myself, almost by force.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Liza was not + surprised to see Velchaninoff alone. She only smiled bitterly, and + turned her hot face to the wall. She made no reply to his passionate + promises to bring her father down to-morrow without fail, or to his + timid attempts at consolation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As soon as + Velchaninoff left the sick child's presence, he burst into tears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The doctor did not + arrive until evening. On seeing the patient he frightened everybody + by his very first remark, observing that it was a pity he had not + been sent for before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When informed that + the child had only been taken ill last night, he could not believe it + at first.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, it all depends upon how this night is + passed,”</span> he decided at last.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having made all + necessary arrangements, he took his departure, promising to come as + early as possible next morning.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff was + anxious to stay the night, but Claudia Petrovna begged him to try + once more <span class="tei tei-q">“to bring down that brute of a + man.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Try once more!”</span> cried Velchaninoff, passionately; + <span class="tei tei-q">“why, I'll tie him hand and foot and bring + him along myself!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The idea that he + would tie Pavel Pavlovitch up and carry him down in his arms + overpowered Velchaninoff, and filled him with impatience to execute + his frantic desire.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don't feel the slightest bit guilty before him any + more,”</span> he said to Claudia Petrovna, at parting, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and I withdraw all my servile, abject words of + yesterday—all I said to you,”</span> he added, wrathfully.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Liza lay with + closed eyes, apparently asleep; she seemed to be better. When + Velchaninoff bent cautiously over her in order to kiss—if it were but + the edge of her bed linen—she suddenly opened her eyes, just as + though she had been waiting for him, and whispered, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Take me away!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was but a + quiet, sad petition—without a trace of yesterday's irritation; but at + the same time there was that in her voice which betrayed that she + made the request in the full knowledge that it could not be assented + to.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner did + Velchaninoff, in despair, begin to assure her as tenderly as he could + that what she desired was impossible, than she silently closed her + eyes and said not another word, just as though she neither saw nor + heard him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Arrived in town + Velchaninoff told his man to drive him to the Pokrofsky. It was ten + o'clock at night.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + was not at his lodgings. Velchaninoff waited for him half an hour, + walking up and down the passage in a state of feverish impatience. + Maria Sisevna assured him at last that Pavel Pavlovitch would not + come in until the small hours.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, then, I'll return here before daylight,”</span> he + said, beside himself with desperation, and he went home to his own + rooms.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What was his + amazement, when, on arriving at the gate of his house, he learned + from Mavra that <span class="tei tei-q">“yesterday's visitor”</span> + had been waiting for him ever since before ten o'clock.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He's had some tea,”</span> she added, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and sent me for wine again—the same wine as yesterday. + He gave me the money to buy it with.”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc249" id="toc249"></a> <a name="pdf50" id="pdf50"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER IX.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + had made himself very comfortable. He was sitting in the same chair + as he had occupied yesterday, smoking a cigar, and had just poured + the fourth and last tumbler of champagne out of the bottle.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The teapot and a + half-emptied tumbler of tea stood on the table beside him; his red + face beamed with benevolence. He had taken off his coat, and sat in + his shirt sleeves.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Forgive me, dearest of friends,”</span> he cried, + catching sight of Velchaninoff, and hastening to put on his coat, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I took it off to make myself thoroughly + comfortable.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + approached him menacingly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are not quite tipsy yet, are you? Can you understand + what is said to you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Paul Pavlovitch + became a little confused.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, not quite. I've been thinking of the dear deceased a + bit, but I'm not quite drunk yet.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Can you understand what I say?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“My dear sir, I came here on purpose to understand + you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well, then I shall begin at once by telling you + that you are an ass, sir!”</span> cried Velchaninoff, at the top of + his voice.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, if you begin that way where will you end, I + wonder!”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, clearly alarmed more than a + little.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff did + not listen, but roared again,</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Your daughter is dying—she is very ill! Have you thrown + her over altogether, or not?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, surely she isn't dying yet?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I tell you she's ill; very, very ill—dangerously + ill.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What, fits? or——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't talk nonsense. I tell you she is very dangerously + ill. You ought to go down, if only for that reason.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What, to thank your friends, eh? to return thanks for + their hospitality? Of course, quite so; I well understand, Alexey + Ivanovitch—dearest of friends!”</span> He suddenly seized + Velchaninoff by both hands, and added with intoxicated sentiment, + almost melted to tears, <span class="tei tei-q">“Alexey Ivanovitch, + don't shout at me—don't shout at me, please! If you do, I may throw + myself into the Neva—I don't know!—and we have such important things + to talk over. There's lots of time to go to the Pogoryeltseffs + another day.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff did + his best to restrain his wrath. <span class="tei tei-q">“You are + drunk, and therefore I don't understand what you are driving + at,”</span> he said sternly. <span class="tei tei-q">“I'm ready to + come to an explanation with you at any moment you like—delighted!—the + the sooner the better. But first let me tell you that I am going to + take my own measures to secure you. You will sleep here to-night, and + to-morrow I shall take you with me to see Liza. I shall not let you + go again. I shall bind you, if necessary, and carry you down myself. + How do you like this sofa to sleep on?”</span> he added, panting, and + indicating a wide, soft divan opposite his own sofa, against the + other wall.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh—anything will do for me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well, you shall have this sofa. Here, take these + things—here are sheets, blankets, pillow”</span> (Velchaninoff pulled + all these things out of a cupboard, and tossed them impatiently to + Pavel Pavlovitch, who humbly stood and received them); <span class= + "tei tei-q">“now then, make your bed,—come, bustle up!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + laden with bed clothes had been standing in the middle of the room + with a stupid drunken leer on his face, irresolute; but at + Velchaninoff's second bidding he hurriedly began the task of making + his bed, moving the table away from in front of it, and smoothing a + sheet over the seat of the divan. Velchaninoff approached to help + him. He was more or less gratified with his guest's alarm and + submission.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Now, drink up that wine and lie down!”</span> was his + next command. He felt that he <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">must</span></em> order this man about, he could + not help himself. <span class="tei tei-q">“I suppose you took upon + yourself to order this wine, did you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I did—I did, sir! I sent for the wine, Alexey + Ivanovitch, because I knew <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> would not send out + again!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, it's a good thing that you knew that; but I desire + that you should know still more. I give you notice that I have taken + my own measures for the future, I'm not going to put up with any more + of your antics.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, I quite understand, Alexey Ivanovitch, that that + sort of thing could only happen once!”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, + giggling feebly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At this reply + Velchaninoff, who had been marching up and down the room stopped + solemnly before Pavel Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pavel Pavlovitch,”</span> he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“speak plainly! You are a clever fellow—I admit the fact + freely,—but I assure you you are going on a false track now. Speak + plainly, and act like an honest man, and I give you my word of honour + that I will answer all you wish to know.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + grinned his disagreeable grin (which always drove Velchaninoff wild) + once more.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wait!”</span> cried the latter. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“No humbug now, please; I see through you. I repeat that + I give you my word of honour to reply candidly to anything you may + like to ask, and to give you every sort of satisfaction—reasonable or + even unreasonable—that you please. <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Oh!</span></em> how I + wish I could make you understand me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Since you are so very kind,”</span> began Pavel + Pavlovitch, cautiously bending towards him, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I may tell you that I am very much interested as to what + you said yesterday about <span class="tei tei-q">‘bird of + prey’</span>?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff spat + on the ground in utter despair and disgust, and recommenced his walk + up and down the room, quicker than ever.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no, Alexey Ivanovitch, don't spurn my question; you + don't know how interested I am in it. I assure you I came here on + purpose to ask you about it. I know I'm speaking indistinctly, but + you'll forgive me that. I've read the expression before. Tell me now, + was Bagantoff a <span class="tei tei-q">‘bird of prey,’</span> or—the + other thing? How is one to distinguish one from the + other?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff went + on walking up and down, and answered nothing for some minutes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The bird of prey, sir,”</span> he began suddenly, + stopping in front of Pavel Pavlovitch, and speaking vehemently, + <span class="tei tei-q">“is the man who would poison Bagantoff while + drinking champagne with him under the cloak of goodfellowship, as you + did with me yesterday, instead of escorting his wretched body to the + burial ground as you did—the deuce only knows why, and with what + dirty, mean, underhand, petty motives, which only recoil upon + yourself and make you viler than you already are. Yes, sir, recoil + upon yourself!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite so, quite so, I oughtn't to have gone,”</span> + assented Pavel Pavlovitch, <span class="tei tei-q">“but aren't you a + little——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The bird of prey is not a man who goes and learns his + grievance off by heart, like a lesson, and whines it about the place, + grimacing and posing, and hanging it round other people's necks, and + who spends all his time in such pettifogging. Is it true you wanted + to hang yourself? Come, is it true, or not?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I—I don't know—I may have when I was drunk—I don't + remember. You see, Alexey Ivanovitch, it wouldn't be quite nice for + me to go poisoning people. I'm too high up in the service, and I have + money, too, you know—and I may wish to marry again, who + knows.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes; you'd be sent to Siberia, which would be + awkward.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite so; though they say the penal servitude is not so + bad as it was. But you remind me of an anecdote, Alexey Ivanovitch. I + thought of it in the carriage, and meant to tell you afterwards. + Well! you may remember Liftsoff at T——. He came while you were there. + His younger brother—who is rather a swell, too—was serving at L—— + under the governor, and one fine day he happened to quarrel with + Colonel Golubenko in the presence of ladies, and of one lady + especially. Liftsoff considered himself insulted, but concealed his + grievance; and, meanwhile, Golubenko proposed to a certain lady and + was accepted. Would you believe it, Liftsoff made great friends with + Golubenko, and even volunteered to be best man at his wedding. But + when the ceremony was all over, and Liftsoff approached the + bridegroom to wish him joy and kiss him, as usual, he took the + opportunity of sticking a knife into Golubenko. Fancy! his own best + man stuck him! Well, what does the assassin do but run about the room + crying. <span class="tei tei-q">‘Oh! what have I done? Oh! what have + I done?’</span> says he, and throws himself on everyone's neck by + turns, ladies and all! Ha-ha-ha! He starved to death in Siberia, sir! + One is a little sorry for Golubenko; but he recovered, after + all.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don't understand why you told me that story,”</span> + said Velchaninoff, frowning heavily.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, because he stuck the other fellow with a + knife,”</span> giggled Pavel Pavlovitch, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“which proves that he was no type, but an ass of a + fellow, who could so forget the ordinary manners of society as to + hang around ladies' necks, and in the presence of the governor, + too—and yet he stuck the other fellow. Ha-ha-ha! He did what he + intended to do, that's all, sir!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Go to the devil, will you—you and your miserable + humbug—you miserable humbug yourself,”</span> yelled Velchaninoff, + wild with rage and fury, and panting so that he could hardly get his + words out. <span class="tei tei-q">“You think you are going to alarm + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">me</span></em>, do you, you frightener of + children—you mean beast—you low scoundrel + you?—scoundrel—scoundrel—scoundrel!”</span> He had quite forgotten + himself in his rage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + shuddered all over; his drunkenness seemed to vanish in an instant; + his lips trembled and shook.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Are you calling <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">me</span></em> a scoundrel, Alexey + Ivanovitch—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em>—<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">me</span></em>?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Velchaninoff + was himself again now.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'll apologise if you like,”</span> he said, and + relapsed into gloomy silence. After a moment he added, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“But only on condition that you yourself agree to speak + out fully, and at once.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In your place I should apologise unconditionally, Alexey + Ivanovitch.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well; so be it then.”</span> Velchaninoff was + silent again for a while. <span class="tei tei-q">“I + apologise,”</span> he resumed; <span class="tei tei-q">“but admit + yourself, Pavel Pavlovitch, that I need not feel myself in any way + bound to you after this. I mean with regard to <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">anything</span></em>—not only this particular + matter.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“All right! Why, what is there to settle between + us?”</span> laughed Pavel Pavlovitch, without looking up.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In that case, so much the better—so much the better. + Come, drink up your wine and get into bed, for I shall not let you go + now, anyhow.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, my wine—never mind my wine!”</span> muttered Pavel + Pavlovitch; but he went to the table all the same, and took up his + tumbler of champagne which had long been poured out. Either he had + been drinking copiously before, or there was some other unknown cause + at work, but his hand shook so as he drank the wine that a quantity + of it was spilled over his waistcoat and the floor. However, he drank + it all, to the last drop, as though he could not leave the tumbler + without emptying it. He then placed the empty glass on the table, + approached his bed, sat down on it, and began to undress.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I think perhaps I had better <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></em> sleep + here,”</span> he said suddenly, with one boot off, and half + undressed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">don't</span></em> think so,”</span> said + Velchaninoff, who was walking up and down, without looking at + him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + finished undressing and lay down. A quarter of an hour later + Velchaninoff also got into bed, and put the candle out.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He soon began to + doze uncomfortably. Some new trouble seemed to have suddenly come + over him and worried him, and at the same time he felt a sensation of + shame that he could allow himself to be worried by the new trouble. + Velchaninoff was just falling definitely asleep, however, when a + rustling sound awoke him. He immediately glanced at Pavel + Pavlovitch's bed. The room was quite dark, the blinds being down and + curtains drawn; but it seemed to him that Pavel Pavlovitch was not + lying in his bed; he seemed to be sitting on the side of it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What's the matter?”</span> cried Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A ghost, sir,”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, in a low + tone, after a few moments of silence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What? What sort of a ghost?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Th—there—in that room—just at the door, I seemed to see + a ghost!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Whose ghost?”</span> asked Velchaninoff, pausing a + minute before putting the question.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Natalia Vasilievna's!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + jumped out of bed and walked to the door, whence he could see into + the room opposite, across the passage. There were no curtains in that + room, so that it was much lighter than his own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There's nothing there at all. You are drunk; lie down + again!”</span> he said, and himself set the example, rolling his + blanket around him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + said nothing, but lay down as he was told.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Did you ever see any ghosts before?”</span> asked + Velchaninoff suddenly, ten minutes later.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I think I saw one once,”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch in + the same low voice; after which there was silence once more. + Velchaninoff was not sure whether he had been asleep or not, but an + hour or so had passed, when suddenly he was wide awake again. Was it + a rustle that awoke him? He could not tell; but one thing was + evident—in the midst of the profound darkness of the room something + white stood before him; not quite close to him, but about the middle + of the room. He sat up in bed, and stared for a full minute.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is that you, Pavel Pavlovitch?”</span> he asked. His + voice sounded very weak.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was no + reply; but there was not the slightest doubt of the fact that someone + was standing there.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is that you, Pavel Pavlovitch?”</span> cried + Velchaninoff again, louder this time; in fact, so loud that if the + former had been asleep in bed he must have started up and + answered.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But there was no + reply again. It seemed to Velchaninoff that the white figure had + approached nearer to him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then something + strange happened; something seemed to <span class="tei tei-q">“let + go”</span> within Velchaninoff's system, and he commenced to shout at + the top of his voice, just as he had done once before this evening, + in the wildest and maddest way possible, panting so that he could + hardly articulate his words: <span class="tei tei-q">“If you—drunken + ass that you are—dare to think that you could frighten <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">me</span></em>, I'll + turn my face to the wall, and not look round once the whole night, to + show you how little I am afraid of you—a fool like you—if you stand + there from now till morning! I despise you!”</span> So saying, + Velchaninoff twisted round with his face to the wall, rolled his + blanket round him, and lay motionless, as though turned to stone. A + deathlike stillness supervened.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Did the ghost + stand where it was, or had it moved? He could not tell; but his heart + beat, and beat, and beat—At least five minutes went by, and then, not + a couple of paces from his bed, there came the feeble voice of Pavel + Pavlovitch:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I got up, Alexey Ivanovitch, to look for a little water. + I couldn't find any, and was just going to look about nearer your + bed——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then why didn't you answer when I called?”</span> cried + Velchaninoff angrily, after a minute's pause.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I was frightened; you shouted so, you alarmed + me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You'll find a caraffe and glass over there, on the + little table. Light a candle.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, I'll find it without. You'll forgive me, Alexey + Ivanovitch, for frightening you so; I felt thirsty so + suddenly.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Velchaninoff + said nothing. He continued to lie with his face to the wall, and so + he lay all night, without turning round once. Was he anxious to keep + his word and show his contempt for Pavel Pavlovitch? He did not know + himself why he did it; his nervous agitation and perturbation were + such that he could not sleep for a long while, he felt quite + delirious. At last he fell asleep, and awoke at past nine o'clock + next morning. He started up just as though someone had struck him, + and sat down on the side of his bed. But Pavel Pavlovitch was not to + be seen. His empty, rumpled bed was there, but its occupant had flown + before daybreak.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I thought so!”</span> cried Velchaninoff, bringing the + palm of his right hand smartly to his forehead.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc251" id="toc251"></a> <a name="pdf52" id="pdf52"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER X.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The doctor's + anxiety was justified; Liza grew worse, so much so that it was clear + she was far more seriously ill than Velchaninoff and Claudia Petrovna + had thought the day before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the former + arrived in the morning, Liza was still conscious, though burning with + fever. He assured his friend Claudia, afterwards, that the child had + smiled at him and held out her little hot hand. Whether she actually + did so, or whether he so much longed for her to do so that he + imagined it done, is uncertain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By the evening, + however, Liza was quite unconscious, and so she remained during the + whole of her illness. Ten days after her removal to the country she + died.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This was a sad + period for Velchaninoff; the Pogoryeltseffs were quite anxious on his + account. He was with them for the greater part of the time, and + during the last few days of the little one's illness, he used to sit + all alone for hours together in some corner, apparently thinking of + nothing. Claudia Petrovna would attempt to distract him but he hardly + answered her, and conversation was clearly painful to him. Claudia + was quite surprised that <span class="tei tei-q">“all this”</span> + should affect him so deeply.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The children were + the best consolation and distraction for him; with them he could even + laugh and play at intervals. Every hour, at least, he would rise from + his chair and creep on tip-toes to the sick-room to look at the + little invalid. Sometimes he imagined that she knew him; he had no + hope for her recovery—none of the family had any hope; but he never + left the precincts of the child's chamber, sitting principally in the + next room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Twice, however, he + had evinced great activity of a sudden; he had jumped up and started + off for town, where he had called upon all the most eminent doctors + of the place, and arranged consultations between them. The last + consultation was on the day before Liza's death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Claudia Petrovna + had spoken seriously to him a day or two since, as to the absolute + necessity of hunting up Pavel Pavlovitch Trusotsky, because in case + of anything happening to Liza, she could not be buried without + certain documents from him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + promised to write to him, and did write a couple of lines, which he + took to the Pokrofsky. Pavel Pavlovitch was not at home, as usual, + but he left the letter to the care of Maria Sisevna.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last Liza + died—on a lovely summer evening, just as the sun was setting; and + only then did Velchaninoff rouse himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the little + one was laid out, all covered with flowers, and dressed in a fair + white frock belonging to one of Claudia Petrovna's children, + Velchaninoff came up to the lady of the house, and told her with + flashing eyes that he would now go and fetch the murderer. Regardless + of all advice to put off his search until to-morrow he started for + town immediately.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He knew where to + find Pavel Pavlovitch. He had not been in town exclusively to find + the doctors those two days. Occasionally, while watching the dying + child, he had been struck with the idea that if he could only find + and bring down Pavel Pavlovitch she might hear his voice and be + called back, as it were, from the darkness of delirium; at such + moments he had been seized with desperation, and twice he had started + up and driven wildly off to town in order to find Pavel + Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The latter's room + was the same as before, but it was useless to look for him there, + for, according to Maria Sisevna's report, he was now two or three + days absent from home at a stretch, and was generally to be found + with some friends in the Voznecensky.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Arrived in town + about ten o'clock, Velchaninoff went straight to these latter people, + and securing the services of a member of the family to assist in + finding Pavel Pavlovitch, set out on his quest. He did not know what + he should do with Pavel Pavlovitch when found, whether he should kill + him then and there, or simply inform him of the death of the child, + and of the necessity for his assistance in arranging for her funeral. + After a long and fruitless search Velchaninoff found Pavel Pavlovitch + quite accidentally; he was quarrelling with some person in the + street—tipsy as usual, and seemed to be getting the worst of the + controversy, which appeared to be about a money claim.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On catching sight + of Velchaninoff, Pavel Pavlovitch stretched out his arms to him and + begged for help; while his opponent—observing Velchaninoff's athletic + figure—made off. Pavel Pavlovitch shook his fist after him + triumphantly, and hooted at him with cries of victory; but this + amusement was brought to a sudden conclusion by Velchaninoff, who, + impelled by some mysterious motive—which he could not analyse, took + him by the shoulders, and began to shake him violently, so violently + that his teeth chattered.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + ceased to shout after his opponent, and gazed with a stupid tipsy + expression of alarm at his new antagonist. Velchaninoff, having + shaken him till he was tired, and not knowing what to do next with + him, set him down violently on the pavement, backwards.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Liza is dead!”</span> he said.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + sat on the pavement and stared, he was too far gone to take in the + news. At last he seemed to realize.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dead!”</span> he whispered, in a strange inexplicable + tone. Velchaninoff was not sure whether his face was simply + twitching, or whether he was trying to grin in his usual disagreeable + way; but the next moment the drunkard raised his shaking hand to + cross himself. He then struggled to his feet and staggered off, + appearing totally oblivious of the fact that such a person as + Velchaninoff existed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">However, the + latter very soon pursued and caught him, seizing him once more by the + shoulder.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you understand, you drunken sot, that without you the + funeral arrangements cannot be made?”</span> he shouted, panting with + rage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + turned his head.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The artillery—lieutenant—don't you remember him?”</span> + he muttered, thickly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">What?</span></em>”</span> cried Velchaninoff, + with a shudder.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He's her father—find him! he'll bury her!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You liar! You said that out of pure malice. I thought + you'd invent something of the sort!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Quite beside + himself with passion Velchaninoff brought down his powerful fist with + all his strength on Pavel Pavlovitch's head; another moment and he + might have followed up the blow and slain the man as he stood. His + victim never winced, but he turned upon Velchaninoff a face of such + insane terrible passion, that his whole visage looked distorted.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you understand Russian?”</span> he asked more firmly, + as though his fury had chased away the effects of drunkenness. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Very well, then, you are a——!”</span> (here + followed a specimen of the very vilest language which the Russian + tongue could furnish); <span class="tei tei-q">“and now you can go + back to her!”</span> So saying he tore himself from Velchaninoff's + grasp, nearly knocking himself over with the effort, and staggered + away. Velchaninoff did not follow him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next day, however, + a most respectable-looking middle-aged man arrived at the + Pogoryeltseft's house, in civil uniform, and handed to Claudia + Petrovna a packet addressed to her <span class="tei tei-q">“from + Pavel Pavlovitch Trusotsky.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In this packet was + a sum of three hundred roubles, together with all certificates + necessary for Liza's funeral. Pavel Pavlovitch had written a short + note couched in very polite and correct phraseology, and thanking + Claudia Petrovna sincerely <span class="tei tei-q">“for her great + kindness to the orphan—kindness for which heaven alone could + recompense her.”</span> He added rather confusedly that severe + illness prevented his personal presence at the funeral of his + <span class="tei tei-q">“tenderly loved and unfortunate + daughter,”</span> but that he <span class="tei tei-q">“felt he could + repose all confidence (as to the ceremony being fittingly performed) + in the angelic goodness of Claudia Petrovna.”</span> The three + hundred roubles, he explained, were to go towards the funeral and + other expenses. If there should be any of the money left after + defraying all charges, Claudia Petrovna was requested to spend the + same in prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nothing further + was to be discovered by questioning the messenger; and it was soon + evident that the latter knew nothing, excepting that he had only + consented to act as bearer of the packet, in response to the urgent + appeal of Pavel Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pogoryeltseff was + a little offended by the offer of money for expenses, and would have + sent it back, but Claudia Petrovna suggested that a receipt should be + taken from the cemetery authorities for the cost of the funeral + (since one could not well refuse to allow a man to bury his own + child), together with a document undertaking that the rest of the + three hundred roubles should be spent in prayer for the soul of + Liza.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + afterwards posted an envelope containing these two papers to + Trusotsky's lodging.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After the funeral + Velchaninoff disappeared from the country altogether. He wandered + about town for a whole fortnight, knocking up against people as he + went blindly through the streets. Now and then he spent a whole day + lying in his bed, oblivious of the most ordinary needs and + occupations; the Pogoryeltseffs often invited him to their house, and + he invariably promised to come, and as invariably forgot all about + it. Claudia Petrovna went as far as to call for him herself, but she + did not find him at home. The same thing happened with his lawyer, + who had some good news to tell him. The difference with his opponent + had been settled advantageously for Velchaninoff, the former having + accepted a small bonification and renounced his claim to the property + in dispute. All that was wanting was the formal acquiescence of + Velchaninoff himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Finding him at + home at last, after many endeavours, the lawyer was excessively + surprised to discover that Velchaninoff was as callous and cool as to + the result of his (the lawyer's) labours, as he had before been + ardent and excitable.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The hottest days + of July had now arrived, but Velchaninoff was oblivious of + everything. His grief swelled and ached at his heart like some + internal boil; his greatest sorrow was that Liza had not had time to + know him, and died without ever guessing how fondly he loved her. The + sweet new beacon of his life, which had glimmered for a short while + within his heart, was extinguished once more, and lost in eternal + gloom.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The whole object + of his existence, as he now told himself at every moment, should have + been that Liza might feel his love about her and around her, each + day, each hour, each moment of her life.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“There can be no higher aim or object than this in + life,”</span> he thought, in gloomy ecstasy. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“If there be other aims in life, none can be holier or + better than this of mine. All my old unworthy life should have been + purified and atoned for by my love for Liza; in place of myself—my + sinful, worn-out, useless life—I should have bequeathed to the world + a sweet, pure, beautiful being, in whose innocence all my guilt + should have been absorbed, and lost, and forgiven, and in her I + should have forgiven myself.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such thoughts + would flit through Velchaninoff's head as he mused sorrowfully over + the memory of the dead child. He thought over all he had seen of her; + he recalled her little face all burning with fever, then lying at + rest in her coffin, covered with lovely flowers. He remembered that + once he had noticed that one of her fingers was quite black from some + bruise or pinch—goodness knows what had made it so, but it was the + sight of that little finger which had filled him with longing to go + straight away and <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">murder</span></em> Pavel Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you know what Liza is to me?”</span> Pavel had said, + he recollected, one day; and now he understood the exclamation. It + was no pretence of love, no posturing and nonsense—it was real love! + How, then, could the wretch have been so cruel to a child whom he so + dearly loved? He could not bear to think of it, the question was + painful, and quite unanswerable.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One day he + wandered down—he knew not exactly how—to the cemetery where Liza was + buried, and hunted up her grave. This was the first time he had been + there since the funeral; he had never dared to go there before, + fearing that the visit would be too painful. But strangely enough, + when he found the little mound and had bent down and kissed it, he + felt happier and lighter at heart than before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was a lovely + evening, the sun was setting, the tall grass waved about the tombs, + and a bee hummed somewhere near him. The flowers and crosses placed + on the tomb by Claudia Petrovna were still there. A ray of hope + blazed up in his heart for the first time for many a long day. + <span class="tei tei-q">“How light-hearted I feel,”</span> he + thought, as he felt the spell of the quiet of God's Acre, and the + hush of the beautiful still evening. A flow of some indefinable faith + in something poured into his heart.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This is Liza's gift,”</span> he thought; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“this is Liza herself talking to me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was quite dark + when he left the cemetery and turned his steps homewards.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Not far from the + gate of the burial ground there stood a small inn or public-house, + and through the open windows he could see the people inside sitting + at tables. It instantly struck Velchaninoff that one of the guests, + sitting nearest to the window, was Pavel Pavlovitch, and that the + latter had seen him and was observing him curiously.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He went on + further, but before very long he heard footsteps pursuing him. It + was, of course, Pavel Pavlovitch. Probably the unusually serene and + peaceful expression of Velchaninoff's face as he went by had + attracted and encouraged him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He soon caught + Velchaninoff up, and smiled timidly at him, but not with the old + drunken grin. He did not appear to be in the smallest degree + drunk.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Good evening,”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How d'ye do?”</span> replied Velchaninoff.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc253" id="toc253"></a> <a name="pdf54" id="pdf54"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XI.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By replying thus + to Pavel Pavlovitch's greeting Velchaninoff surprised himself. It + seemed strange indeed to him that he should now meet this man without + any feeling of anger, and that there should be something quite novel + in his feelings towards Pavel Pavlovitch—a sort of call to new + relations with him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What a lovely evening!”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, + looking observantly into the other's eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So you haven't gone away yet!”</span> murmured + Velchaninoff, not in a tone of inquiry, but as though musing upon the + fact as he continued to walk on.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I've been a good deal delayed; but I've obtained my + petition, my new post, with rise of salary. I'm off the day after + to-morrow for certain.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What? You've obtained the new situation?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And why not?”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, with a + crooked smile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, I meant nothing particular by my remark!”</span> + said Velchaninoff frowning, and glancing sidelong at his companion. + To his surprise Pavel Pavlovitch, both in dress and appearance, even + down to the hat with the crape band, was incomparably neater and + tidier-looking than he was wont to be a fortnight since.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why was he sitting in the public-house then?”</span> + thought Velchaninoff. This fact puzzled him much.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I wished to let you know of my other great joy, Alexey + Ivanovitch!”</span> resumed Pavel.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Joy?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm going to marry.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, sir! after sorrow, joy! It is ever thus in life. + Oh! Alexey Ivanovitch, I should so much like if—but you look as + though you were in a great hurry.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, I am in a hurry, and I am ill besides.”</span> He + felt as though he would give anything to get rid of the man; the + feeling of readiness to develop new and better relations with him had + vanished in a moment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I should so much like——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + did not finish his sentence; Velchaninoff kept silence and + waited.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In that case, perhaps another time—if we should happen + to meet.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, yes, another time,”</span> said Velchaninoff + quickly, continuing to move along, and never looking at his + companion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nothing was said + for another minute or two. Pavel Pavlovitch continued to trot + alongside.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In that case, <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="fr"><span style="font-style: italic">au + revoir</span></span>,”</span> he blurted, at last. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">Au revoir!</span></span> I + hope——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff did + not think it necessary to hear him complete his sentence; he left + Pavel, and returned home much agitated. The meeting with <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that fellow”</span> had been too much for his present + state of mind. As he lay down upon his bed the thought came over him + once more: <span class="tei tei-q">“Why was that fellow there, close + to the cemetery?”</span> He determined to go down to the + Pogoryeltseffs' next morning; not that he felt inclined to go—any + sympathy was intolerably painful to him,—but they had been so kind + and so anxious about him, that he must really make up his mind to go. + But next day, while finishing his breakfast, he felt terribly + disinclined for the visit; he felt, as it were, shy of meeting them + for the first time after his grief. <span class="tei tei-q">“Shall I + go or not?”</span> he was saying to himself, as he sat at his table. + When suddenly, to his extreme amazement, in walked Pavel + Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In spite of + yesterday's <span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">rencontre</span></span>, + Velchaninoff could not have believed that this man would ever enter + his rooms again; and when he now saw him appear, he gazed at him in + such absolute astonishment, that he simply did not know what to say. + But Pavel Pavlovitch took the management of the matter into his own + hands; he said <span class="tei tei-q">“good morning,”</span> and sat + down in the very same chair which he had occupied on his last visit, + three weeks since.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This circumstance + reminded Velchaninoff too painfully of that visit, and he glared at + his visitor with disgust and some agitation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are surprised, I see!”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, + reading the other's expression.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He seemed to be + both freer, more at his ease, and yet more timid than yesterday. His + outward appearance was very curious to behold; for Pavel Pavlovitch + was not only <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">neatly</span></em> dressed, he was <span class= + "tei tei-q">“got up”</span> in the pink of fashion. He had on a neat + summer overcoat, with a pair of light trousers and a white waistcoat; + his gloves, his gold eye-glasses (quite a new acquisition), and his + linen were quite above all criticism; he wafted an odour of sweet + scent when he moved. He looked funny, but his appearance awakened + strange thoughts besides.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course I have surprised you, Alexey + Ivanovitch,”</span> he said, twisting himself about; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I see it. But in my opinion there should be a something + exalted, something higher—untouched and unattainable by petty + discords, or the ordinary conditions of life, between man and man. + Don't you agree with me, sir?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pavel Pavlovitch, say what you have to say as quickly as + you can, and without further ceremony,”</span> said Velchaninoff, + frowning angrily.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In a couple of words, sir,”</span> said Pavel, + hurriedly, <span class="tei tei-q">“I am going to be married, and I + am now off to see my bride—at once. She lives in the country; and + what I desire is, the profound honour of introducing <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> to + the family, sir; in fact, I have come here to petition you, + sir”</span> (Pavel Pavlovitch bent his head + deferentially)—<span class="tei tei-q">“to beg you to go down with + me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Go down with you? Where to?”</span> cried the other, his + eyes starting out of his head.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To their house in the country, sir. Forgive me, my dear + sir, if I am too agitated, and confuse my words; but I am so + dreadfully afraid of hearing you refuse me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He looked at + Velchaninoff plaintively.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You wish me to accompany you to see your bride?”</span> + said Velchaninoff, staring keenly at Pavel Pavlovitch; he could not + believe either his eyes or his ears.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes—yes, sir!”</span> murmured Pavel, who had suddenly + become timid to a painful degree. <span class="tei tei-q">“Don't be + angry, Alexey Ivanovitch, it is not my audacity that prompts me to + ask you this; I do it with all humility, and conscious of the unusual + nature of my petition. I—I thought perhaps you would not refuse my + humble request.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In the first place, the thing is absolutely out of the + question,”</span> said Velchaninoff, turning away in considerable + mental perturbation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is only my immeasurable longing that prompts me to + ask you. I confess I have a reason for desiring it, which reason I + propose to reveal to you afterwards; just now I——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The thing is quite impossible, however you may look at + it. You must admit yourself that it is so!”</span> cried + Velchaninoff. Both men had risen from their chairs in the excitement + of the conversation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not at all—not at all; it is quite possible, sir. In the + first place, I merely propose to introduce you as my friend; and in + the second place, you know the family already, the + Zachlebnikoff's—State Councillor Zachlebnikoff!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What? how so?”</span> cried Velchaninoff. This was the + very man whom he had so often tried to find at home, and whom he + never succeeded in hunting down—the very lawyer who had acted for his + adversary in the late legal proceedings.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, certainly—certainly!”</span> cried Pavel + Pavlovitch, apparently taking heart at Velchaninoff's extreme display + of amazement. <span class="tei tei-q">“The very same man whom I saw + you talking to in the street one day; when I watched you from the + other side of the road, I was waiting my turn to speak to him then. + We served in the same department twelve years since. I had no thought + of all this that day I saw you with him; the whole idea is quite new + and sudden—only a week old.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But—excuse me; why, surely this is a most respectable + family, isn't it?”</span> asked Velchaninoff, naïvely.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, and what if it is respectable?”</span> said Pavel, + with a twist.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, no—of course, I meant nothing; but, so far as I + could judge from what I saw, there——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“They remember—they remember your coming down,”</span> + cried Pavel delightedly. <span class="tei tei-q">“I told them all + sorts of flattering things about you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But, look here, how are you to marry within three months + of your late wife's death?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! the wedding needn't be at once. The wedding can come + off in nine or ten months, so that I shall have been in mourning + exactly a year. Believe me, my dear sir, it's all most charming—first + place, Fedosie Petrovitch has known me since I was a child; he knew + my late wife; he knows how much income I have; he knows all about my + little private capital, and all about my new increase of salary. So + that you see the whole thing is a mere matter of weights and + scales.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is she a daughter of his, then?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'll tell you all about it,”</span> said Pavel, licking + his lips with pleasure. <span class="tei tei-q">“May I smoke a + cigarette? Now, you see, men like Fedosie Petrovitch Zachlebnikoff + are much valued in the State; but, excepting for a few perquisites + allowed them, the pay is wretched; they live well enough, but they + cannot possibly lay by money. Now, imagine, this man has eight + daughters and only one little boy: if he were to die there would be + nothing but a wretched little pension to keep the lot of them. Just + imagine now—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">boots</span></em> alone for such a family, eh? + Well, out of these eight girls five are marriageable, the eldest is + twenty-four already (a splendid girl, she is, you shall see her for + yourself). The sixth is a girl of fifteen, still at school. Well, all + those five elder girls have to be trotted about and shown off, and + what does all that sort of thing cost the poor father, sir? They must + be married. Then suddenly I appear on the scene—the first probable + bridegroom in the family, and they all know that I have money. Well, + there you are, sir—the thing's done.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + was intoxicated with enthusiasm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Are you engaged to the eldest?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“N—no;—not the eldest. I am wooing the sixth girl, the + one at school.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What?”</span> cried Velchaninoff, laughing in spite of + himself. <span class="tei tei-q">“Why, you say yourself she's only + fifteen years old.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Fifteen <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">now</span></em>, sir; but she'll be sixteen in + nine months—sixteen and three months—so why not? It wouldn't be quite + nice to make the engagement public just yet, though; so there's to be + nothing formal at present, it's only a private arrangement between + the parents and myself so far. Believe me, my dear sir, the whole + thing is apple-pie, regular and charming.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then it isn't quite settled yet?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">quite</span></em> settled—quite settled. Believe + me, it's all as right and tight as——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Does <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">she</span></em> know?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, you see, just for form's sake, it is not actually + talked about—to her I mean,—but she <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">knows</span></em> + well enough. Oh! now you <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">will</span></em> make me happy this once, Alexey + Ivanovitch, won't you?”</span> he concluded, with extreme timidity of + voice and manner.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But why should <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> go with you? However,”</span> + added Velchaninoff impatiently, <span class="tei tei-q">“as I am not + going in any case, I don't see why I should hear any reasons you may + adduce for my accompanying you.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Alexey Ivanovitch!——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, come! you don't suppose I am going to sit down in a + carriage with you alongside, and drive down there! Come, just think + for yourself!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The feeling of + disgust and displeasure which Pavel Pavlovitch had awakened in him + before, had now started into life again after the momentary + distraction of the man's foolery about his bride. He felt that in + another minute or two he might kick the fellow out before he realized + what he was doing. He felt angry with himself for some reason or + other.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Sit down, Alexey Ivanovitch, sit down! You shall not + repent it!”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch in a wheedling voice. + <span class="tei tei-q">“No, no, no!”</span> he added, deprecating + the impatient gesture which Velchaninoff made at this moment. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Alexey Ivanovitch, I entreat you to pause + before you decide definitely. I see you have quite misunderstood me. + I quite realize that I am not for you, nor you for me! I am not quite + so absurd as to be unaware of that fact. The service I ask of you now + shall not compromise you in any way for the future. I am going away + the day after to-morrow, for certain; let this one day be an + exceptional one for me, sir. I came to you founding my hopes upon the + generosity and nobility of your heart, Alexey Ivanovitch—upon those + special tender feelings which may, perhaps, have been aroused in you + by late events. Am I explaining myself clearly, sir; or do you still + misunderstand me?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The agitation of + Pavel Pavlovitch was increasing with every moment.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff gazed + curiously at him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You ask a service of me,”</span> he said thoughtfully, + <span class="tei tei-q">“and insist strongly upon my performance of + it. This is very suspicious, in my opinion; I must know + more.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The whole service I ask is merely that you will come + with me; and I promise, when we return that I will lay bare my heart + to you as though we were at a confessional. Trust me this once, + Alexey Ivanovitch!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Velchaninoff + still held out, and the more obstinately because he was conscious of + a certain worrying feeling which he had had ever since Pavel + Pavlovitch began to talk about his bride. Whether this feeling was + simple curiosity, or something quite inexplicable, he knew not. + Whatever it was it urged him to agree, and go. And the more the + instinct urged him, the more he resisted it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He sat and thought + for a long time, his head resting on his hand, while Pavel Pavlovitch + buzzed about him and continued to repeat his arguments.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well,”</span> he said at last, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“very well, I'll go.”</span> He was agitated almost to + trembling pitch. Pavel was radiant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then, Alexey Ivanovitch, change your clothes—dress up, + will you? Dress up in your own style—you know so well how to do + it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + danced about Velchaninoff as he dressed. His state of mind was + exuberantly blissful.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What in the world does the fellow mean by it + all?”</span> thought Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm going to ask you one more favour yet, Alexey + Ivanovitch,”</span> cried the other. <span class="tei tei-q">“You've + consented to come; you must be my guide, sir, too.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“For instance, how?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, for instance, here's an important question—the + crape. Which ought I to do—tear it off, or leave it on?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Just as you like.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, I want your opinion. What should you do yourself, if + you were wearing crape, under the circumstances? My own idea was, + that if I left it on, I should be giving a proof of the fidelity of + my affections. A very flattering recommendation, eh, sir?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, take it off, of course.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you really think it's a matter of 'of + course'?”</span> Pavel Pavlovitch reflected. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“No,”</span> he continued, <span class="tei tei-q">“do + you know, I think I'd rather leave it on.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, do as you like! He doesn't trust me, at all + events, which is one good thing,”</span> thought Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They left the + house at last. Pavel looked over his companion's smart costume with + intense satisfaction. Velchaninoff was greatly surprised at Pavel's + conduct, but not less so at his own. At the gate there stood a very + superior open carriage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm! so you had a carriage in waiting, had you? Then you + were quite convinced that I would consent to come down with you, I + suppose?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I took the carriage for my own use, but I was nearly + sure you would come,”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, who wore the air + of a man whose cup of happiness is full to the brim.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't you think you are a little too sanguine in + trusting so much to my benevolence?”</span> asked Velchaninoff, as + they took their seats and started. He smiled as he spoke, but his + heart was full of annoyance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, Alexey Ivanovitch, it is not for <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">you</span></em> to + call me a fool for that,”</span> replied Pavel, firmly and + impressively.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm! and Liza?”</span> thought Velchaninoff, but he + chased the idea away, he felt as though it were sacrilege to think of + her here; and immediately another thought came in, namely, how small, + how petty a creature he must be himself to harbour such a + thought—such a mean, paltry sentiment in connection with Liza's + sacred name. So angry was he, that he felt as though he must stop the + carriage and get out, even though it cost him a struggle with Pavel + Pavlovitch to do so.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But at this moment + Pavel spoke, and the old feeling of desire to go with him re-entered + his soul. <span class="tei tei-q">“Alexey Ivanovitch,”</span> Pavel + said, <span class="tei tei-q">“are you a judge of articles of + value?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What sort of articles?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Diamonds.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I wish to take down a present with me. What do you + think? Ought I to give her one, or not?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite unnecessary, I should think.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But I wish to do it, badly. The only thing is, what + shall I give?—a whole set, brooch, ear-rings, bracelet, and all, or + only one article?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How much do you wish to spend?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, four or five hundred roubles.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Bosh!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What, too much?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Buy one bracelet for about a hundred.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This advice + depressed Pavel Pavlovitch; he grew wondrous melancholy. He was + terribly anxious to spend a lot of money, and buy the whole set. He + insisted upon the necessity of doing so.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A shop was reached + and entered, and Pavel bought a bracelet after all, and that not the + one he chose himself, but the one which his companion fixed upon. + Pavel wished to buy both. When the shopman, who originally asked one + hundred and seventy five, let the bracelet go for a hundred and fifty + roubles, Pavel Pavlovitch was anything but pleased. He was most + anxious to spend a lot of money on the young lady, and would have + gladly paid two hundred roubles for the same goods, on the slightest + encouragement.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It doesn't matter, my being in a hurry to give her + presents, does it?”</span> he began excitedly, when they were back in + the carriage, and rolling along once more. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“They are not <span class="tei tei-q">‘swells’</span> at + all; they live most simply. Innocence loves presents,”</span> he + continued, smiling cunningly. <span class="tei tei-q">“You laughed + just now, Alexey Ivanovitch, when I said that the girl was only + fifteen; but, you know, what specially struck me about her was, that + she still goes to school, with a sweet little bag in her hand, + containing copy books and pencils. Ha-ha-ha! It was the little + satchel that <span class="tei tei-q">‘fetched’</span> me. I do love + innocence, Alexey Ivanovitch. I don't care half so much for good + looks as for innocence. Fancy, she and her friend were sitting in the + corner there, the other day, and roared with laughter because the cat + jumped from a cupboard on to the sofa, and fell down all of a heap. + Why, it smells of fresh apples, that does, sir. Shall I take off the + crape, eh?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do as you like!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, I'll take it off!”</span> He took his hat, tore + the crape off, and threw the latter into the road.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + remarked that as he put his hat on his bald head once more, he wore + an expression of the simplest and frankest hope and delight.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is he <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">really</span></em> that sort of man?”</span> + thought Velchaninoff with annoyance. <span class="tei tei-q">“He + surely <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">can't</span></em> be trundling me down here + without some underhand motive—impossible! He <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">can't</span></em> be + trusting entirely to my generosity?”</span> This last idea seemed to + fill him with indignation. <span class="tei tei-q">“What <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">is</span></em> this + clown of a fellow?”</span> he continued to reflect. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is he a fool, an idiot, or simply a <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘permanent husband’</span>? I can't make head or tail of + it all!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc255" id="toc255"></a> <a name="pdf56" id="pdf56"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Zachlebnikoffs + were certainly, as Velchaninoff had expressed it, a most respectable + family. Zachlebnikoff himself was a most eminently dignified and + <span class="tei tei-q">“solid”</span> gentleman to look at. What + Pavel Pavlovitch had said as to their resources was, however, quite + true; they lived well, but if paterfamilias were to die, it would be + very awkward for the rest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Old Zachlebnikoff + received Velchaninoff most cordially. He was no longer the legal + opponent; he appeared now in a far more agreeable guise.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I congratulate you,”</span> he said at once, + <span class="tei tei-q">“upon the issue. I did my best to arrange it + so, and your lawyer was a capital fellow to deal with. You have your + sixty thousand without trouble or worry, you see; and if we hadn't + squared it we might have fought on for two or three + years.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff was + introduced to the lady of the house as well—an elderly, + simple-looking, worn woman. Then the girls began to troop in, one by + one and occasionally two together. But, somehow, there seemed to be + even more than Velchaninoff had been led to expect; ten or a dozen + were collected already—he could not count them exactly. It turned out + that some were friends from the neighbouring houses.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The + Zachlebnikoffs' country house was a large wooden structure of no + particular style of architecture, but handsome enough, and was + possessed of a fine large garden. There were, however, two or three + other houses built round the latter, so that the garden was common + property for all, which fact resulted in great intimacy between the + Zachlebnikoff girls and the young ladies of the neighbouring + houses.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + discovered, almost from the first moment, that his arrival—in the + capacity of Pavel Pavlovitch's friend, desiring an introduction to + the family—was expected, and looked forward to as a solemn and + important occasion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Being an expert in + such matters he very soon observed that there was even more than this + in his reception. Judging from the extra politeness of the parents, + and by the exceeding smartness of the young ladies, he could not help + suspecting that Pavel Pavlovitch had been improving the occasion, and + that he had—not, of course, in so many words—given to understand that + Velchaninoff was a single man—dull and disconsolate, and had + represented him as likely enough at any moment to change his manner + of living and set up an establishment, especially as he had just come + in for a considerable inheritance. He thought that Katerina + Fedosievna, the eldest girl—twenty-four years of age, and a splendid + girl according to Pavel's description—seemed rather <span class= + "tei tei-q">“got up to kill,”</span> from the look of her. She was + eminent, even among her well-dressed sisters, for special elegance of + costume, and for a certain originality about the make-up of her + abundant hair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The rest of the + girls all looked as though they were well aware that Velchaninoff was + making acquaintance with the family <span class="tei tei-q">“for + Katie,”</span> and had come down <span class="tei tei-q">“to have a + look at her.”</span> Their looks and words all strengthened the + impression that they were acting with this supposition in view, as + the day went on.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Katerina + Fedosievna was a fine tall girl, rather plump, and with an extremely + pleasing face. She seemed to be of a quiet, if not actually sleepy, + disposition.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Strange, that such a fine girl should be + unmarried,”</span> thought Velchaninoff, as he watched her with much + satisfaction.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All the sisters + were nice-looking, and there were several pretty faces among the + friends assembled. Velchaninoff was much diverted by the presence of + all these young ladies.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nadejda + Fedosievna, the school-girl and bride elect of Pavel Pavlovitch, had + not as yet condescended to appear. Velchaninoff awaited her coming + with a degree of impatience which surprised and amused him. At last + she came, and came with effect, too, accompanied by a lively girl, + her friend—Maria Nikitishna—who was considerably older than herself + and a very old friend of the family, having been governess in a + neighbouring house for some years. She was quite one of the family, + and boasted of about twenty-three years of age. She was much esteemed + by all the girls, and evidently acted at present as guide, + philosopher, and friend to Nadia (Nadejda). Velchaninoff saw at the + first glance that all the girls were against Pavel Pavlovitch, + friends and all; and when Nadia came in, it did not take him long to + discover that she absolutely <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">hated</span></em> him. He observed, further, + that Pavel Pavlovitch either did not, or <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">would + not</span></em>, notice this fact.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nadia was the + prettiest of all the girls—a little <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">brunette</span></em>, + with an impudent audacious expression; she might have been a Nihilist + from the independence of her look. The sly little creature had a pair + of flashing eyes and a most charming smile, though as often as not + her smile was more full of mischief and wickedness than of + amiability; her lips and teeth were wonders; she was slender but well + put together, and the expression of her face was thoughtful though at + the same time childish.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Fifteen years old”</span> was imprinted in every feature + of her face and every motion of her body. It appeared afterwards that + Pavel Pavlovitch had actually seen the girl for the first time with a + little satchel in her hand, coming back from school. She had ceased + to carry the satchel since that day.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The present + brought down by Pavel Pavlovitch proved a failure, and was the cause + of a very painful impression.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + no sooner saw his bride elect enter the room than he approached her + with a broad grin on his face. He gave his present with the preface + that he <span class="tei tei-q">“offered it in recognition of the + agreeable sensation experienced by him at his last visit upon the + occasion of Nadejda Fedosievna singing a certain song to the + pianoforte,”</span> and there he stopped in confusion and stood + before her lost and miserable, shoving the jeweller's box into her + hand. Nadia, however, would not take the present, and drew her hands + away.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She approached her + mother imperiously (the latter looked much put out), and said aloud: + <span class="tei tei-q">“I won't take it, mother.”</span> Nadia was + blushing with shame and anger.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Take it and say <span class="tei tei-q">‘thank + you’</span> to Pavel Pavlovitch for it,”</span> said her father + quietly but firmly. He was very far from pleased.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite unnecessary, quite unnecessary!”</span> he + muttered to Pavel Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nadia, seeing + there was nothing else to be done, took the case and curtsied—just as + children do, giving a little bob down and then a bob up again, as if + she had been on springs.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">One of the sisters + came across to look at the present whereupon Nadia handed it over to + her unopened, thereby showing that she did not care so much as to + look at it herself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The bracelet was + taken out and handed around from one to the other of the company; but + all examined it silently, and some even ironically, only the mother + of the family muttered that the bracelet was <span class= + "tei tei-q">“very pretty.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + would have been delighted to see the earth open and swallow him + up.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + helped the wretched man out of the mess. He suddenly began to talk + loudly and eloquently about the first thing that struck him, and + before five minutes had passed he had won the attention of everyone + in the room. He was a wonderfully clever society talker. He had the + knack of putting on an air of absolute sincerity, and of impressing + his hearers with the belief that he considered them equally sincere; + he was able to act the simple, careless, and happy young fellow to + perfection. He was a master of the art of interlarding his talk with + occasional flashes of real wit, apparently spontaneous but actually + pre-arranged, and very likely <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">stale</span></em>, in so far that he had himself + made the joke before.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But to-day he was + particularly successful; he felt that he must talk on and talk well, + and he knew that before many moments were past he should succeed in + monopolizing all eyes and all ears—that no joke should be laughed at + but his own, and no voice heard but his.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And sure enough + the spell of his presence seemed to produce a wonderful effect; in a + while the talking and laughter became general, with Velchaninoff as + the centre and motor of all. Mrs. Zachlebnikoff's kind face lighted + up with real pleasure, and Katie's pretty eyes were alight with + absolute fascination, while her whole visage glowed with delight.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Only Nadia frowned + at him, and watched him keenly from beneath her dark lashes. It was + clear that she was prejudiced against him. This last fact only roused + Velchaninoff to greater exertions. The mischievous Maria Nikitishna, + however, as Nadia's ally, succeeded in playing off a successful piece + of chaff against Velchaninoff; she pretended that Pavel Pavlovitch + had represented Velchaninoff as the friend of his childhood, thereby + making the latter out to be some seven or eight years older than he + really was. Velchaninoff liked the look of Maria, + notwithstanding.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + was the picture of perplexity. He quite understood the success which + his <span class="tei tei-q">“friend”</span> was achieving, and at + first he felt glad and proud of that success, laughing at the jokes + and taking a share of the conversation; but for some reason or other + he gradually relapsed into thoughtfulness, and thence into + melancholy—which fact was sufficiently plain from the expression of + his lugubrious and careworn physiognomy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, my dear fellow, you are the sort of guest one need + not exert oneself to entertain,”</span> said old Zachlebnikoff at + last, rising and making for his private study, where he had business + of importance awaiting his attention; <span class="tei tei-q">“and I + was led to believe that you were the most morose of hypochondriacs. + Dear me! what mistakes one does make about other people, to be + sure!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was a grand + piano in the room, and Velchaninoff suddenly turned to Nadia and + remarked:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You sing, don't you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Who told you I did?”</span> said Nadia curtly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pavel Pavlovitch.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It isn't true; I only sing for a joke—I have no + voice.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, but I have no voice either, and yet I + sing!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, you sing to us first, and then I'll sing,”</span> + said Nadia, with sparkling eyes; <span class="tei tei-q">“not now + though—after dinner. I hate music,”</span> she added, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm so sick of the piano. We have singing and strumming + going on all day here;—and Katie is the only one of us all worth + hearing!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + immediately attacked Katie, and besieged her with petitions to play. + This attention from him to her eldest daughter so pleased mamma that + she flushed up with satisfaction.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Katie went to the + piano, blushing like a school-girl, and evidently much ashamed of + herself for blushing; she played some little piece of Haydn's + correctly enough but without much expression.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When she had + finished Velchaninoff praised the music warmly—Haydn's music + generally, and this little piece in particular. He looked at Katie + too, with admiration, and his expression seemed to say. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“By Jove, you're a fine girl!”</span> So eloquent was his + look that everyone in the room was able to read it, and especially + Katie herself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What a pretty garden you have!”</span> said Velchaninoff + after a short pause, looking through the glass doors of the balcony. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Let's all go out; may we?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, yes! do let's go out!”</span> cried several voices + together. He seemed to have hit upon the very thing most desired by + all.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So they all + adjourned into the garden, and walked about there until dinner-time; + and Velchaninoff had the opportunity of making closer acquaintance + with some of the girls of the establishment. Two or three young + fellows <span class="tei tei-q">“dropped in”</span> from the + neighbouring houses—a student, a school-boy, and another young fellow + of about twenty in a pair of huge spectacles. Each of these young + fellows immediately attached himself to the particular young lady of + his choice.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The young man in + spectacles no sooner arrived than he went aside with Nadia and Maria + Nikitishna, and entered into an animated whispering conversation with + them, with much frowning and impatience of manner.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This gentleman + seemed to consider it his mission to treat Pavel Pavlovitch with the + most ineffable contempt.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some of the girls + proposed a game. One of them suggested <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Proverbs,”</span> but it was voted dull; another + suggested acting, but the objection was made that they never knew how + to finish off.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It may be more successful with you,”</span> said Nadia + to Velchaninoff confidentially. <span class="tei tei-q">“You know we + all thought you were Pavel Pavlovitch's friend, but it appears that + he was only boasting. I am <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">very</span></em> glad you have come—for a + certain reason!”</span> she added, looking knowingly into + Velchaninoff's face, and then retreating back again to Maria's wing, + blushing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We'll play <span class="tei tei-q">‘Proverbs’</span> in + the evening,”</span> said another, <span class="tei tei-q">“and we'll + all chaff Pavel Pavlovitch; <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> must help us too!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“We <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">are</span></em> so glad you're come—it's so dull + here as a rule,”</span> said a third, a funny-looking red-haired + girl, whose face was comically hot, with running apparently. Goodness + knows where she had dropped from; Velchaninoff had not observed her + arrive.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch's + agitation increased every moment. Meanwhile Velchaninoff took the + opportunity of making great friends with Nadia. She had ceased to + frown at him as before, and had now developed the wildest of spirits, + dancing and jumping about, singing and whistling, and occasionally + even catching hold of his hand in her innocent friendliness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was very happy + indeed, apparently; but she took no more notice of Pavel Pavlovitch + than if he had not been there at all.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + was very jealous of all this, and once or twice when Nadia and + Velchaninoff talked apart, he joined them and rudely interrupted + their conversation by interposing his anxious face between them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Katia could not + help being fully aware by this time that their charming guest had not + come in for her sake, as had been believed by the family; indeed, it + was clear that Nadia interested him so much that she excluded + everyone else, to a considerable extent, from his attention. However, + in spite of this, her good-natured face retained its amiability of + expression all the same. She seemed to be happy enough witnessing the + happiness of the rest and listening to the merry talk; she could not + take a large share in the conversation herself, poor girl!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What a fine girl your sister, Katerina Fedosievna + is,”</span> remarked Velchaninoff to Nadia.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Katia? I should think so! there is no better girl in the + world. She's our family angel! I'm in love with her myself!”</span> + replied Nadia enthusiastically.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last, dinner + was announced, and a very good dinner it was, several courses being + added for the benefit of the guests: a bottle of tokay made its + appearance, and champagne was handed round in honour of the occasion. + The good humour of the company was general, old Zachlebnikoff was in + high spirits, having partaken of an extra glass of wine this evening. + So infectious was the hilarity that even Pavel Pavlovitch took heart + of grace and made a pun. From the end of the table where he sat + beside the lady of the house, there suddenly came a loud laugh from + the delighted girls who had been fortunate enough to hear the virgin + attempt.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Papa, papa, Pavel Pavlovitch has made a joke!”</span> + cried several at once: <span class="tei tei-q">“he says that there is + quite a <span class="tei tei-q">‘galaxy of gals’</span> + here!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oho! <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">he's</span></em> made a pun too, has he?”</span> + cried the old fellow. <span class="tei tei-q">“Well, what is it, + let's have it!”</span> He turned to Pavel Pavlovitch with beaming + face, prepared to roar over the latter's joke.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, I tell you, he says there's quite a <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘galaxy of gals.’</span> ”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, go on, where's the joke?”</span> repeated papa, + still dense to the merits of the pun, but beaming more and more with + benevolent desire to see it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, papa, how stupid you are not to see it. Why + <span class="tei tei-q">‘gals’</span> and <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘galaxy,’</span> don't you see?—he says there's quite a + gal-axy of gals!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! oh!”</span> guffawed the old gentleman, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ha-ha! Well, we'll hope he'll make a better one next + time, that's all.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pavel Pavlovitch can't acquire all the perfections at + once,”</span> said Maria Nikitishna. <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, my + goodness! he's swallowed a bone—look!”</span> she added, jumping up + from her chair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The alarm was + general, and Maria's delight was great.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Poor Pavel + Pavlovitch had only choked over a glass of wine, which he seized and + drank to hide his confusion; but Maria declared that it was a + fishbone—that she had seen it herself, and that people had been known + to die of swallowing a bone just like that.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Clap him on the back!”</span> cried somebody.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It appeared that + there were numerous kind friends ready to perform this friendly + office, and poor Pavel protested in vain that it was nothing but a + common choke. The belabouring went on until the coughing fit was + over, and it became evident that mischievous Maria was at the bottom + of it all.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After dinner old + Mr. Zachlebnikoff retired for his post-prandial nap, bidding the + young people enjoy themselves in the garden as best they might.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You enjoy yourself, too!”</span> he added to Pavel + Pavlovitch, tapping the latter's shoulder affably as he went by.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the party + were all collected in the garden once more, Pavel suddenly approached + Velchaninoff: <span class="tei tei-q">“One moment,”</span> he + whispered, pulling the latter by the coat-sleeve.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The two men went + aside into a lonely by-path.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“None of that <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">here</span></em>, please; I won't allow it + here!”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch in a choking whisper.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“None of what? Who?”</span> asked Velchaninoff, staring + with all his eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + said nothing more, but gazed furiously at his companion, his lips + trembling in a desperate attempt at a pretended smile. At this moment + the voices of several of the girls broke in upon them, calling them + to some game. Velchaninoff shrugged his shoulders and re-joined the + party. Pavel followed him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm sure Pavel Pavlovitch was borrowing a handkerchief + from you, wasn't he? He forgot his handkerchief last time too. Pavel + Pavlovitch has forgotten his handkerchief again, and he has a cold as + usual!”</span> cried Maria.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, Pavel Pavlovitch, why didn't you say so?”</span> + cried Mrs. Zachlebnikoff, making towards the house; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“you shall have one at once.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In vain poor Pavel + protested that he had two of those necessary articles, and was + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></em> suffering from a cold. Mrs. + Zachlebnikoff was glad of the excuse for retiring to the house, and + heard nothing. A few moments afterwards a maid pursued Pavel with a + handkerchief, to the confusion of the latter gentleman.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A game of + <span class="tei tei-q">“proverbs”</span> was now proposed. All sat + down, and the young man with spectacles was made to retire to a + considerable distance and wait there with his nose close up against + the wall and his back turned until the proverb should have been + chosen and the words arranged. Velchaninoff was the next in turn to + be the questioner.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then the cry arose + for Pavel Pavlovitch, and the latter, who had more or less recovered + his good humour by this time, proceeded to the spot indicated; and, + resolved to do his duty like a man, took his stand with his nose to + the wall, ready to stay there motionless until called. The red-haired + young lady was detailed to watch him, in case of fraud on his + part.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner, + however, had the wretched Pavel taken up his position at the wall, + than the whole party took to their heels and ran away as fast as + their legs could carry them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Run quick!”</span> whispered the girls to Velchaninoff, + in despair, for he had not started with them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why, what's happened? What's the matter?”</span> asked + the latter, keeping up as best he could.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't make a noise! we want to get away and let him go + on standing there—that's all.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Katia, it + appeared, did not like this practical joke. When the last stragglers + of the party arrived at the end of the garden, among them + Velchaninoff, the latter found Katia angrily scolding the rest of the + girls.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well,”</span> she was saying, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I won't tell mother this time; but I shall go away + myself: it's too bad! What will the poor fellow's feelings be, + standing all alone there, and finding us fled!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And off she went. + The rest, however, were entirely unsympathizing, and enjoyed the joke + thoroughly. Velchaninoff was entreated to appear entirely unconscious + when Pavel Pavlovitch should appear again, just as though nothing + whatever had happened. It was a full quarter of an hour before Pavel + put in an appearance, two thirds, at least, of that time he must have + stood at the wall. When he reached the party he found everyone busy + over a game of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Goriélki</span></span>, laughing and shouting + and making themselves thoroughly happy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Wild with rage, + Pavel Pavlovitch again made straight for Velchaninoff, and tugged him + by the coat-sleeve.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“One moment, sir!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, my goodness! he's always coming in with his + <span class="tei tei-q">‘one moments’</span>!”</span> said + someone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A handkerchief wanted again probably!”</span> shouted + someone else after the pair as they retired.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Come now, this time it was you! You were the originator + of this insult!”</span> muttered Pavel, his teeth chattering with + fury.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + interrupted him, and strongly recommended Pavel to bestir himself to + be merrier.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are chaffed because you get angry,”</span> he said; + <span class="tei tei-q">“if you try to be jolly instead of sulky + you'll be let alone!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To his surprise + these words impressed Pavel deeply; he was quiet at once, and + returned to the party with a guilty air, and immediately began to + take part in the games engaged in once more. He was not further + bullied at present, and within half an hour his good humour seemed + quite re-established.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To Velchaninoff's + astonishment, however, he never seemed to presume to speak to Nadia, + although he kept as close to her, on all occasions, as he possibly + could. He seemed to take his position as quite natural, and was not + put out by her contemptuous air towards him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + was teased once more, however, before the evening ended.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A game of + <span class="tei tei-q">“Hide-and-seek”</span> was commenced, and + Pavel had hidden in a small room in the house. Being observed + entering there by someone, he was locked in, and left there raging + for an hour. Meanwhile, Velchaninoff learned the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“special reason”</span> for Nadia's joy at his arrival. + Maria conducted him to a lonely alley, where Nadia was awaiting him + alone.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have quite convinced myself,”</span> began the latter, + when they were left alone, <span class="tei tei-q">“that you are not + nearly so great a friend of Pavel Pavlovitch as he gave us to + understand. I have also convinced myself that you alone can perform a + certain great service for me. Here is his horrid bracelet”</span> + (she drew the case out of her pocket)—<span class="tei tei-q">“I wish + to ask you to be so kind as to return it to him; I cannot do so + myself, because I am quite determined never to speak to him again all + my life. You can tell him so from me, and better add that he is not + to worry me with any more of his nasty presents. I'll let him know + something else I have to say through other channels. Will you do this + for me?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, for goodness sake, spare me!”</span> cried + Velchaninoff, almost wringing his hands.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How spare you?”</span> cried poor Nadia. Her artificial + tone put on for the occasion had collapsed at once before this check, + and she was nearly crying. Velchaninoff burst out laughing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I don't mean—I should be delighted, you know—but the + thing is, I have my own accounts to settle with him!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I knew you weren't his friend, and that he was lying. I + shall never marry him—never! You may rely on that! I don't understand + how he could dare—at all events, you really <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">must</span></em> give + him back this horrid bracelet. What am I to do if you don't? I + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">must</span></em> have it given back to him this + very day. He'll catch it if he interferes with father about + me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At this moment the + spectacled young gentleman issued from the shrubs at their elbow.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are bound to return the bracelet!”</span> he burst + out furiously, upon Velchaninoff, <span class="tei tei-q">“if only + out of respect to the rights of woman——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He did not finish + the sentence, for Nadia pulled him away from beside Velchaninoff with + all her strength.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How stupid you are,”</span> she cried; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“go away. How dare you listen? I told you to stand a long + way off!”</span> She stamped her foot with rage, and for some while + after the young fellow had slunk away she continued to walk along + with flashing eyes, furious with indignation. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“You wouldn't believe how stupid he is!”</span> she cried + at last. <span class="tei tei-q">“You laugh, but think of my + feelings!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That's not <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">he</span></em>, is it?”</span> laughed + Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course not. How could you imagine such a thing! It's + only his friend, and how he can choose such friends I can't + understand! They say he is a <span class="tei tei-q">‘future + motive-power,’</span> but I don't see it. Alexey Ivanovitch, for the + last time—I have no one else to ask—will you give the bracelet back + or not?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well, I will. Give it to me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, you dear, good Alexey Ivanovitch, thanks!”</span> + she cried, enthusiastic with delight. <span class="tei tei-q">“I'll + sing all the evening for that! I sing beautifully, you know! I was + telling you a wicked story before dinner. Oh, I <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">wish</span></em> you + would come down here again; I'd tell you <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">all</span></em>, + then, and lots of other things besides—for you are a dear, kind, good + fellow, like—like Katia!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And sure enough + when they reached home she sat down and sang a couple of songs in a + voice which, though entirely untrained, was of great natural + sweetness and considerable strength.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the party + returned from the garden they had found Pavel Pavlovitch drinking tea + with the old folks on the balcony. He had probably been talking on + serious topics, as he was to take his departure the day after + to-morrow for nine months. He never so much as glanced at + Velchaninoff and the rest when they entered; but he evidently had not + complained to the authorities, and all was quiet as yet. But, when + Nadia began to sing, he came in. Nadia did not answer a single one of + his questions, but he did not seem offended by this, and took his + stand behind her chair. Once there, his whole appearance gave it to + be understood that that was his own place by right, and that he + allowed none to dispute it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It's Alexey Ivanovitch's turn to sing now!”</span> cried + the girls, when Nadia's song was finished, and all crowded round to + hear Velchaninoff, who sat down to accompany himself. He chose a song + of Glinke's, too much neglected nowadays; it ran:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">“When from your + merry lips</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-q" style="text-align: left">Tenderness + flows,”</span> &c. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + seemed to address the words to Nadia exclusively, but the whole party + stood around him. His voice had long since gone the way of all flesh, + but it was clear that he must have had a good one once, and it so + happened that Velchaninoff had heard this particular song many years + ago, from Glinkes' own lips, when a student at the university, and + remembered the great effect that it had made upon him when he first + heard it. The song was full of the most intense passion of + expression, and Velchaninoff sang it well, with his eyes fixed upon + Nadia.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Amid the applause + that followed the completion of the performance, Pavel Pavlovitch + came forward, seized Nadia's hand and drew her away from the + proximity of Velchaninoff; he then returned to the latter at the + piano, and, with every evidence of frantic rage, whispered to him, + his lips all of a tremble,</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“One moment with you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff, + seeing that the man was capable of worse things in his then frame of + mind, took Pavel's hand and led him out through the balcony into the + garden—quite dark now.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you understand, sir, that you must come away at + once—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">this + very minute</span></em>?”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, sir, I do not!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do you remember,”</span> continued Pavel in his frenzied + whisper, <span class="tei tei-q">“do you remember that you begged me + to tell you <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">all</span></em>, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">everything</span></em>—down to the smallest + details? Well, the time has come for telling you + all—come!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + considered a moment, glanced once more at Pavel Pavlovitch, and + consented to go.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! stay and have another cup of tea!”</span> said Mrs. + Zachlebnikoff, when this decision was announced.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pavel Pavlovitch, why are you taking Alexey Ivanovitch + away?”</span> cried the girls, with angry looks. As for Nadia, she + looked so cross with Pavel, that the latter felt absolutely + uncomfortable; but he did not give in.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, but I am very much obliged to Pavel + Pavlovitch,”</span> said Velchaninoff, <span class="tei tei-q">“for + reminding me of some most important business which I must attend to + this very evening, and which I might have forgotten,”</span> laughed + Velchaninoff, as he shook hands with his host and made his bow to the + ladies, especially to Katia, as the family thought.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You must come again soon!”</span> said the host; + <span class="tei tei-q">“we have been so glad to see you; it was so + good of you to come!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">so</span></em> glad!”</span> said the lady of + the house.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do come again soon!”</span> cried the girls, as Pavel + Pavlovitch and Velchaninoff took their seats in the carriage; + <span class="tei tei-q">“Alexey Ivanovitch, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">do</span></em> come + back soon!”</span> And with these voices in their ears they drove + away.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc257" id="toc257"></a> <a name="pdf58" id="pdf58"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XIII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In spite of + Velchaninoff's apparently happy day, the feeling of annoyance and + suffering at his heart had hardly actually left him for a single + moment. Before he sang the song he had not known what to do with + himself, or suppressed anger and melancholy—perhaps that was the + reason why he had sung with so much feeling and passion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To think that I could so have lowered myself as to + forget everything!”</span> he thought—and then despised himself for + thinking it; <span class="tei tei-q">“it is more humiliating still to + cry over what is done,”</span> he continued. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Far better to fly into a passion with someone + instead.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Fool!”</span> he muttered—looking askance at Pavel + Pavlovitch, who sat beside him as still as a mouse. Pavel Pavlovitch + preserved a most obstinate silence—probably concentrating and ranging + his energies. He occasionally took his hat off, impatiently, and + wiped the perspiration from his forehead.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Once—and once + only—Pavel spoke, to the coachman, he asked whether there was going + to be a thunder-storm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Wheugh!”</span> said the man, <span class="tei tei-q">“I + should think so! It's been a steamy day—just the day for + it!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By the time town + was reached—half-past ten—the whole sky was overcast.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am coming to your house,”</span> said Pavel to + Velchaninoff, when almost at the door.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite so; but I warn you, I feel very unwell + to-night!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“All right—I won't stay too long.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the two men + passed under the gateway, Pavel Pavlovitch disappeared into the + 'dvornik's' room for a minute, to speak to Mavra.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What did you go in there for?”</span> asked Velchaninoff + severely as they mounted the stairs and reached his own door.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh—nothing—nothing at all,—just to tell them about the + coachman.——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well. Mind, I shall not allow you to + drink!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + did not answer.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff lit a + candle, while Pavel threw himself into a chair;—then the former came + and stood menacingly before him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I may have told you I should have <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">my</span></em> last + word to say to-night, as well as you!”</span> he said with suppressed + anger in his voice and manner: <span class="tei tei-q">“Here it is. I + consider conscientiously that things are square between you and me, + now; and therefore there is no more to be said, understand me, about + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">anything</span></em>. Since this is so, had you + not better go, and let me close the door after you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let's cry <span class="tei tei-q">‘quits’</span> first, + Alexey Ivanovitch,”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, gazing into + Velchaninoff's eyes with great sweetness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quits?”</span> cried the latter, in amazement; + <span class="tei tei-q">“you strange man, what are we to cry quits + about? Are you harping upon your promise of a <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘last word’</span>?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, well, we have nothing more to cry quits for. We have + been quits long since,”</span> said Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear me, do you really think so?”</span> cried Pavel + Pavlovitch, in a shrill, sharp voice, pressing his two hands tightly + together, finger to finger, as he held them up before his breast.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff said + nothing. He rose from his seat and began to walk up and down the + room. The word <span class="tei tei-q">“Liza”</span> resounded + through and through his soul like the voice of a bell.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, what is there that you still consider unsettled + between us?”</span> he asked at last, looking angrily at Pavel, who + had never ceased to follow him with his eyes—always holding his hands + before his breast, finger tip to finger tip.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't go down there any more,”</span> said Pavel, almost + in a whisper, and rising from his seat with every indication of + humble entreaty.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">What!</span></em> is <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">that</span></em> + all?”</span> cried Velchaninoff, bursting into an angry laugh; + <span class="tei tei-q">“good heavens, man, you have done nothing but + surprise me all day.”</span> He had begun in a tone of exasperation, + but he now abruptly changed both voice and expression, and continued + with an air of deep feeling. <span class="tei tei-q">“Listen,”</span> + he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“listen to me. I don't think I have + ever felt so deeply humiliated as I am feeling now, in consequence of + the events of to-day. In the first place, that I should have + condescended to go down with you at all, and in the second place, all + that happened there. It has been such a day of pettifogging—pitiful + pettifogging. I have profaned and lowered myself by taking a share in + it all, and forgetting——Well, it's done now. But look here—you fell + upon me to-day, unawares—upon a sick man. Oh, you needn't excuse + yourself; at all events I shall certainly <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">not</span></em> go + there again. I have not the slightest interest in so doing,”</span> + he concluded, with an air of decision.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, really!”</span> cried Pavel Pavlovitch, making no + secret of his delight and exultation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + glanced contemptuously at him, and recommenced his march up and down + the room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You have determined to be happy under any circumstances, + I suppose?”</span> he observed, after a pause. He could not resist + making the remark disdainfully.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, I have,”</span> said Pavel, quietly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It's no business of mine that he's a fool and a knave, + out of pure idiocy!”</span> thought Velchaninoff. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I can't help hating him, though I feel that he is not + even worth hating.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I'm a permanent husband,”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, + with the most exquisitely servile irony, at his own expense. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I remember you using that expression, Alexey + Ivanovitch, long ago, when you were with us at T——. I remember many + of your original phrases of that time, and when you spoke of + <span class="tei tei-q">‘permanent husbands,’</span> the other day, I + recollected the expression.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At this point + Mavra entered the room with a bottle of champagne and two + glasses.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Forgive me, Alexey Ivanovitch,”</span> said Pavel, + <span class="tei tei-q">“you know I can't get on without it. Don't + consider it an audacity on my part—think of it as a mere bit of + by-play unworthy your notice.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well,”</span> consented Velchaninoff, with a look of + disgust, <span class="tei tei-q">“but I must remind you that I don't + feel well, and that—”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“One little moment—I'll go at once, I really will—I + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">must</span></em> just drink <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">one</span></em> + glass, my throat is so——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He seized the + bottle eagerly, and poured himself out a glass, drank it greedily at + a gulp, and sat down. He looked at Velchaninoff almost tenderly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What a nasty looking beast!”</span> muttered the latter + to himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It's all her friends that make her like that,”</span> + said Pavel, suddenly, with animation.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What? Oh, you refer to the lady. I——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And, besides, she is so very young still, you + see,”</span> resumed Pavel. <span class="tei tei-q">“I shall be her + slave—she shall see a little society, and a bit of the world. She + will change, sir, entirely.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I mustn't forget to give him back the bracelet, + by-the-bye,”</span> thought Velchaninoff, frowning, as he felt for + the case in his coat pocket.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You said just now that I am determined to be happy, + Alexey Ivanovitch,”</span> continued Pavel, confidentially, and with + almost touching earnestness. <span class="tei tei-q">“I <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">must</span></em> + marry, else what will become of me? You see for yourself”</span> (he + pointed to the bottle), <span class="tei tei-q">“and that's only a + hundredth part of what I demean myself to nowadays. I cannot get on + without marrying again, sir; I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">must</span></em> have a new faith. If I can but + believe in some one again, sir, I shall rise—I shall be + saved.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why are you telling <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">me</span></em> all + this?”</span> exclaimed Velchaninoff, very nearly laughing in his + face; it seemed so absurdly inconsistent.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Look here,”</span> he continued, roaring the words out, + <span class="tei tei-q">“let me know now, once for all, why did you + drag me down there? what good was I to do you there?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I—I wished to try——,”</span> began Pavel, with some + confusion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Try what?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The effect, sir. You see, Alexey Ivanovitch, I have only + been visiting there a week”</span> (he grew more and more confused), + <span class="tei tei-q">“and yesterday, when I met you, I thought to + myself that I had never seen her yet in society; that is, in the + society of other <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">men</span></em> besides myself—a stupid idea, I + know it is—I was very anxious to try—you know my wretchedly jealous + nature.”</span> He suddenly raised his head and blushed + violently.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">can't</span></em> be telling me the + truth!”</span> thought Velchaninoff; he was struck dumb with + surprise.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, go on!”</span> he muttered at last.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, I see it was all her pretty childish nature, + sir—that and her friends together. You must forgive my stupid conduct + towards yourself to-day, Alexey Ivanovitch. I will never do it + again—never again, sir, I assure you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I shall never be there to give you the + opportunity,”</span> replied Velchaninoff with a laugh.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That's partly why I say it,”</span> said Pavel.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, come! I'm not the only man in the world you + know!”</span> said the other irritably.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I am sorry to hear you say that, Alexey Ivanovitch. My + esteem for Nadejda is such that I——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, forgive me, forgive me! I meant nothing, I assure + you! Only it surprises me that you should have expected so much of + me—that you trusted me so completely.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I trusted you entirely, sir, solely on account of—all + that has passed.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So that you still consider me the most honourable of + men?”</span> Velchaninoff paused, the naïve nature of his sudden + question surprised even himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I always did think you that, sir!”</span> said Pavel, + hanging his head.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course, quite so—I didn't mean quite that—I wanted to + say, in spite of all prejudices you may have formed, + you——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, in spite of all prejudices!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And when you first came to Petersburg?”</span> asked + Velchaninoff, who himself felt the monstrosity of his own inquisitive + questions, but could not resist putting them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I considered you the most honourable of men when I first + came to Petersburg, sir; no less. I always respected you, Alexey + Ivanovitch!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + raised his eyes and looked at his companion without the smallest + trace of confusion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + suddenly felt cowed and afraid. He was anxious that nothing should + result—nothing disagreeable—from this conversation, since he himself + was responsible for having initiated it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I loved you, Alexey Ivanovitch; all that year at T—— I + loved you—you did not observe it,”</span> continued Pavel Pavlovitch, + his voice trembling with emotion, to the great discomfiture of his + companion. <span class="tei tei-q">“You did not observe my affection, + because I was too lowly a being to deserve any sort of notice; but it + was unnecessary that you should observe my love. Well, sir, and all + these nine years I have thought of you, for I have never known such a + year of life as that year was.”</span> (Pavel's eyes seemed to have a + special glare in them at this point.) <span class="tei tei-q">“I + remembered many of your sayings and expressions, sir, and I thought + of you always as a man imbued with the loftiest sentiments, and + gifted with knowledge and intellect, sir—of the highest order—a man + of grand ideas. <span class="tei tei-q">‘Great ideas do not proceed + so frequently from greatness of intellect, as from elevation of taste + and feeling.’</span> You yourself said that, sir, once. I dare say + you have forgotten the fact, but you did say it. Therefore I always + thought of you, sir, as a man of taste and feeling; consequently I + concluded—consequently I trusted you, in spite of + everything.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch's + chin suddenly began to tremble. Velchaninoff was frightened out of + his wits. This unexpected tone must be put an end to at all + hazards.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Enough, Pavel Pavlovitch!”</span> he said softly, + blushing violently and with some show of irritation. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“And why—why (Velchaninoff suddenly began to shout + passionately)—why do you come hanging round the neck of a sick man, a + worried man—a man who is almost out of his wits with fever and + annoyance of all sorts, and drag him into this abyss of lies and + mirage and vision and shame—and unnatural, disproportionate, + distorted nonsense! Yes, sir, that's the most shameful part of the + whole business—the disproportionate nonsense of what you say! You + know it's all humbug; both of us are mean wretches—both of us; and if + you like I'll prove to you at once that not only you don't love me, + but that you loathe and hate me with all your heart, and that you are + a liar, whether you know it or not! You took me down to see your + bride, not—not a bit in the world to try how she would behave in the + society of other men—absurd idea!—You simply saw me, yesterday, and + your vile impulse led you to carry me off there in order that you + might show me the girl, and say, as it were. There, look at that! + She's to be mine! Try your hand <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">there</span></em> if you can! It was nothing but + your challenge to me! You may not have known it, but this was so, as + I say; and you felt the impulse which I have described. Such a + challenge could not be made without hatred; consequently you hate + me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + almost <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">rushed</span></em> up and down the room as he + shouted the above words; and with every syllable the humiliating + consciousness that he was allowing himself to descend to the level of + Pavel Pavlovitch afflicted him and tormented him more and more!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I was only anxious to be at peace with you, Alexey + Ivanovitch!”</span> said Pavel sadly, his chin and lips working + again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff flew + into a violent rage, as if he had been insulted in the most + unexampled manner.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I tell you once more, sir,”</span> he cried, + <span class="tei tei-q">“that you have attached yourself to a sick + and irritated man, in order that you may surprise him into saying + something unseemly in his madness! We are, I tell you, man, we are + men of different worlds. Understand me! between us two there is a + grave,”</span> he hissed in his fury, and stopped.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And how do you know,—sir,”</span> cried Pavel + Pavlovitch, his face suddenly becoming all twisted, and deadly white + to look at, as he strode up to Velchaninoff, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“how do you know what that grave means to me, sir, + here!”</span> (He beat his breast with terrible earnestness, droll + though he looked.) <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes, sir, we both stand + on the brink of the grave, but on my side there is more, sir, than on + yours—yes, more, more, more!”</span> he hissed, beating his breast + without pause—<span class="tei tei-q">“more than on yours—the grave + means more to me than to you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But at this moment + a loud ring at the bell brought both men to their senses. Someone was + ringing so loud that the bell-wire was in danger of snapping.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“People don't ring like that for me, observed + Velchaninoff angrily.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No more they do for me, sir! I assure you they + don't!”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch anxiously. He had become the + quiet timid Pavel again in a moment. Velchaninoff frowned and went to + open the door.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Mr. Velchaninoff, if I am not mistaken?”</span> said a + strange voice, apparently belonging to some young and very + self-satisfied person, at the door.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have been informed that Mr. Trusotsky is at this + moment in your rooms. I must see him at once.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff felt + inclined to send this self-satisfied looking young gentleman flying + downstairs again; but he reflected—refrained, stood aside and let him + in.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here is Mr. Trusotsky. Come in.”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc259" id="toc259"></a> <a name="pdf60" id="pdf60"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XIV.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A young fellow of + some nineteen summers entered the room; he might have been even + younger, to judge by his handsome but self-satisfied and very + juvenile face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was not badly + dressed, at all events his clothes fitted him well; in stature he was + a little above the middle height; he had thick black hair, and dark, + bold eyes—and these were the striking features of his face. + Unfortunately his nose was a little too broad and tip-tilted, + otherwise he would have been a really remarkably good-looking young + fellow.—He came in with some pretension.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I believe I have the opportunity of speaking to Mr. + Trusotsky?”</span> he observed deliberately, and bringing out the + word opportunity with much apparent satisfaction, as though he wished + to accentuate the fact that he could not possibly be supposed to feel + either honour or pleasure in meeting Mr. Trusotsky. Velchaninoff + thought he knew what all this meant; Pavel Pavlovitch seemed to have + an inkling of the state of affairs, too. His expression was one of + anxiety, but he did not show the white feather.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not having the honour of your acquaintance,”</span> he + said with dignity, <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not understand what + sort of business you can have with me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Kindly listen to me first, and you can then let me know + your ideas on the subject,”</span> observed the young gentleman, + pulling out his tortoiseshell glasses, and focusing the champagne + bottle with them. Having deliberately inspected that object, he put + up his glasses again, and fixing his attention once more upon Pavel + Pavlovitch, remarked:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Alexander Loboff.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What about Alexander Loboff?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That's my name. You've not heard of me?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm! Well, I don't know when you should have, now I + think of it; but I've come on important business concerning yourself. + I suppose I can sit down? I'm tired.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, pray sit down,”</span> said Velchaninoff, but not + before the young man had taken a chair. In spite of the pain at his + heart Velchaninoff could not help being interested in this impudent + youngling.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There seemed to be + something in his good-looking, fresh young face that reminded him of + Nadia.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You can sit down too,”</span> observed Loboff, + indicating an empty seat to Pavel Pavlovitch, with a careless nod of + his head.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thank you; I shall stand.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well, but you'll soon get tired. You need not go + away, I think, Mr. Velchaninoff.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have nowhere to go to, my good sir, I am at + home.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“As you like; I confess I should prefer your being + present while I have an explanation with this gentleman. Nadejda + Fedosievna has given you a flattering enough character, sir, to + me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nonsense; how could she have had time to do + so?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Immediately after you left. Now, Mr. Trusotsky, this is + what I wish to observe,”</span> he continued to Pavel, the latter + still standing in front of him; <span class="tei tei-q">“we, that is + Nadejda Fedosievna and myself, have long loved one another, and have + plighted our troth. You have suddenly come between us as an + obstruction; I have come to tell you that you had better clear out of + the way at once. Are you prepared to adopt my suggestion?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + took a step backward in amazement; his face paled visibly, but in a + moment a spiteful smile curled his lip.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Not in the slightest degree prepared, sir,”</span> he + said, laconically.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Dear me,”</span> said the young fellow, settling himself + comfortably in his chair, and throwing one leg over the other.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Indeed, I do not know whom I am speaking to,”</span> + added Pavel Pavlovitch, <span class="tei tei-q">“so that it can't + hardly be worth your while to continue.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So saying he sat + down at last.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">said</span></em> you'd get tired,”</span> + remarked the youth. <span class="tei tei-q">“I informed you just + now,”</span> he added, <span class="tei tei-q">“that my name is + Alexander Loboff, and that Nadejda and I have plighted our troth; + consequently you cannot truthfully say, as you did say just now, that + you don't know who I am, nor can you honestly assert that you do not + see what we can have to talk about. Not to speak of myself—there is + Nadejda Fedosievna to be considered—the lady to whom you have so + impudently attached yourself: that alone is matter sufficient for + explanation between us.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All this the young + fellow rattled off carelessly enough, as if the thing were so + self-evident that it hardly needed mentioning. While talking, he + raised his eye-glass once more, and inspected some object for an + instant, putting the glass back in his pocket immediately + afterwards.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Excuse me, young man,”</span> began Pavel Pavlovitch: + but the words <span class="tei tei-q">“young man”</span> were + fatal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“At any other moment,”</span> observed the youth, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I should of course forbid your calling me + <span class="tei tei-q">‘young man’</span> at once; but you must + admit that in this case my youth is my principal advantage over + yourself, and that even this very day you would have given + anything—nay, at the moment when you presented your bracelet—to be + just a little bit younger.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Cheeky young brat!”</span> muttered Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In any case,”</span> began Pavel Pavlovitch, with + dignity, <span class="tei tei-q">“I do not consider your reasons as + set forth—most questionable and improper reasons at the + best—sufficient to justify the continuance of this conversation. I + see your 'business' is mere childishness and nonsense: to-morrow I + shall have the pleasure of an explanation with Mr. Zachlebnikoff, my + respected friend. Meanwhile, sir, perhaps you will make it convenient + to—depart.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That's the sort of man he is,”</span> cried the youth, + hotly, turning to Velchaninoff: <span class="tei tei-q">“he is not + content with being as good as kicked out of the place, and having + faces made at him, but he must go down again to-morrow to carry tales + about us to Mr. Zachlebnikoff. Do you not prove by this, you + obstinate man, that you wish to carry off the young lady by force? + that you desire to <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">buy</span></em> her of people who + preserve—thanks to the relics of barbarism still triumphant among + us—a species of power over her? Surely she showed you sufficiently + clearly that she <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">despises</span></em> you? You have had your + wretched tasteless present of to-day—that bracelet thing—returned to + you; what more do you want?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Excuse me, no bracelet has been, or can be returned to + me,”</span> said Pavel Pavlovitch, with a shudder of anxiety, + however.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How so? hasn't Mr. Velchaninoff given it to + you?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, the deuce take you, sir,”</span> thought + Velchaninoff. <span class="tei tei-q">“Nadejda Fedosievna certainly + did give me this case for you, Pavel Pavlovitch,”</span> he said; + <span class="tei tei-q">“I did not wish to take it, but she was + anxious that I should: here it is, I'm very sorry.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He took out the + case and laid it down on the table before the enraged Pavel + Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How is it you have not handed it to him before?”</span> + asked the young man severely.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I had no time, as you may conclude,”</span> said + Velchaninoff with a frown.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm! Strange circumstance!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">What</span></em>, sir?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, you must admit it <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">is</span></em> + strange! However, I am quite prepared to believe that there has been + some mistake.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff would + have given worlds to get up and drub the impertinent young rascal and + drag him out of the house by the ear; but he could not contain + himself, and burst out laughing. The boy immediately followed suit + and laughed too.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But for Pavel + Pavlovitch it was no laughing matter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If Velchaninoff + had seen the ferocious look which the former cast at him at the + moment when he and Loboff laughed, he would have realized that Pavel + Pavlovitch was in the act of passing a fatal limit of forbearance. He + did not see the look; but it struck him that it was only fair to + stand up for Pavel now.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Listen, Mr. Loboff,”</span> he said, in friendly tones, + <span class="tei tei-q">“not to enter into the consideration of other + matters, I may point out that Mr. Trusotsky brings with him, in his + wooing of Miss Zachlebnikoff, a name and circumstances fully + well-known to that esteemed family; in the second place, he brings a + fairly respectable position in the world; and thirdly, he brings + wealth. Therefore he may well be surprised to find himself confronted + by such a rival as yourself—a gentleman of great wealth, doubtless, + but at the same time so very young, that he could not possibly look + upon you as a serious rival; therefore, again, he is quite right in + begging you to bring the conversation to an end.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What do you mean by <span class="tei tei-q">‘so very + young’</span>? I was nineteen a month since; by the law I might have + been married long ago. That's a sufficient answer to your + argument.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But what father would consent to allowing his daughter + to marry you <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">now</span></em>—even though you may be a + Rothschild to come, or a benefactor to humanity in the future. A man + of nineteen years old is not capable of answering for himself and yet + you are ready to take on your own responsibility another being—in + other words, a being who is as much a child as you are yourself. Why, + it is hardly even honourable on your part, is it? I have presumed to + address you thus, because you yourself referred the matter to me as a + sort of arbiter between yourself and Pavel Pavlovitch.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, by-the-bye, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Pavel + Pavlovitch,’</span> I forgot he was called that,”</span> remarked the + youth. <span class="tei tei-q">“I wonder why I thought of him all + along as <span class="tei tei-q">‘Vassili Petrovitch.’</span> Look + here, sir (addressing Velchaninoff), you have not surprised me in the + least. I knew you were all tarred with one brush. It is strange that + you should have been described to me as a man of some originality. + However, to business. All that you have said is, of course, utter + nonsense; not only is there nothing <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘dishonourable’</span> about my intentions, as you + permitted yourself to suggest, but the fact of the matter is entirely + the reverse, as I hope to prove to you by-and-bye. In the first + place, we have promised each other marriage, besides which I have + given her my word that if she ever repents of her promise she shall + have her full liberty to throw me over. I have given her surety to + that effect before witnesses.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I bet anything your friend—what's his name?—Predposiloff + invented that idea,”</span> cried Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He-he-he!”</span> giggled Pavel Pavlovitch + contemptuously.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What is that person giggling about? You are right, sir, + it was Predposiloff's idea. But I don't think you and I quite + understand one another, do we? and I had such a good report of you. + How old are you? Are you fifty yet?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Stick to business, if you please.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Forgive the liberty. I did not mean anything offensive. + Well, to proceed. I am no millionaire, and I am no great benefactor + to humanity (to reply to your arguments), but I shall manage to keep + myself and my wife. Of course I have nothing now; I was brought up, + in fact, in their house from my childhood.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How so?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, because I am a distant relative of this Mr. + Zachlebnikoff's wife. When my people died, he took me in and sent me + to school. The old fellow is really quite a kind-hearted man, if you + only knew it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I do know it!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, he's an old fogey rather, but a kind-hearted old + fellow; but I left him four months ago and began to keep myself. I + first joined a railway office at ten roubles a month, and am now in a + notary's place at twenty-five. I made him a formal proposal for her a + fortnight since. He first laughed like mad, and afterwards fell into + a violent rage, and Nadia was locked up. She bore it heroically. He + had been furious with me before for throwing up a post in his + department which he procured for me. You see he is a good and kind + old fellow at home, but get him in his office and—oh, my word!—he's a + sort of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Jupiter Tonans</span></span>! I told him + straight out that I didn't like his ways; but the great row + was—thanks to the second chief at the office; he said I insulted him, + but I only told him he was an ignorant beggar. So I threw them all + up, and went in for the notary business. Listen to that! What a clap! + We shall have a thunder-storm directly! What a good thing I arrived + before the rain! I came here on foot, you know, all the way, nearly + at a run, too!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How in the world did you find an opportunity of speaking + to Miss Nadia then? especially since you are not allowed to + meet.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, one can always get over the railing; then there's + that red-haired girl, she helps, and Maria Nikitishna—oh, but she's a + snake, that girl! What's the matter? Are you afraid of the + thunder-storm?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, I'm ill—seriously ill!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff had + risen from his seat with a fearful sudden pain in his chest, and was + trying to walk up and down the room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, really! then I'm disturbing you. I shall go at + once,”</span> said the youth, jumping up.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, you don't disturb me!”</span> said Velchaninoff + ceremoniously.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How not; of course I do, if you've got the stomach ache! + Well now, Vassili—what's your name—Pavel Pavlovitch, let's conclude + this matter. I will formulate my question for once into words which + will adapt themselves to your understanding: Are you prepared to + renounce your claim to the hand of Nadejda Fedosievna before her + parents, and in my presence, with all due formality?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, sir; not in the slightest degree prepared,”</span> + said Pavel Pavlovitch witheringly; <span class="tei tei-q">“and allow + me to say once more that all this is childish and absurd, and that + you had better clear out!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Take care,”</span> said the youth, holding up a warning + forefinger; <span class="tei tei-q">“better give it up now, for I + warn you that otherwise you will spend a lot of money down there, and + take a lot of trouble; and when you come back in nine months you will + be turned out of the house by Nadejda Fedosievna herself; and if you + don't go <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">then</span></em>, it will be the worse for you. + Excuse me for saying so, but at present you are like the dog in the + manger. Think over it, and be sensible for once in your + life.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Spare me the moral, if you please,”</span> began Pavel + Pavlovitch furiously; <span class="tei tei-q">“and as for your low + threats I shall take my measures to-morrow—<em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">serious</span></em> + measures.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Low threats? pooh! You are low yourself to take them as + such. Very well, I'll wait till to-morrow then; but if you—there's + the thunder again!—<span lang="fr" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "fr"><span style="font-style: italic">au revoir</span></span>—very + glad to have met you, sir.”</span> He nodded to Velchaninoff and made + off hurriedly, evidently anxious to reach home before the rain.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc261" id="toc261"></a> <a name="pdf62" id="pdf62"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XV.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You see, you see!”</span> cried Pavel to Velchaninoff, + the instant that the young fellow's back was turned.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes; you are not going to succeed there,”</span> said + Velchaninoff. He would not have been so abrupt and careless of + Pavel's feelings if it had not been for the dreadful pain in his + chest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + shuddered as though from a sudden scald. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, sir, and you—you were loth to give me back the + bracelet, eh?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I hadn't time.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! you were sorry—you pitied me, as true friend pities + friend!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, well, I pitied you, then!”</span> Velchaninoff was + growing angrier every moment. However, he informed Pavel Pavlovitch + shortly as to how he had received the bracelet, and how Nadia had + almost forced it upon him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You must understand,”</span> he added, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that otherwise I should never have agreed to accept the + commission; there are quite enough disagreeables already.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You liked the job, and accepted it with + pleasure,”</span> giggled Pavel Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“That is foolish on your part; but I suppose you must be + forgiven. You must have seen from that boy's behaviour that I play no + part in this matter. Others are the principal actors, not + I!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“At all events the job had attractions for you.”</span> + Pavel Pavlovitch sat down and poured out a glass of wine.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You think I shall knuckle under to that young gentleman? + Pooh! I shall drive him out to-morrow, sir, like dust. I'll smoke + this little gentleman out of his nursery, sir; you see if I + don't.”</span> He drank his wine off at a gulp, and poured out some + more. He seemed to grow freer as the moments went by; he talked + glibly now.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ha-ha! Sachinka and Nadienka!<a id="noteref_2" name= + "noteref_2" href="#note_2"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">2</span></span></a> darling + little children. Ha-ha-ha!”</span> He was beside himself with + fury.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At this moment, a + terrific crash of thunder startled the silence, and was followed by + flashes of lightning and sheets of heavy rain. Pavel Pavlovitch rose + and shut the window.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The fellow asked you if you were afraid of the thunder; + do you remember? Ha-ha-ha! Velchaninoff afraid of thunder! And all + that about <span class="tei tei-q">‘fifty years old’</span> wasn't + bad, eh? Ha-ha-ha!”</span> Pavel Pavlovitch was in a spiteful + mood.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You seem to have settled yourself here,”</span> said + Velchaninoff, who could hardly speak for agony. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Do as you like, I must lie down.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Come, you wouldn't turn a <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">dog</span></em> out + to-night!”</span> replied Pavel, glad of a grievance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Of course, sit down; drink your wine—do anything you + like,”</span> murmured Velchaninoff, as he laid himself flat on his + divan, and groaned with pain.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Am I to spend the night? Aren't you afraid?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What of?”</span> asked Velchaninoff, raising his head + slightly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, nothing. Only last time you seemed to be a little + alarmed, that's all.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You are a fool!”</span> said the other angrily, as he + turned his face to the wall.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well, sir; all right,”</span> said Pavel.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff fell + asleep within a minute or so of lying down. The unnatural strain of + the day, and his sickly state of health together, had suddenly + undermined his strength, and he was as weak as a child. But physical + pain would have its own, and soon conquered weakness and sleep; in an + hour he was wide awake again, and rose from the divan in anguish. + Pavel Pavlovitch was asleep on the other sofa. He was dressed, and in + his boots; his hat lay on the floor, and his eye-glass hung by its + cord almost to the ground. Velchaninoff did not wake his guest. The + room was full of tobacco smoke, and the bottle was empty; he looked + savagely at the sleeping drunkard.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having twisted + himself painfully off his bed, Velchaninoff began to walk about, + groaning and thinking of his agony; he could lie no longer.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was alarmed for + this pain in his chest, and not without reason. He was subject to + these attacks, and had been so for many years; but they came seldom, + luckily—once a year or two years. On such occasions, his agony was so + dreadful for some ten hours or so that he invariably believed that he + must be actually dying.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This night, his + anguish was terrible; it was too late to send for the doctor, but it + was far from morning yet. He staggered up and down the room, and + before long his groans became loud and frequent.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The noise awoke + Pavel Pavlovitch. He sat up on his divan, and for some time gazed in + terror and perplexity upon Velchaninoff, as the latter walked moaning + up and down. At last he gathered his senses, and enquired anxiously + what was the matter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + muttered something unintelligible.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It's your kidneys—I'm sure it is,”</span> cried Pavel, + very wide awake of a sudden. <span class="tei tei-q">“I remember + Peter Kuzmich used to have the same sort of attacks. The kidneys—why, + one can die of it. Let me go and fetch Mavra.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no; I don't want anything,”</span> muttered + Velchaninoff, waving him off irritably.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But Pavel + Pavlovitch—goodness knows why—was beside himself with anxiety; he was + as much exercised as though the matter at issue were the saving of + his own son's life. He insisted on immediate compresses, and told + Velchaninoff he must drink two or three cups of very hot weak + tea—boiling hot. He ran for Mavra, lighted the fire in the kitchen, + put the kettle on, put the sick man back to bed, covered him up, and + within twenty minutes had the first hot application all ready, as + well as the tea.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hot plates, sir, hot plates,”</span> he cried, as he + clapped the first, wrapped in a napkin, on to Velchaninoff's chest. + <span class="tei tei-q">“I have nothing else handy; but I give you my + word it's as good as anything else. Drink this tea quick, never mind + if you scald your tongue—life is dearer. You can die of this sort of + thing, you know.”</span> He sent sleepy Mavra out of her wits with + flurry; the plates were changed every couple of minutes. At the third + application, and after having taken two cups of scalding tea, + Velchaninoff suddenly felt decidedly better.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Capital! thank God! if we can once get the better of the + pain it's a good sign!”</span> cried Pavel, delightedly, and away he + ran for another plate and some more tea.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“If only we can beat the pain down!”</span> he kept + muttering to himself every minute.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In half an hour + the agony was passed, but the sick man was so completely knocked up + that, in spite of Pavel's repeated entreaties to be allowed to apply + <span class="tei tei-q">“just one more plate,”</span> he could bear + no more. His eyes were drooping from weakness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Sleep—sleep,”</span> he muttered faintly.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Very well,”</span> consented Pavel, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“go to sleep.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Are you spending the night here? What time is + it?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nearly two.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You must sleep here.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, yes—all right. I will.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A moment after the + sick man called to Pavel again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“You—you—”</span> muttered the former faintly, as Pavel + ran up and bent over him, <span class="tei tei-q">“you are better + than I am. I understand all—all—thank you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Go to sleep!”</span> whispered Pavel Pavlovitch, as he + crept back to his divan on tip-toes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff, + dozing off, heard Pavel quietly make his bed, undress and lie down, + all very softly, and then put the light out.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Undoubtedly + Velchaninoff fell asleep very quietly when the light was once out; he + remembered that much afterwards. Yet all the while he was asleep, and + until he awoke, he dreamed that he could not go to sleep in spite of + his weakness. At length he dreamed that he was delirious, and that he + could not for the life of him chase away the visions which crowded in + upon him, although he was conscious the whole while they <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">were</span></em> but + visions and not reality. The apparition was familiar to him. He + thought that his front door was open, and that his room gradually + filled with people pouring in. At the table in the middle of the + room, sat one man exactly as had been the case a month before, during + one of his dreams. As on the previous occasion, this man leant on his + elbow at the table and would not speak; he was in a round hat with a + crape band.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How?”</span> thought the dreamer. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Was it really Pavel Pavlovitch last time as + well?”</span> However, when he looked at the man's face, he was + convinced that it was quite another person.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why has he a crape band, then?”</span> thought + Velchaninoff in perplexity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The noise and + chattering of all these people was dreadful; they seemed even more + exasperated with Velchaninoff than on the former occasion. They were + all threatening him with something or other, shaking their fists at + him, and shouting something which he could not understand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It's all a vision,”</span> he dreamed, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know quite well that I am up and about, because I + could not lie still for anguish!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Yet the cries and + noise at times seemed so real that he was now and again + half-convinced of their reality.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Surely this <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">can't</span></em> be delirium!”</span> he + thought. <span class="tei tei-q">“What on earth do all these people + want of me—my God!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Yet if it were not + a vision, surely all these cries would have roused Pavel Pavlovitch? + There he was, fast asleep in his divan!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Then something + suddenly occurred as in the old dream. Another crowd of people surged + in, crushing those who were already collected inside. These new + arrivals carried something large and heavy; he could judge of the + weight by their footsteps labouring upstairs.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Those in the room + cried, <span class="tei tei-q">“They're bringing it! they're bringing + it!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Every eye flashed + as it turned and glared at Velchaninoff; every hand threatened him + and then pointed to the stairs.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Undoubtedly it was + reality, not delirium. Velchaninoff thought that he stood up and + raised himself on tip-toes, in order to see over the heads of the + crowd. He wanted to know what was being carried in.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His heart beat + wildly, wildly, wildly; and suddenly, as in his former dream, there + came one—two—three loud rings at the bell.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And again, the + sound of the bell was so distinct and clear that he felt it + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">could</span></em> not be a dream. He gave a cry, + and awoke; but he did not rush to the door as on the former + occasion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What sudden idea + was it that guided his movements? Had he any idea at all, or was it + impulse that prompted him what to do? He sprang up in bed, with arms + outstretched, as though to ward off an attack, straight towards the + divan where Pavel Pavlovitch was sleeping.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His hands + encountered other hands outstretched in his direction; consequently + some one must have been standing over him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The curtains were + drawn, but it was not absolutely dark, because a faint light came + from the next room, which had no curtains.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Suddenly something + cut the palm of his left hand, some of his fingers causing him sharp + pain. He instantly realized that he had seized a knife or a razor, + and he closed his hand upon it with the rapidity of thought.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At that moment + something fell to the ground with a hard metallic sound.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff was + probably three times as strong as Pavel Pavlovitch, but the struggle + lasted for a long while—at least three minutes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The former, + however, forced his adversary to the earth, and bent his arms back + behind his head; then he paused, for he was most anxious to tie the + hands. Holding the assassin's wrist with his wounded left hand, he + felt for the blind cord with his right. For a long while he could not + find it; at last he grasped it, and tore it down.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was amazed + afterwards at the unnatural strength which he must have displayed + during all this.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">During the whole + of the struggle neither man spoke a word; only their heavy breathing + was audible, and the inarticulate sounds emitted by both as they + fought.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length, having + secured his opponent's hands, Velchaninoff left him on the ground, + rose, drew the curtains, and pulled up the blind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The deserted + street was light now. He opened the window, and stood breathing in + the fresh air for a few moments. It was a little past four o'clock. + He shut the window once more, fetched a towel and bound up his cut + hand as tightly as he could to stop the flow of blood.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At his feet he + caught sight of the opened razor lying on the carpet; he picked it + up, wiped it, and put it by in its own case, which he now saw he had + left upon the little cupboard beside the divan which Pavel Pavlovitch + occupied. He locked the cupboard.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having completed + all these arrangements, he approached Pavel Pavlovitch and looked at + him. Meanwhile the latter had managed to raise himself from the floor + and reach a chair; he was now sitting in it—undressed to his shirt, + which was stained with marks of blood both back and + front—Velchaninoff's blood, not his own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Of course this was + Pavel Pavlovitch; but it would have been only natural for any one who + had known him before, and saw him at this moment, to doubt his + identity. He sat upright in his chair—very stiffly, owing to the + uncomfortable position of his tightly bound hands behind his back; + his face looked yellow and crooked, and he shuddered every other + moment. He gazed intently, but with an expression of dazed + perplexity, at Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Suddenly he smiled + gravely, and nodding towards a carafe of water on the table, + muttered, <span class="tei tei-q">“A little drop!”</span> + Velchaninoff poured some into a glass, and held it for him to + drink.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel gulped a + couple of mouthfuls greedily—then suddenly raised his head and gazed + intently at Velchaninoff standing over him; he said nothing, however, + but finished the water. He then sighed deeply.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff took + his pillows and some of his clothing, and went into the next room, + locking Pavel Pavlovitch behind him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His pain had quite + disappeared, but he felt very weak after the strain of his late + exertion. Goodness knows whence came his strength for the trial; he + tried to think, but he could not collect his ideas, the shock had + been too great.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His eyes would + droop now and again, sometimes for ten minutes at a time; then he + would shudder, wake up, remember all that had passed and raise the + blood-stained rag bound about his hand to prove the reality of his + thoughts; then he would relapse into eager, feverish thought. One + thing was quite certain, Pavel Pavlovitch had intended to cut his + throat, though, perhaps, a quarter of an hour before the fatal moment + he had not known that he would make the attempt. Perhaps he had seen + the razor case last evening, and thought nothing of it, only + remembering the fact that it was there. The razors were usually + locked up, and only yesterday Velchaninoff had taken one out in order + to make himself neat for his visit to the country, and had omitted to + lock it up again.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“If he had premeditated murdering me, he would certainly + have provided himself with a knife or a pistol long ago; he could not + have relied on my razors, which he never saw until yesterday,”</span> + concluded Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last the clock + struck six. Velchaninoff arose, dressed himself, and went into Pavel + Pavlovitch's room. As he opened the door he wondered why he had ever + locked it, and why he had not allowed Pavel to go away at once.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To his surprise + the prisoner was dressed, he had doubtless found means to get his + hands loose. He was sitting in an arm-chair, but rose when + Velchaninoff entered. His hat was in his hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His anxious look + seemed to say as plain as words:—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't talk to me! It's no use talking—don't talk to + me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Go!”</span> said Velchaninoff. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Take your jewel-case!”</span> he added.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + turned back and seized his bracelet-case, stuffing it into his + pocket, and went out.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff stood + in the hall, waiting to shut the front door after him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Their looks met + for the last time. Pavel Pavlovitch stopped, and the two men gazed + into each others eyes for five seconds or so, as though in + indecision. At length Velchaninoff faintly waved him away with his + hand.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Go!”</span> he said, only half aloud, as he closed the + door and turned the key.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc263" id="toc263"></a> <a name="pdf64" id="pdf64"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XVI.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A feeling of + immense happiness took possession of Velchaninoff; something was + finished, and done with, and settled. Some huge anxiety was at an + end, so it seemed to him. This anxiety had lasted five weeks.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He raised his hand + and looked at the blood-stained rag bound about it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, yes!”</span> he thought, <span class="tei tei-q">“it + is, indeed, all over now.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And all this + morning—the first time for many a day, he did not even once think of + Liza; just as if the blood from those cut fingers had wiped out that + grief as well, and made him <span class="tei tei-q">“quits”</span> + with it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He quite realized + how terrible was the danger which he had passed through.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“For those people,”</span> he thought, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“who do not know a minute or two before-hand that they + are going to murder you, when they once get the knife into their + hands, and feel the first touch of warm blood—Good Heaven! they not + only cut your throat, they hack your head off afterwards—right + off!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff could + not sit at home, he <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">must</span></em> go out and let something happen + to him, and he walked about in hopes of something turning up; he + longed to <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">talk</span></em>, and it struck him that he + might fairly go to the doctor and talk to him, and have his hand + properly bound up.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The doctor + inquired how he hurt his hand, which made Velchaninoff laugh like + mad; he was on the point of telling all, but refrained. Several times + during the day he was on the point of telling others the whole story. + Once it was to a perfect stranger in a restaurant, with whom he had + begun to converse on his own initiative. Before this day he had hated + the very idea of speaking to strangers in the public restaurants.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He went into a + shop and ordered some new clothes, not with the idea of visiting the + Pogoryeltseffs however—the thought of any such visit was distasteful + to him; besides he could not leave town, he felt that he must stay + and see what was going to happen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff dined + and enjoyed his dinner, talking affably to his neighbour and to the + waiter as well. When evening fell he went home, his head was whirling + a little, and he felt slightly delirious; the first sight of his + rooms gave him quite a start. He walked round them and reflected. He + visited the kitchen, which he had hardly ever done before in his + life, and thought, <span class="tei tei-q">“This is where they heated + the plates last night.”</span> He locked the doors carefully, and lit + his candles earlier than usual. As he shut the door he remembered + that he had asked Mavra, as he passed the dvornik's lodging, whether + Pavel Pavlovitch had been. Just as if the latter could possibly have + been near the place!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having then + carefully locked himself in, he opened the little cupboard where his + razors were kept, and took out <span class="tei tei-q">“the”</span> + razor. There was still some of the blood on the bone handle. He put + the razor back again, and locked the cupboard.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He was sleepy; he + felt that he must go to sleep as speedily as possible, otherwise he + would be useless <span class="tei tei-q">“for to-morrow,”</span> and + to-morrow seemed to him for some reason or other to be about to be a + fateful day for him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But all those + thoughts which had crowded in upon him all day, and had never left + him for a moment, were still in full swing within his brain; he + thought, and thought, and thought, and could not fall asleep.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">If Pavel + Pavlovitch arrived at murdering point accidentally, had he ever + seriously thought of murder even for a single evil instant before? + Velchaninoff decided the question strangely enough: Pavel Pavlovitch + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">had</span></em> the desire to murder him, but + did not himself know of the existence of this desire.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It seems an absurd conclusion; but so it is!”</span> + thought Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + did not come to Petersburg to look out for a new appointment, nor did + he come for the sake of finding Bagantoff, in spite of his rage when + the latter died. No! he despised Bagantoff thoroughly. Pavel + Pavlovitch had come to St. Petersburg for <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">him</span></em>, and + had brought Liza with him, for him alone, Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Did <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> expect to have my throat + cut?”</span> Velchaninoff decided that he <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">had</span></em> + expected it, from the moment when he saw Pavel Pavlovitch in the + carriage following in Bagantoff's funeral procession. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“That is I expected something—of course, not exactly to + have my throat cut! And surely—surely, it was not all <span lang="la" + class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">bonâ fide</span></span> yesterday,”</span> he + reflected, raising his head from the pillow in the excitement of the + idea. <span class="tei tei-q">“<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Surely</span></em> it cannot have been all in + good faith that that fellow assured me of his love for me, beating + his breast, and with his under lip trembling, as he spoke!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes, it was absolutely <span lang="la" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="la"><span style="font-style: italic">bonâ + fide</span></span>!”</span> he decided. <span class="tei tei-q">“This + quasimodo of T—— was quite good enough and generous enough to fall in + love with his wife's lover—his wife in whom he never observed + 'anything' during the twenty years of their married life.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“He respected and loved me for nine years, and remembered + both me and my sayings. My goodness, to think of that! and I knew + nothing whatever of all this! Oh, no! he was not lying yesterday! But + did he love me <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">while</span></em> he declared his love for me, + and said that we must be <span class="tei tei-q">‘quits!’</span> Yes, + he did, he loved me spitefully—and spiteful love is sometimes the + strongest of all.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I daresay I made a colossal impression upon him down at + T——, for it is just upon such Schiller-like men that one is liable to + make a colossal impression. He exaggerated my value a thousand fold; + perhaps it was my <span class="tei tei-q">‘philosophical + retirement’</span> that struck him! It would be curious to discover + precisely what it was that made so great an impression upon him. Who + knows, it may have been that I wore a good pair of gloves, and knew + how to put them on. These quasimodo fellows love æstheticism to + distraction! Give them a start in the direction of admiration for + yourself, and they will do all the rest, and give you a thousand + times more than your due of every virtue that exists; will fight to + the death for you with pleasure, if you ask it of them. How high he + must have held my aptitude for illusionizing others; perhaps that has + struck him as much as anything else! for he remarked: <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘If <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">this</span></em> man deceived me, whom am I ever + to trust again!’</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“After such a cry as that a man may well turn wild + beast.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And he came here to 'embrace and weep over me,' as he + expressed it. H'm! that means he came to cut my throat, and + <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">thought</span></em> that he came to embrace and + weep over me. He brought Liza with him, too.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What if I <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">had</span></em> wept with him and embraced him? + Perhaps he really would have fully and entirely forgiven me—for he + was yearning to forgive me, I could see that! And all this turned to + drunkenness and bestiality at the first check. Yes, Pavel Pavlovitch, + the most deformed of all deformities is the abortion with noble + feelings. And this man was foolish enough to take me down to see his + <span class="tei tei-q">‘bride.’</span> My goodness! his bride! Only + such a lunatic of a fellow could ever have developed so wild an idea + as a <span class="tei tei-q">‘new existence’</span> to be inaugurated + by an alliance between himself and Nadia. But you are not to blame, + Pavel Pavlovitch, you are a deformity, and all your ideas and actions + and aspirations must of necessity be deformed. But deformity though + he be, why in the world was <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">my</span></em> sanction, <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">my</span></em> + blessing, as it were, necessary to his union with Miss Zachlebnikoff? + Perhaps he sincerely hoped that there, with so much sweet innocence + and charm around us, we should fall into each other's arms in some + leafy spot, and weep out our differences on each other's + shoulders?</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Was <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">murder</span></em> in his thoughts when I caught + him standing between our beds that first time, in the darkness? No. I + think not. And yet the first idea of it may have entered his soul as + he stood there—And if I had not left the razors out, probably nothing + would have happened. Surely that is so; for he avoided me for + weeks—he was <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">sorry</span></em> for me, and avoided me. He + chose Bagantoff to expend his wrath upon, first, not me! He jumped + out of bed and fussed over the hot plates, to divert his mind from + murder perhaps—from the knife to charity! Perhaps he tried to save + both himself and me by his hot plates!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So mused + Velchaninoff, his poor overwrought brain working on and on, and + jumping from conclusion to conclusion with the endless activity of + fever, until he fell asleep. Next morning he awoke with no less tired + brain and body, but with a new terror, an unexpected and novel + feeling of dread hanging over him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This dread + consisted in the fact that he felt that he, Velchaninoff, must go and + see Pavel Pavlovitch that very day; he knew not why he must go, but + he felt drawn to go, as though by some unseen force. The idea was too + loathsome to look into, so he left it to take care of itself as an + unalterable fact. The madness of it, however, was modified, and the + whole aspect of the thought became more reasonable, after a while, + when it took shape and resolved itself into a conviction in + Velchaninoff's mind that Pavel Pavlovitch had returned home, locked + himself up, and hung himself to the bedpost, as Maria Sisevna had + described of the wretched suicide witnessed by poor Liza.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why should the fool hang himself?”</span> he repeated + over and over again; yet the thought <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">would</span></em> + return that he was bound to hang himself, as Liza had said that he + threatened to do. Velchaninoff could not help adding that if he were + in Pavel Pavlovitch's place he would probably do the same.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So the end of it + was that instead of going out to his dinner, he set off for Pavel + Pavlovitch's lodging, <span class="tei tei-q">“just to ask Maria + Sisevna after him.”</span> But before he had reached the street he + paused and his face flushed up with shame. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Surely I am not going there to embrace and weep over + him! Surely I am not going to add this one last pitiful folly to the + long list of my late shameful actions!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">However, his good + providence saved him from this <span class="tei tei-q">“pitiful + folly,”</span> for he had hardly passed through the large gateway + into the street, when Alexander Loboff suddenly collided with him. + The young fellow was dashing along in a state of great + excitement.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I was just coming to you. Our friend Pavel Pavlovitch—a + nice sort of fellow he is——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Has he hung himself?”</span> gasped Velchaninoff.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hung himself? Who? Why?”</span> asked Loboff, with his + eyes starting out of his head.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! go on, I meant nothing!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Tfu! What a funny line your thoughts seem to take. He + hasn't hung himself a bit—why in the world should he?—on the + contrary, he's gone away. I've just seen him off! My goodness, how + that fellow can drink! We had three bottles of wine. Predposiloff was + there too—but how the fellow drinks! Good heavens! he was singing in + the carriage when the train went off! He thought of you, and kissed + his hand to you, and sent his love. He's a scamp, that fellow, + eh?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Young Loboff had + apparently had quite his share of the three bottles, his face was + flushed and his utterance thick. Velchaninoff roared with + laughter.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So you ended up by weeping over each others shoulders, + did you? Ha-ha-ha! Oh, you poetical, Schiller-ish, funny fellows, + you!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Don't scold us. You must know he went down <em class= + "tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">there</span></em> + yesterday and to-day, and he has withdrawn. He <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘sneaked’</span> like anything about Nadia and me. + They've shut her up. There was such a row, but we wouldn't give + way—and, my word, how the fellow drinks! He was always talking about + you; but, of course, he is no companion for you. You are, more or + less, a respectable sort of man, and must have belonged to society at + some time of your life, though you seem to have retired into private + life just now. Is it poverty, or what? I couldn't make head or tail + of Pavel Pavlovitch's story.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh! Then it was he who gave you those interesting + details about me?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes; don't be cross about it. It's better to be a + citizen than <span class="tei tei-q">‘a swell’</span> any-day! The + thing is one does not know whom to respect in Russia nowadays! Don't + you think it a diseased feature of the times, in Russia, that one + doesn't know whom to respect?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Quite so, quite so. Well, go on about Pavel + Pavlovitch——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, he sat down in the railway carriage and began + singing, then he cried a bit. It was really disgusting to see the + fellow. I hate fools! Then he began to throw money to beggars + <span class="tei tei-q">‘for the repose of Liza's soul,’</span> he + said. Is that his wife?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Daughter.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What's the matter with your hand?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I cut it.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“H'm! Never mind, cheer up! It'll be all right soon! I am + glad that fellow has gone, you know,—confound him! But I bet anything + he'll marry as soon as he arrives at his place.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, what of that? You are going to marry, + too!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I! That's quite a different affair! What a funny man you + are! Why, if <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> are fifty, he must be sixty! + Well, ta-ta! Glad I met you—can't come in—don't ask me—no + time!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He started off at + a run, but turned a minute after and came back.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What a fool I am!”</span> he cried, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I forgot all about it—he sent you a letter. Here it is. + How was it you didn't see him off? Ta-ta!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + returned home and opened the letter, which was sealed and addressed + to himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was not a + syllable inside in Pavel Pavlovitch's own hand writing; but he drew + out another letter, and knew the writing at once. It was an old, + faded, yellow-looking sheet of paper, and the ink was faint and + discoloured; the letter was addressed to Velchaninoff, and written + ten years before—a couple of months after his departure from T——. He + had never received a copy of this one, but another letter, which he + well remembered, had evidently been written and sent instead of it; + he could tell that by the substance of the faded document in his + hand. In this present letter Natalia Vasilievna bade farewell to him + for ever (as she had done in the other communication), and informed + him that she expected her confinement in a few months. She added, for + his consolation, that she would find an opportunity of purveying his + child to him in good time, and pointed out that their friendship was + now cemented for ever. She begged him to love her no longer, because + she could no longer return his love, but authorized him to pay a + visit to T—— after a year's absence, in order to see the child. + Goodness only knows why she had not sent this letter, but had changed + it for another!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff was + deadly pale when he read this document; but he imagined Pavel + Pavlovitch finding it in the family box of black wood with + mother-of-pearl ornamentation and silver mounting, and reading it for + the first time!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I should think he, too, grew as pale as a + corpse,”</span> he reflected, catching sight of his own face in the + looking-glass. <span class="tei tei-q">“Perhaps he read it and then + closed his eyes and hoped and prayed that when he opened them again + the dreadful letter would be nothing but a sheet of white paper once + more! Perhaps the poor fellow tried this desperate expedient two or + three times before he accepted the truth!”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc265" id="toc265"></a> <a name="pdf66" id="pdf66"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER XVII.</span></h1> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"> + <span style="font-size: 144%">THE PERMANENT HUSBAND.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Two years have + elapsed since the events recorded in the foregoing chapters, and we + find our friend Velchaninoff, one lovely summer day, seated in a + railway carriage on his way to Odessa; he was making the journey for + the purpose of seeing a great friend, and of being introduced to a + lady whose acquaintance he had long wished to make.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Without entering + into any details, we may remark that Velchaninoff was entirely + changed during these last two years. He was no longer the miserable, + fanciful hypochondriac of those dark days. He had returned to society + and to his friends, who gladly forgave him his temporary relapse into + seclusion. Even those whom he had ceased to bow to, when met, were + now among the first to extend the hand of friendship once more, and + asked no questions—just as though he had been abroad on private + business, which was no affair of theirs.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">His success in the + legal matters of which we have heard, and the fact of having his + sixty thousand roubles safe at his bankers—enough to keep him all his + life—was the elixir which brought him back to health and spirits. His + premature wrinkles departed, his eyes grew brighter, and his + complexion better; he became more active and vigorous—in fact, as he + sat thinking in a comfortable first-class carriage, he looked a very + different man from the Velchaninoff of two years ago.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The next station + to be reached was that at which passengers were expected to dine, + forty minutes being allowed for this purpose.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It so happened + that Velchaninoff, while seated at the dinner table, was able to do a + service to a lady who was also dining there. This lady was young and + nice looking, though rather too flashily dressed, and was accompanied + by a young officer who unfortunately was scarcely in a befitting + condition for ladies' society, having refreshed himself at the bar to + an unnecessary extent. This young man succeeded in quarrelling with + another person equally unfit for ladies' society, and a brawl ensued, + which threatened to land both parties upon the table in close + proximity to the lady. Velchaninoff interfered, and removed the + brawlers to a safe distance, to the great and almost boundless + gratitude of the alarmed lady, who hailed him as her <span class= + "tei tei-q">“guardian angel.”</span> Velchaninoff was interested in + the young woman, who looked like a respectable provincial lady—of + provincial manners and taste, as her dress and gestures showed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A conversation was + opened, and the lady immediately commenced to lament that her husband + was <span class="tei tei-q">“never by when he was wanted,”</span> and + that he had now gone and hidden himself somewhere just because he + happened to be required.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Poor fellow, he'll catch it for this,”</span> thought + Velchaninoff. <span class="tei tei-q">“If you will tell me your + husband's name,”</span> he added aloud, <span class="tei tei-q">“I + will find him, with pleasure.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pavel Pavlovitch,”</span> hiccupped the young + officer.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Your husband's name is Pavel Pavlovitch, is it?”</span> + inquired Velchaninoff with curiosity, and at the same moment a + familiar bald head was interposed between the lady and himself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here you are <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">at last</span></em>,”</span> cried the wife, + hysterically.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was indeed + Pavel Pavlovitch.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He gazed in + amazement and dread at Velchaninoff, falling back before him just as + though he saw a ghost. So great was his consternation, that for some + time it was clear that he did not understand a single word of what + his wife was telling him—which was that Velchaninoff had acted as her + guardian angel, and that he (Pavel) ought to be ashamed of himself + for never being at hand when he was wanted.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At last Pavel + Pavlovitch shuddered, and woke up to consciousness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + suddenly burst out laughing. <span class="tei tei-q">“Why, we are old + friends”</span>—he cried, <span class="tei tei-q">“friends from + childhood!”</span> He clapped his hand familiarly and encouragingly + on Pavel's shoulder. Pavel smiled wanly. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Hasn't he ever spoken to you of + Velchaninoff?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, never,”</span> said the wife, a little confused.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then introduce me to your wife, you faithless + friend!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This—this is Mr. Velchaninoff!”</span> muttered Pavel + Pavlovitch, looking the picture of confusion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">All went + swimmingly after this. Pavel Pavlovitch was despatched to cater for + the party, while his lady informed Velchaninoff that they were on + their way from O——, where Pavel Pavlovitch served, to their country + place—a lovely house, she said, some twenty-five miles away. There + they hoped to receive a party of friends, and if Mr. Velchaninoff + would be so very kind as to take pity on their rustic home, and + honour it with a visit, she should do her best to show her gratitude + to the guardian angel who, etc., etc. Velchaninoff replied that he + would be delighted; and that he was an idle man, and always + free—adding a compliment or two which caused the fair lady to blush + with delight, and to tell Pavel Pavlovitch, who now returned from his + quest, that Alexey Ivanovitch had been so kind as to promise to pay + them a visit next week, and stay a whole month.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch, + to the amazed wrath of his wife, smiled a sickly smile, and said + nothing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After dinner the + party bade farewell to Velchaninoff, and returned to their carriage, + while the latter walked up and down the platform smoking his cigar; + he knew that Pavel Pavlovitch would return to talk to him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So it turned out. + Pavel came up with an expression of the most anxious and harassed + misery. Velchaninoff smiled, took his arm, led him to a seat, and sat + down beside him. He did not say anything, for he was anxious that + Pavel should make the first move.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So you are coming to us?”</span> murmured the latter at + last, plunging <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang= + "la"><span style="font-style: italic">in medias + res</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“I knew you'd begin like that! you haven't changed an + atom!”</span> cried Velchaninoff, roaring with laughter, and slapping + him confidentially on the back. <span class="tei tei-q">“Surely, you + don't really suppose that I ever had the smallest intention of + visiting you—and staying a month too!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + gave a start.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then you're <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></em> coming?”</span> he cried, + without an attempt to hide his joy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, no! of course not!”</span> replied Velchaninoff, + laughing. He did not know why, but all this was exquisitely droll to + him; and the further it went the funnier it seemed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Really—are you really serious?”</span> cried Pavel, + jumping up.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes; I tell you, I won't come—not for the + world!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But what will my wife say now? She thinks you intend to + come!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, tell her I've broken my leg—or anything you + like!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She won't believe!”</span> said Pavel, looking + anxious.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ha-ha-ha! You catch it at home, I see! Tell me, who is + that young officer?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Oh, a distant relative of mine—an unfortunate young + fellow——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pavel Pavlovitch!”</span> cried a voice from the + carriage, <span class="tei tei-q">“the second bell has + rung!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel was about to + move off—Velchaninoff stopped him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Shall I go and tell your wife how you tried to cut my + throat?”</span> he said.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“What are you thinking of—God forbid!”</span> cried + Pavel, in a terrible fright.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Well, go along, then!”</span> said the other, loosing + his hold of Pavel's shoulder.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then—then—you won't come, will you?”</span> said Pavel + once more, timidly and despairingly, and clasping his hands in + entreaty.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No—I won't—I swear!—run away—you'll be late!”</span> He + put out his hand mechanically, then recollected himself, and + shuddered. Pavel did not take the proffered hand, he withdrew his + own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The third bell + rang.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">An instantaneous + but total change seemed to have come over both. Something snapped + within Velchaninoff's heart—so it seemed to him, and he who had been + roaring with laughter a moment before, seized Pavel Pavlovitch + angrily by the shoulder.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“If I—<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> offer you my hand, sir”</span> (he + showed the scar on the palm of his left hand)—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“if <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">I</span></em> can offer you my hand, sir, I + should think <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style= + "font-style: italic">you</span></em> might accept it!”</span> he + hissed with white and trembling lips.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel Pavlovitch + grew deadly white also, his lips quivered and a convulsion seemed to + run through his features:</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“And—Liza?”</span> he whispered quickly. Suddenly his + whole face worked, and tears started to his eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff stood + like a log before him.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Pavel Pavlovitch! Pavel Pavlovitch!”</span> shrieked the + voice from the carriage, in despairing accents, as though some one + were being murdered.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pavel roused + himself and started to run. At that moment the engine whistled, and + the train moved off. Pavel Pavlovitch just managed to cling on, and + so climb into his carriage, as it moved out of the station.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Velchaninoff + waited for another train, and then continued his journey to + Odessa.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.20em"><br /> + <br /> + <span style="font-size: 120%">THE END.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb"> + <hr style="width: 50%" /> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">PRINTED BY CHAS. STRAKER + AND SONS, LONDON AND REDHILL.</p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-tb"> + <hr style="width: 50%" /> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style= + "font-size: 144%">Masterpieces of Modern French Fiction.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">MADEMOISELLE DE + MAUPIN.</span></span> By <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Theophile Gautier</span></span>. With 17 + High-class Etchings. Price 10s. 6d., elegantly bound.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">The goldenbook + of spirit and sense, the Holy Writ of beauty.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">A. C. Swinburne</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">RENEE + MAUPERIN.</span></span> By <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Edmond</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Jules de + Goncourt</span></span>. With Page Illustrations by <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">James + Tissot</span></span>. Price 6s., handsomely bound.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">One of the most + pathetic romances of our day. Running through almost the whole gamut + of human passion, it has the alternatives of sunshine and shade that + exist in real life.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Morning Post.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">GERMINIE + LACERTEUX.</span></span> By <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Edmond</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Jules de + Goncourt</span></span>. Illustrated with Highly-finished Etchings. + Price 6s., handsomely bound.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">For myself, I + can say that I could not lay the book down for a moment until I had + finished it.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—Letters + on Books in</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Truth</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">.</span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">A LOVE + CRIME.</span></span> By <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Paul Bourget</span></span>. Price 3s. 6d. + Uniform with <span class="tei tei-q">“A Cruel Enigma.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Who could take + up such books, by the way admirably translated, and not be simply and + absolutely spell-bound?</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Truth.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">A CRUEL + ENIGMA.</span></span> By <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Paul Bourget</span></span>. In tasteful + binding. Price 3s. 6d.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">M. Bourget's + most remarkable work,</span> <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">A Cruel + Enigma,</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">has placed him above all + competitors.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Athenæum.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">FANNY.</span></span> By + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Ernest Feydeau</span></span>. A Famous + French Novel. In tasteful binding. Price 3s. 6d.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">MY UNCLE + BARBASSOU.</span></span> By <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Mario Uchard</span></span>. With 40 + charming Etchings by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Paul Avril</span></span>. Price 15s.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">THE BOHEMIANS OF THE + LATIN QUARTER</span></span> (Scenes de la Vie de Bohéme). By + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Henri + Murger</span></span>. In demy 8vo. Illustrated with 10 full-page + Etchings by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">C. Courtry</span></span> from designs by + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Montader</span></span>. Price 7s. 6d.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Illustrations + and text are equally charming.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Scotsman.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">THE EMOTIONS OF POLYDORE + MARASQUIN.</span></span> By <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Leon Gozlan</span></span>. With upwards of + 100 Illustrations. Price 3s. 6d.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">There is a deep + fund of genuine humour and brilliant imagination in M. Gozlan's + book.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Morning + Post.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">MADAME BOVARY: Provincial + Manners.</span></span> By <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Gustave Flaubert</span></span>. + Illustrated with Etchings by French Artists. Price 6s., elegantly + bound.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“ </span><span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Madame + Bovary</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">grips your very vitals with an + invincible power, like some scene you have really witnessed, some + event which is actually happening before your + eyes.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Emile + Zola.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">SALAMBO.</span></span> By + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Gustave Flaubert</span></span>. With Six + Etchings by Pierre Vidal and a Portrait of the Author from a Drawing + by Flaubert's Niece. Price 6s.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">The Translator + has thoroughly understood the original, and has succeeded in putting + it into good English. The type, paper, and material execution of the + volume, inside and out, leave nothing to be + desired.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Westminster + Review.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">PAPA, MAMMA, and + BABY.</span></span> By <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Gustave Droz</span></span>. Illustrated + with 16 page Engravings. Price 3/6, attractively bound.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">The exquisite + lightness, brightness, and daintiness of M. Droz's + pencil.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Truth.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">The lover who + is a husband and the wife who is in love with the man she has married + have never before been so attractively + portrayed.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Pictorial + World.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-weight: 700">SAPPHO: Parisian + Manners.</span></span> By <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Alphonse Daudet</span></span>. With 32 + highly-finished page Engravings, cloth gilt, price 3/6.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">The book is + full of appalling realism. The characters painted by the author are + singularly striking, vivid, and as true to nature as they are + powerfully drawn</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Daily Telegraph.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.44em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb"> + <hr style="width: 50%" /> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style= + "font-size: 144%">Mr. GEO. MOORE'S REALISTIC NOVELS.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">Second Edition. Price 3s. + 6d.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">A MERE ACCIDENT: A + Realistic Story.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">The</span> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">‘</span><span style="font-size: 90%">Mere + Accident</span><span style="font-size: 90%">’</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">is treated with a power and pathos which + only serve to enhance the painfulness of the + affair.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Times.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sixth Edition, with a + Frontispiece, 3s. 6d.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">A DRAMA IN MUSLIN.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">The hideous + comedy of the marriage market has been a stock topic with novelists + from Thackeray downwards; but Mr. Moore goes deep into the yet more + hideous tragedy which forms its afterpiece.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Pall Mall Gazette.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eleventh and Cheaper + Edition, 2s.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">A MUMMER'S WIFE.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">A striking + book, different in tone from current English fiction. The woman's + character is a very powerful study.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Athenæum.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">Fourth Edition, 2s.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">A MODERN LOVER.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"></p> + + <div class="block tei tei-quote" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span class="tei tei-q"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">“</span><span style="font-size: 90%">It would be + difficult to praise too highly the strength, truth, delicacy and + pathos of the incident of Gwynne Lloyd, and the admirable treatment + of the great sacrifice she makes. The incident is depicted with skill + and beauty.</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">”</span></span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">—</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Spectator.</span></span> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.44em"></p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb"> + <hr style="width: 50%" /> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style= + "font-size: 144%">THE BOULEVARD NOVELS.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pictures of Paris Morals + and Manners.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">In small 8vo, + attractively bound, price 2s. 6d. each.</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-weight: 700">NANA'S DAUGHTER.</span></span> By <span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">A. Sirven</span></span> and + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">H. Leverdier</span></span>. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-weight: 700">THE YOUNG GUARD.</span></span> By <span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Vast-Ricouard</span></span>. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-weight: 700">THE WOMAN OF FIRE.</span></span> By + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Adolphe Belot</span></span>. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-weight: 700">ODETTE'S MARRIAGE.</span></span> By + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Alphonse Delpit</span></span>. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-weight: 700">THE VIRGIN WIDOW.</span></span> By + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">A. Matthey</span></span>. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-weight: 700">SEALED LIPS.</span></span> By <span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">F. du Boisgobey</span></span>. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-weight: 700">A LADIES' MAN.</span></span> By <span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Guy de Maupassant</span></span>. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-weight: 700">A WOMAN'S LIFE.</span></span> By <span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">Guy de Maupassant</span></span>. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-weight: 700">A MYSTERY STILL.</span></span> By <span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-variant: small-caps">F. du Boisgobey</span></span>. + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-back" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + <div id="footnotes" class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc67" id="toc67"></a> <a name="pdf68" id="pdf68"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Footnotes</span></h1> + + <dl class="tei tei-list-footnotes"> + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_1" name="note_1" href= + "#noteref_1">1.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The present + value of a rouble is about two shillings.</p> + </dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_2" name="note_2" href= + "#noteref_2">2.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Short for + Alexander and Nadejda.</p> + </dd> + </dl> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div id="pgfooter" class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <pre class="pre tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK UNCLE'S DREAM; AND THE PERMANENT HUSBAND*** +</pre> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + <a name="rightpageheader69" id="rightpageheader69"></a><a name= + "pgtoc70" id="pgtoc70"></a><a name="pdf71" id="pdf71"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Credits</span></h1> + + <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <th class="tei tei-label tei-label-gloss">December 6, + 2011 </th> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="tei tei-item tei-item-gloss"> + <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" + style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item">Project Gutenberg TEI + edition 1</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><span class= + "tei tei-respStmt"><span class= + "tei tei-resp">Produced by <span class= + "tei tei-name">Hunter Monroe</span> and the + <span class="tei tei-name">Online Distributed + Proofreading Team</span> at + <http://www.pgdp.net/>. (This book was + produced from scanned images of public domain + material from the Google Print + project.)</span></span></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + <a name="rightpageheader72" id="rightpageheader72"></a><a name= + "pgtoc73" id="pgtoc73"></a><a name="pdf74" id="pdf74"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">A Word from Project + Gutenberg</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This file + should be named 38241-h.html or 38241-h.zip.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This and all + associated files of various formats will be found in: <a href= + "http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/3/8/2/4/38241/" class= + "block tei tei-xref" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> + <span style= + "font-size: 90%">http://www.gutenberg.org</span><span style= + "font-size: 90%">/dirs/3/8/2/4/38241/</span></a></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Updated + editions will replace the previous one — the old editions will be + renamed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">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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