"Oh，no！"exclaimedSmolin，wardingofftheoldman'swordswithaneasywaveofthehand。"Whywrongothers？WhatrighthaveItodoso？MyaimistoraisetheimportanceandpriceofRussianleatherabroad，andsoequippedwiththeknowledgeastothemanufacture，Iambuildingamodelfactory，andfillthemarketswithmodelgoods。Thecommercialhonourofthecountry！"
"Doesitrequiremuchcapital，didyousay？"askedMayakin，thoughtfully。
"Aboutthreehundredthousand。"
"Fatherwon'tgivemesuchadowry，"thoughtLubov。
"Myfactorywillalsoturnoutleathergoods，suchastrunks，foot-wear，harnesses，strapsandsoforth。"
"Andofwhatpercent，areyoudreaming？"
"Iamnotdreaming，IamcalculatingwithalltheexactnesspossibleunderconditionsinRussia，"saidSmolin，impressively。
"Themanufacturershouldbeasstrictlypracticalasthemechanicwhoiscreatingamachine。Thefrictionofthetiniestscrewmustbetakenintoconsideration，ifyouwishtodoaseriousthingseriously。IcanletyoureadalittlenotewhichIhavedrawnup，baseduponmypersonalstudyofcattle-breedingandoftheconsumptionofmeatinRussia。"
"How'sthat！"laughedMayakin。"Bringmethatnote，it'sinteresting！ItseemsyoudidnotspendyourtimefornothinginWesternEurope。Andnow，let'seatsomething，aftertheRussianfashion。"
"Howareyoupassingthetime，LubovYakovlevna？"askedSmolin，arminghimselfwithknifeandfork。
"Sheisratherlonesomeherewithme，"repliedMayakinforhisdaughter。"Myhousekeeper，allthehouseholdisonhershoulders，soshehasnotimetoamuseherself。"
"Andnoplace，Imustadd，"saidLubov。"Iamnotfondoftheballsandentertainmentsgivenbythemerchants。"
"Andthetheatre？"askedSmolin。
"Iseldomgothere。Ihavenoonetogowith。"
"Thetheatre！"exclaimedtheoldman。"Tellme，pray，whyhasitbecomethefashionthentorepresentthemerchantasasavageidiot？Itisveryamusing，butitisincomprehensible，becauseitisfalse！AmIafool，ifIammasterintheCityCouncil，masterincommerce，andalsoownerofthatsametheatre？Youlookatthemerchantonthestageandyousee——heisn'tlife-life！Ofcourse，whentheypresentsomethinghistorical，suchas：'LifefortheCzar，'withsonganddance，or'Hamlet，''TheSorceress，'or'Vasilisa，'truthfulreproductionisnotrequired，becausethey'remattersofthepastanddon'tconcernus。Whethertrueornot，itmatterslittlesolongasthey'regood，butwhenyourepresentmoderntimes，thendon'tlie！Andshowthemanashereallyis。"
Smolinlistenedtotheoldman'swordswithacovetoussmileonhislips，andcastatLubovglanceswhichseemedtoinvitehertorefuteherfather。Somewhatembarrassed，shesaid：
"Andyet，papa，themajorityofthemerchantclassisuneducatedandsavage。"
"Yes，"remarkedSmolinwithregret，noddinghisheadaffirmatively，"thatisthesadtruth。"
"TakeFoma，forinstance，"wentonthegirl。
"0h！"exclaimedMayakin。"Well，youareyoungfolks，youcanhavebooksinyourhands。"
"Anddoyounottakeinterestinanyofthesocieties？"SmolinaskedLubov。"Youhavesomanydifferentsocietieshere。"
"Yes，"saidLubovwithasigh，"butIliveratherapartfromeverything。"
"Housekeeping！"interposedthefather。"Wehaveheresuchastoreofdifferentthings，everythinghastobekeptclean，inorder，andcompleteastonumber。"
Withaself-satisfiedairhenoddedfirstatthetable，whichwassetwithbrilliantcrystalandsilverware，andthenatthesideboard，whoseshelveswerefairlybreakingundertheweightofthearticles，andwhichremindedoneofthedisplayinastorewindow。Smolinnotedalltheseandanironicalsmilebegantoplayuponhislips。ThenheglancedatLubov'sface：inhislookshecaughtsomethingfriendly，sympathetictoher。Afaintflushcoveredhercheeks，andshesaidtoherselfwithtimidjoy：
"ThankGod！"
Thelightoftheheavybronzelampnowseemedtoflashmorebrilliantlyonthesidesofthecrystalvases，anditbecamebrighterintheroom。
"Ilikeourdearoldtown！"saidSmolin，lookingatthegirlwithakindlysmile，"itissobeautiful，sovigorous；thereischeerfulnessaboutitthatinspiresonetowork。Itsverypicturesquenessissomewhatstimulating。Initonefeelslikeleadingadashinglife。Onefeelslikeworkingmuchandseriously。Andthen，itisanintelligenttown。Justseewhatapracticalnewspaperispublishedhere。Bytheway，weintendtopurchaseit。"
"WhomdoyoumeanbyYou？"askedMayakin。
"I，Urvantzov，Shchukin——"
"That'spraiseworthy！"saidtheoldman，rappingthetablewithhishand。"That'sverypractical！Itistimetostoptheirmouths，itwashightimelongago！ParticularlythatYozhov；he'slikeasharp-toothedsaw。Justputthethumb-screwonhim！Anddoitwell！"
SmolinagaincastatLubovasmilingglance，andherhearttrembledwithjoyoncemore。Withflushingfaceshesaidtoherfather，inwardlyaddressingherselftothebridegroom：
"AsfarasIcanunderstand，AfricanDmitreivich，hewishestobuythenewspapernotatallforthesakeofstoppingitsmouthasyousay。"
"Whatthencanbedonewithit？"askedtheoldman，shrugginghisshoulders。"There'snothinginitbutemptytalkandagitation。
Ofcourse，ifthepracticalpeople，themerchantsthemselves，taketowritingforit——"
"Thepublicationofanewspaper，"beganSmolin，instructively，interruptingtheoldman，"lookedatmerelyfromthecommercialpointofview，maybeaveryprofitableenterprise。Butasidefromthis，anewspaperhasanothermoreimportantaim——thatis，toprotecttherightoftheindividualandtheinterestsofindustryandcommerce。"
"That'sjustwhatIsay，ifthemerchanthimselfwillmanagethenewspaper，thenitwillbeuseful。"
"Excuseme，papa，"saidLubov。
ShebegantofeeltheneedofexpressingherselfbeforeSmolin；
shewantedtoassurehimthatsheunderstoodthemeaningofhiswords，thatshewasnotanordinarymerchant-daughter，interestedindressesandballsonly。Smolinpleasedher。Thiswasthefirsttimeshehadseenamerchantwhohadlivedabroadforalongtime，whoreasonedsoimpressively，whoborehimselfsoproperly，whowassowelldressed，andwhospoketoherfather，thecleverestmanintown，withthecondescendingtoneofanadulttowardsaminor。
"AftertheweddingI'llpersuadehimtotakemeabroad，"thoughtLubov，suddenly，and，confusedatthisthoughtsheforgotwhatshewasabouttosaytoherfather。Blushingdeeply，shewassilentforafewseconds，seizedwithfearlestSmolinmightinterpretthissilenceinawayunflatteringtoher。
"Onaccountofyourconversation，youhaveforgottentooffersomewinetoourguest，"shesaidatlast，afterafewsecondsofpainfulsilence。
"That'syourbusiness。Youarehostess，"retortedtheoldman。
"0h，don'tdisturbyourself！"exclaimedSmolin，withanimation。
"Ihardlydrinkatall。"
"Really？"askedMayakin。
"Iassureyou！SometimesIdrinkawineglassortwoincaseoffatigueorillness。Buttodrinkwineforpleasure'ssakeisincomprehensibletome。Thereareotherpleasuresmoreworthyofamanofculture。"
"Youmeanladies，Isuppose？"askedtheoldmanwithawink。
Smolin'scheeksandneckbecameredwiththecolourwhichleapedtohisface。WithapologeticeyesheglancedatLubov，andsaidtoherfatherdrily：
"Imeanthetheatre，books，music。"
Lubovbecameradiantwithjoyathiswords。
Theoldmanlookedaskanceattheworthyyoungman，smiledkeenlyandsuddenlyblurtedout：
"Eh，lifeisgoingonward！Formerlythedogusedtorelishacrust，nowthepugdogfindsthecreamtoothin；pardonmeformysourremark，butitisverymuchtothepoint。Itdoesnotexactlyrefertoyourself，butingeneral。"
LubovturnedpaleandlookedatSmolinwithfright。Hewascalm，scrutinisinganancientsaltbox，decoratedwithenamel；hetwistedhismoustacheandlookedasthoughhehadnotheardtheoldman'swords。Buthiseyesgrewdarker，andhislipswerecompressedverytightly，andhisclean-shavenchinobstinatelyprojectedforward。
"Andso，myfutureleadingmanufacturer，"saidMayakin，asthoughnothinghadhappened，"threehundredthousandroubles，andyourbusinesswillflashuplikeafire？"
"AndwithinayearandahalfIshallsendoutthefirstlotofgoods，whichwillbeeagerlysoughtfor，"saidSmolin，simply，withunshakableconfidence，andheeyedtheoldmanwithacoldandfirmlook。
"Sobeit；thefirmofSmolinandMayakin，andthat'sall？So。
Onlyitseemsratherlateformetostartanewbusiness，doesn'tit？Ipresumethegravehaslongbeenpreparedforme；whatdoyouthinkofit？"
InsteadofananswerSmolinburstintoarich，butindifferentandcoldlaughter，andthensaid：
"Oh，don'tsaythat。"
Theoldmanshudderedathislaughter，andstartedbackwithfright，withascarcelyperceptiblemovementofhisbody。AfterSmolin'swordsallthreemaintainedsilenceforaboutaminute。
"Yes，"saidMayakin，withoutliftinghishead，whichwasbentlow。"Itisnecessarytothinkofthat。Imustthinkofit。"
Then，raisinghishead，hecloselyscrutinisedhisdaughterandthebridegroom，and，risingfromhischair，hesaidsternlyandbrusquely："Iamgoingawayforawhiletomylittlecabinet。Yousurelywon'tfeellonesomewithoutme。"
Andhewentoutwithbentbackanddroopinghead，heavilyscrapingwithhisfeet。
Theyoungpeople，thusleftalone，exchangedafewemptyphrases，and，evidentlyconsciousthattheseonlyhelpedtoremovethemfurtherfromeachother，theymaintainedapainful，awkwardandexpectantsilence。Takinganorange，Lubovbegantopeelitwithexaggeratedattention，whileSmolin，loweringhiseyes，examinedhismoustaches，whichhecarefullystrokedwithhislefthand，toyedwithaknifeandsuddenlyaskedthegirlinaloweredvoice：
"Pardonmeformyindiscretion。Itisevidentlyreallydifficultforyou，LubovYakovlevna，tolivewithyourfather。He'samanwithold-fashionedviewsand，pardonme，he'sratherhard-
hearted！"
Lubovshuddered，and，castingatthered-headedmanagratefullook，said：
"Itisn'teasy，butIhavegrownaccustomedtoit。Healsohashisgoodqualities。"
"Oh，undoubtedly！Buttoyouwhoaresoyoung，beautifulandeducated，toyouwithyourviews……Yousee，Ihaveheardsomethingaboutyou。"
Hesmiledsokindlyandsympathetically，andhisvoicewassosoft，abreathofsoul-cheeringwarmthfilledtheroom。Andintheheartofthegirlthereblazedupmoreandmorebrightlythetimidhopeoffindinghappiness，ofbeingfreedfromtheclosecaptivityofsolitude。
CHAPTERXII
ADENSE，grayishfoglayovertheriver，andasteamer，nowandthenutteringadullwhistle，wasslowlyforgingupagainstthecurrent。Dampandcoldclouds，ofamonotonepallor，envelopedthesteamerfromallsidesanddrownedallsounds，dissolvingthemintheirtroubleddampness。Thebrazenroaringofthesignalscameoutinamuffled，melancholydrone，andwasoddlybriefasitburstforthfromthewhistle。Thesoundseemedtofindnoplaceforitselfintheair，whichwassoakedwithheavydampness，andfelldownward，wetandchoked。Andthesplashingofthesteamer'swheelssoundedsofantasticallydullthatitseemedasthoughitwerenotbegottennearby，atthesidesofthevessel，butsomewhereinthedepth，onthedarkbottomoftheriver。Fromthesteameronecouldseeneitherthewater，northeshore，northesky；aleaden-graygloominessenwrappeditonallsides；devoidofshadings，painfullymonotonous，thegloominesswasmotionless，itoppressedthesteamerwithimmeasurableweight，slackeneditsmovementsandseemedasthoughpreparingitselftoswallowitevenasitwasswallowingthesounds。Inspiteofthedullblowsofthepaddlesuponthewaterandthemeasuredshakingofthebodyofthevessel，itseemedthatthesteamerwaspainfullystrugglingononespot，suffocatinginagony，hissinglikeafairytalemonsterbreathinghislast，howlinginthepangsofdeath，howlingwithpain，andinthefearofdeath。
Lifelesswerethesteamerlights。Aboutthelanternonthemastayellowmotionlessspothadformed；devoidoflustre，ithunginthefogoverthesteamer，illuminatingnothingsavethegraymist。Theredstarboardlightlookedlikeahugeeyecrushedoutbysomeone'scruelfist，blinded，overflowingwithblood。Paleraysoflightfellfromthesteamer'swindowsintothefog，andonlytinteditscold，cheerlessdominionoverthevessel，whichwaspressedonallsidesbythemotionlessmassofstiflingdampness。
Thesmokefromthefunnelfelldownwards，and，togetherwithfragmentsofthefog，penetratedintoallthecracksofthedeck，wherethethird-classpassengersweresilentlymufflingthemselvesintheirrags，andforminggroups，likesheep。Fromnearthemachinerywerewafteddeep，strainedgroans，thejinglingofbells，thedullsoundsofordersandtheabruptwordsofthemachinist：
"Yes——slow！Yes——halfspeed！"
Onthestern，inacorner，blockedupbybarrelsofsaltedfish，agroupofpeoplewasassembled，illuminatedbyasmallelectriclamp。Thoseweresedate，neatlyandwarmlycladpeasants。Oneofthemlayonabench，facedown；anothersatathisfeet，stillanotherstood，leaninghisbackagainstabarrel，whiletwoothersseatedthemselvesflatonthedeck。Theirfaces，pensiveandattentive，wereturnedtowardaround-shoulderedmaninashortcassock，turnedyellow，andatornfurcap。Thatmansatonsomeboxeswithhisbackbent，andstaringathisfeet，spokeinalow，confidentvoice：
"TherewillcomeanendtothelongforbearanceoftheLord，andthenHiswrathwillburstforthuponmen。WearelikewormsbeforeHim，andhowarewethentowardoffHiswrath，withwhatwailingshallweappealtoHismercy？"
Oppressedbyhisgloominess，Fomahadcomedownonthedeckfromhiscabin，and，forsometime，hadbeenstandingintheshadowofsomewarescoveredwithtarpaulin，andlistenedtotheadmonitiveandgentlevoiceofthepreacher。Pacingthedeckhehadchanceduponthisgroup，andattractedbythefigureofthepilgrim，hadpausednearit。Therewassomethingfamiliartohiminthatlarge，strongbody，inthatstern，darkface，inthoselarge，calmeyes。Thecurly，grayishhair，fallingfromundertheskull-
cap，theunkemptbushybeard，whichfellapartinthicklocks，thelong，hookednose，thesharp-pointedears，thethicklips——
Fomahadseenallthesebefore，butcouldnotrecallwhenandwhere。
"Yes，weareverymuchinarrearsbeforetheLord！"remarkedoneofthepeasants，heavingadeepsigh。
"Wemustpray，"whisperedthepeasantwholayonthebench，inascarcelyaudiblevoice。
"Canyouscrapeyoursinfulwretchednessoffyoursoulwithwordsofprayer？"exclaimedsomeoneloudly，almostwithdespairinhisvoice。
Nooneofthosethatformedthegrouparoundthepilgrimturnedatthisvoice，onlytheirheadssanklowerontheirbreasts，andforalongtimethesepeoplesatmotionlessandspeechless：
Thepilgrimmeasuredhisaudiencewithaseriousandmeditativeglanceofhisblueeyes，andsaidsoftly：
"EphraimtheSyriansaid：'Makethysoulthecentralpointofthythoughtsandstrengthenthyselfwiththydesiretobefreefromsin。
Andagainheloweredhishead，slowlyfingeringthebeadsoftherosary。
"Thatmeanswemustthink，"saidoneofthepeasants；"butwhenhasamantimetothinkduringhislifeonearth？"
"Confusionisallaroundus。"
"Wemustfleetothedesert，"saidthepeasantwholayonthebench。
"Noteverybodycanaffordit。"
Thepeasantsspoke，andbecamesilentagain。Ashrillwhistleresounded，alittlebellbegantojingleatthemachine。
Someone'sloudexclamationrangout：
"Eh，there！Tothewater-measuringpoles。"
"0hLord！0hQueenofHeaven！"——adeepsighwasheard。
Andadull，half-chokedvoiceshouted：
"Nine！nine！"
Fragmentsofthefogburstforthuponthedeckandfloatedoveritlikecold，graysmoke。
"Here，kindpeople，giveearuntothewordsofKingDavid，"saidthepilgrim，andshakinghishead，begantoreaddistinctly：
"'Leadme，OhLord，inthyrighteousnessbecauseofmineenemies；
makethywaystraightbeforemyface。Forthereisnofaithfulnessintheirmouths；theirinwardpartisverywickedness；theirthroatisanopensepulchre；theyflatterwiththeirtongue。Destroythouthem，0hGod；letthemfallbytheirowncounsels。'"
"Eight！seven！"Likemoanstheseexclamationsresoundedinthedistance。
Thesteamerbegantohissangrily，andslackeneditsspeed。Thenoiseofthehissingofthesteamdeafenedthepilgrim'swords，andFomasawonlythemovementofhislips。
"Getoff！"aloud，angryshoutwasheard。"It'smyplace！"
"Yours？"
"Hereyouhaveyours！"
"I'llrapyouonthejaw；thenyou'llfindyourplace。Whatalord！"
"Getaway！"
Anuproarensued。Thepeasantswhowerelisteningtothepilgrimturnedtheirheadstowardthedirectionwheretherowwasgoingon，andthepilgrimheavedasighandbecamesilent。Nearthemachinealoudandlivelydisputeblazedupasthoughdrybranches，thrownuponadyingbonfire，hadcaughttheflame。
"I'llgiveittoyou，devils！Getaway，bothofyou。"
"Takethemawaytothecaptain。"
"Ha！ha！ha！That'safinesettlementforyou！"
"Thatwasagoodraphegavehimontheneck！"
"Thesailorsareacleverlot。"
"Eight！nine！"shoutedthemanwiththemeasuringpole。
"Yes，increasespeed！"cametheloudexclamationoftheengineer。
Swayingbecauseofthemotionofthesteamer，Fomastoodleaningagainstthetarpaulin，andattentivelylistenedtoeachandeverysoundabouthim。Andeverythingwasblendedintoonepicture，whichwasfamiliartohim。Throughfoganduncertainty，surroundedonallsidesbygloomimpenetrabletotheeye，lifeofmanismovingsomewhereslowlyandheavily。Andmenaregrievedovertheirsins，theysighheavily，andthenfightforawarmplace，andaskingeachotherforthesakeofpossessingtheplace，theyalsoreceiveblowsfromthosewhostrivefororderinlife。Theytimidlysearchforafreeroadtowardthegoal。
"Nine！eight！"
Thewailingcryissoftlywaftedoverthevessel。"Andtheholyprayerofthepilgrimisdeafenedbythetumultoflife。Andthereisnorelieffromsorrow，thereisnojoyforhimwhoreflectsonhisfate。"
Fomafeltlikespeakingtothispilgrim，inwhosesoftlyutteredwordsthererangsincerefearofGod，andallmanneroffearformenbeforeHiscountenance。Thekind，admonitivevoiceofthepilgrimpossessedapeculiarpower，whichcompelledFomatolistentoitsdeeptones。
"I'dliketoaskhimwherehelives，"thoughtFoma，fixedlyscrutinizingthehugestoopingfigure。"AndwherehaveIseenhimbefore？Ordoesheresemblesomeacquaintanceofmine？"
SuddenlyitsomehowstruckFomawithparticularvividnessthatthehumblepreacherbeforehimwasnootherthanthesonofoldAnanyShchurov。Stunnedbythisconjecture，hewalkeduptothepilgrimandseatinghimselfbyhisside，inquiredfreely：
"AreyoufromIrgiz，father？"
Thepilgrimraisedhishead，turnedhisfacetowardFomaslowlyandheavily，scrutinizedhimandsaidinacalmandgentlevoice：
"IwasontheIrgiz，too。"
"Areyouanativeofthatplace？"
"Areyounowcomingfromthere？"
"No，IamcomingfromSaintStephen。"
Theconversationbrokeoff。FomalackedthecouragetoaskthepilgrimwhetherhewasnotShchurov。
"We'llbelateonaccountofthefog，"saidsomeone。
"Howcanwehelpbeinglate！"
Allweresilent，lookingatFoma。Young，handsome，neatlyandrichlydressed，hearousedthecuriosityofthebystandersbyhissuddenappearanceamongthem；hewasconsciousofthiscuriosity，heunderstoodthattheywereallwaitingforhiswords，thattheywantedtounderstandwhyhehadcometothem，andallthisconfusedandangeredhim。
"ItseemstomethatI'vemetyoubeforesomewhere，father，"saidheatlength。
Thepilgrimreplied，withoutlookingathim：
"Perhaps。"
"Iwouldliketospeaktoyou，"announcedFoma，timidly，inalowvoice。
"Well，then，speak。"
"Comewithme。"
"Whither？"
"Tomycabin。"
ThepilgrimlookedintoFoma'sface，and，afteramoment'ssilence，assented：
"Come。"
Onleaving，Fomafeltthelooksofthepeasantsonhisback，andnowhewaspleasedtoknowthattheywereinterestedinhim。
Inthecabinheaskedgently：
"Wouldyouperhapseatsomething？Tellme。Iwillorderit。"
"Godforbid。Whatdoyouwish？"
Thisman，dirtyandragged，inacassockturnedredwithage，andcoveredwithpatches，surveyedthecabinwithasqueamishlook，andwhenheseatedhimselfontheplush-coveredlounge，heturnedtheskirtofthecassockasthoughafraidtosoilitbytheplush。
"Whatisyourname，father？"askedFoma，noticingtheexpressionofsqueamishnessonthepilgrim'sface。
"Miron。"
"NotMikhail？"
"WhyMikhail？"askedthepilgrim。
"TherewasinourtownthesonofacertainmerchantShchurov，healsowentofftotheIrgiz。AndhisnamewasMikhail。"
FomaspokeandfixedlylookedatFatherMiron；butthelatterwasascalmasadeaf-mute——
"Inevermetsuchaman。Idon'tremember，Inevermethim，"saidhe，thoughtfully。"Soyouwishedtoinquireabouthim？"
"Yes。"
"No，InevermetMikhailShchurov。Well，pardonmeforChrist'ssake！"andrisingfromthelounge，thepilgrimbowedtoFomaandwenttowardthedoor。
"Butwaitawhile，sitdown，let'stalkalittle！"exclaimedFoma，rushingathimuneasily。Thepilgrimlookedathimsearchinglyandsankdownonthelounge。Fromthedistancecameadullsound，likeadeepgroan，andimmediatelyafteritthesignalwhistleofthesteamerdrawledoutasinafrightenedmanneroverFoma'sandhisguest'sheads。Fromthedistancecameamoredistantreply，andthewhistleoverheadagaingaveoutabrupt，timoroussounds。
Fomaopenedthewindow。Throughthefog，notfarfromtheirsteamer，somethingwasmovingalongwithdeepnoise；specksoffantasticlightsfloatedby，thefogwasagitatedandagainsankintodeadimmobility。
"Howterrible！"exclaimedFoma，shuttingthewindow。
"Whatistheretobeafraidof？"askedthepilgrim。"Yousee！Itisneitherdaynornight，neitherdarknessnorlight！Wecanseenothing，wearesailingweknownotwhither，wearestrayingontheriver。"
"Haveinwardfirewithinyou，havelightwithinyoursoul，andyoushallseeeverything，"saidthepilgrim，sternlyandinstructively。
Fomawasdispleasedwiththesecoldwordsandlookedatthepilgrimaskance。Thelattersatwithdroopinghead，motionless，asthoughpetrifiedinthoughtandprayer。Thebeadsofhisrosaryweresoftlyrustlinginhishands。
Thepilgrim'sattitudegavebirthtoeasycourageinFoma'sbreast，andhesaid：
"Tellme，FatherMiron，isitgoodtolive，havingfullfreedom，withoutwork，withoutrelatives，awanderer，likeyourself？"
FatherMironraisedhisheadandsoftlyburstintothecaressinglaughterofachild。Allhisface，tannedfromwindandsunburn，brightenedupwithinwardjoy，wasradiantwithtranquiljoy；hetouchedFoma'skneewithhishandandsaidinasinceretone：
"Castasidefromyouallthatisworldly，forthereisnosweetnessinit。Iamtellingyoutherightword——turnawayfromevil。Doyourememberitissaid：
'Blessedisthemanthatwalkethnotinthecounseloftheungodly，norstandethinthewayofsinners。'Turnaway，refreshyoursoulwithsolitudeandfillyourselfwiththethoughtofGod。ForonlybythethoughtofHimcanmansavehissoulfromprofanation。"
"Thatisn'tthething！"saidFoma。"Ihavenoneedofworkingoutmysalvation。HaveIsinnedsomuch？Lookatothers。WhatIwouldlikeistocomprehendthings。"
"Andyouwillcomprehendifyouturnawayfromtheworld。Goforthuponthefreeroad，onthefields，onthesteppes，ontheplains，onthemountains。Goforthandlookattheworldfromafar，fromyourfreedom。"
"That'sright！"criedFoma。"That'sjustwhatIthink。Onecanseebetterfromtheside！"
AndMiron，payingnoattentiontohiswords，spokesoftly，asthoughofsomegreatmystery，knownonlytohim，thepilgrim：
"ThethickslumberingforestsaroundyouwillstarttorustleinsweetvoicesaboutthewisdomoftheLord；God'slittlebirdswillsingbeforeyouofHisholyglory，andthegrassesofthesteppewillburnincensetotheHolyVirgin。"
Thepilgrim'svoicenowroseandquiveredfromexcessofemotion，nowsanktoamysteriouswhisper。Heseemedasthoughgrownyounger；hiseyesbeamedsoconfidentlyandclearly，andallhisfacewasradiantwiththehappysmileofamanwhohasfoundexpressionforhisjoyandwasdelightedwhilehepoureditforth。
"TheheartofGodthrobsineachandeverybladeofgrass；eachandeveryinsectoftheairandoftheearth，breathesHisholyspirit。God，theLord，JesusChrist，liveseverywhere！Whatbeautythereisonearth，inthefieldsandintheforests！HaveyoueverbeenontheKerzhenz？Anincomparablesilencereignstheresupreme，thetrees，thegrasstherearelikethoseofparadise。"
Fomalistened，andhisimagination，captivatedbythequiet，charmingnarrative，picturedtohimthosewidefieldsanddenseforests，fullofbeautyandsoul-pacifyingsilence。
"Youlookatthesky，asyourestsomewhereunderalittlebush，andtheskyseemstodescenduponyouasthoughlongingtoembraceyou。Yoursouliswarm，filledwithtranquiljoy，youdesirenothing，youenvynothing。AnditactuallyseemstoyouthatthereisnooneonearthsaveyouandGod。"
Thepilgrimspoke，andhisvoiceandsing-songspeechremindedFomaofthewonderfulfairy-talesofAuntAnfisa。Hefeltasthough，afteralongjourneyonahotday，hedranktheclear，coldwaterofaforestbrook，waterthathadthefragranceofthegrassesandtheflowersithasbathed。Evenwiderandwidergrewthepicturesastheyunfoldeduponhim；hereisapaththroughthethick，slumberingforest；thefinesunbeamspenetratethroughthebranchesofthetrees，andquiverintheairandunderthefeetofthewanderer。Thereisasavouryodouroffungianddecayingfoliage；thehoneyedfragranceoftheflowers，theintenseodourofthepine-treeinvisiblyriseintheairandpenetratethebreastinawarm，richstream。Allissilence：onlythebirdsaresinging，andthesilenceissowonderfulthatitseemsasthougheventhebirdsweresinginginyourbreast。Yougo，withouthaste，andyourlifegoesonlikeadream。Whilehereeverythingisenvelopedinagray，deadfog，andwearefoolishlystrugglingaboutinit，yearningforfreedomandlight。Therebelowtheyhavestartedtosingsomethinginscarcelyaudiblevoices；itwashalfsong，halfprayer。Againsomeoneisshouting，scolding。Andstilltheyseektheway：
"Sevenandahalf。Seven！"
"Andyouhavenocare，"spokethepilgrim，andhisvoicemurmuredlikeabrook。"Anybodywillgiveyouacrustofbread；andwhatelsedoyouneedinyourfreedom？Intheworld，caresfalluponthesoullikefetters。"
"Youspeakwell，"saidFomawithasigh。
"Mydearbrother！"exclaimedthepilgrim，softly，movingstillclosertowardhim。"Sincethesoulhasawakened，sinceityearnstowardfreedom，donotlullittosleepbyforce；hearkentoitsvoice。Theworldwithitscharmshasnobeautyandholinesswhatever，wherefore，then，obeyitslaws？InJohnChrysostomitissaid：'Therealshechinahisman！'ShechinahisaHebrewwordanditmeanstheholyofholies。Consequently——"
Aprolongedshrillsoundofthewhistledrownedhisvoice。Helistened，rosequicklyfromtheloungeandsaid：
"Wearenearingtheharbour。That'swhatthewhistlemeant。I
mustbeoff！Well，goodbye，brother！MayGodgiveyoustrengthandfirmnesstoactaccordingtothewillofyoursoul！Goodbye，mydearboy！"
HemadealowbowtoFoma。Therewassomethingfeminine，caressingandsoftinhisfarewellwordsandbow。Fomaalsobowedlowtohim，bowedandremainedasthoughpetrified，standingwithdroopinghead，hishandleaningagainstthetable。
"Cometoseemewhenyouareintown，"heaskedthepilgrim，whowashastilyturningthehandleofthecabindoor。
"Iwill！Iwillcome！Goodbye！Christsaveyou！"
Whenthesteamer'ssidetouchedthewharfFomacameoutonthedeckandbegantolookdownwardintothefog。Fromthesteamerpeoplewerewalkingdownthegang-planks，butFomacouldnotdiscernthepilgrimamongthosedarkfiguresenvelopedinthedensegloom。Allthosethatleftthesteamerlookedequallyindistinct，andtheyallquicklydisappearedfromsight，asthoughtheyhadmeltedinthegraydampness。Onecouldseeneithertheshorenoranythingelsesolid；thelandingbridgerockedfromthecommotioncausedbythesteamer；aboveittheyellowspotofthelanternwasswaying；thenoiseofthefootstepsandthebustleofthepeopleweredull。
Thesteamerputoffandslowlymovedalongintotheclouds。Thepilgrim，theharbour，theturmoilofpeople'svoices——allsuddenlydisappearedlikeadream，andagainthereremainedonlythedensegloomandthesteamerheavilyturningaboutinit。Fomastaredbeforehimintothedeadseaoffogandthoughtoftheblue，cloudlessandcaressinglywarmsky——wherewasit？
Onthenextday，aboutnoon，hesatInYozhov'ssmallroomandlistenedtothelocalnewsfromthemouthofhisfriend。Yozhovhadclimbedonthetable，whichwaspiledwithnewspapers，and，swinginghisfeet，narrated：
"Theelectioncampaignhasbegun。Themerchantsareputtingyourgodfatherupasmayor——thatolddevil！Likethedevil，heisimmortal，althoughhemustbeupwardsofahundredandfiftyyearsoldalready。HemarrieshisdaughtertoSmolin。Yourememberthatred-headedfellow。Theysaythatheisadecentman，butnowadaystheyevencallcleverscoundrelsdecentmen，becausetherearenomen。NowAfricashkaplaystheenlightenedman；hehasalreadymanagedtogetintointelligentsociety，donatedsomethingtosomeenterpriseoranotherandthusatoncecametothefront。Judgingfromhisface，heisasharperofthehighestdegree，buthewillplayaprominentpart，forheknowshowtoadapthimself。Yes，friend，Africashkaisaliberal。Andaliberalmerchantisamixtureofawolfandapigwithatoadandasnake。"
"Thedeviltakethemall！"saidFoma，wavinghishandindifferently。"WhathaveItodowiththem？Howaboutyourself——
doyoustillkeepondrinking？"
"Ido！Whyshouldn'tIdrink？"
Half-cladanddishevelled，Yozhovlookedlikeapluckedbird，whichhadjusthadafightandhadnotyetrecoveredfromtheexcitementoftheconflict。
"Idrinkbecause，fromtimetotime，Imustquenchthefireofmywoundedheart。Andyou，youdampstump，youaresmoulderinglittlebylittle？"
"Ihavetogototheoldman，"saidFoma，wrinklinghisface。
"Chanceit！"
"Idon'tfeellikegoing。He'llstarttolectureme。"
"Thendon'tgo！"
"ButImust。"
"Thengo！"
"Whydoyoualwaysplaythebuffoon？"saidFoma，withdispleasure，"asthoughyouwereindeedmerry。"
"ByGod，Ifeelmerry！"exclaimedYozhov，jumpingdownfromthetable。"WhatafineroastingIgaveacertaingentlemaninthepaperyesterday！Andthen——I'veheardacleveranecdote：A
companywassittingonthesea-shorephilosophizingatlengthuponlife。AndaJewsaidtothem：'Gentlemen，whydoyouemploysomanydifferentwords？I'lltellittoyouallatonce：Ourlifeisnotworthasinglecopeck，evenasthisstormysea！'"
"Eh，thedeviltakeyou！"saidFoma。"Good-bye。Iamgoing。"
"Goahead！Iaminafineframeofmindto-dayandIwillnotmoanwithyou。Allthemoresoconsideringyoudon'tmoan，butgrunt。"
Fomawentaway，leavingYozhovsingingatthetopofhisvoice：
"Beatthedrumandfearnot。"
"Drum？Youareadrumyourself；"thoughtFoma，withirritation，asheslowlycameoutonthestreet。
AttheMayakinshewasmetbyLuba。Agitatedandanimated，shesuddenlyappearedbeforehim，speakingquickly：
"You？MyGod！Howpaleyouare！Howthinyou'vegrown！Itseemsyouhavebeenleadingafinelife。"
Thenherfacebecamedistortedwithalarmandsheexclaimedalmostinawhisper：
"Ah，Foma。Youdon'tknow。Doyouhear？Someoneisringingthebell。Perhapsitishe。"
Andsherushedoutoftheroom，leavingbehindherintheairtherustleofhersilkgown，andtheastonishedFoma，whohadnotevenhadachancetoaskherwhereherfatherwas。YakovTarasovichwasathome。Attiredinhisholidayclothes，inalongfrockcoatwithmedalsonhisbreast，hestoodonthethresholdwithhishandsoutstretched，clutchingatthedoorposts。HisgreenlittleeyesexaminedFoma，and，feelingtheirlookuponhim，Fomaraisedhisheadandmetthem。
"Howdoyoudo，myfinegentleman？"saidtheoldman，shakinghisheadreproachfully。"Wherehasitpleasedyoutocomefrom，mayI
ask？Whohassuckedoffthatfatofyours？Orisittruethatapiglooksforapuddle，andFomaforaplacewhichisworse？"
"Haveyounootherwordsforme？"askedFoma，sternly，lookingstraightintotheoldman'sface。Andsuddenlyhenoticedthathisgodfathershuddered，hislegstrembled，hiseyesbegantoblinkrepeatedly，andhishandsclutchedthedoorpostswithaneffort。Fomaadvancedtowardhim，presumingthattheoldmanwasfeelingill，butYakovTarasovichsaidinadullandangryvoice：
"Standaside。Getoutoftheway。"
Andhisfaceassumeditsusualexpression。
Fomasteppedbackandfoundhimselfsidebysidewitharathershort，stoutman，whobowedtoMayakin，andsaidinahoarsevoice：
"Howdoyoudo，papa？"
"Howareyou，TarasYakovlich，howareyou？"saidtheoldman，bowing，smilingdistractedly，andstillclingingtothedoorposts。
Fomasteppedasideinconfusion，seatedhimselfinanarmchair，and，petrifiedwithcuriosity，wide-eyed，begantowatchthemeetingoffatherandson。
Thefather，standinginthedoorway，swayedhisfeeblebody，leaninghishandsagainstthedoorposts，and，withhisheadbentononesideandeyeshalfshut，staredathissoninsilence。Thesonstoodaboutthreestepsawayfromhim；hisheadalreadygray，wasliftedhigh；heknittedhisbrowandgazedathisfatherwithlargedarkeyes。Hissmall，black，pointedbeardandhissmallmoustachequiveredonhismeagreface，withitsgristlynose，likethatofhisfather。Andthehat，also，quiveredinhishand。
FrombehindhisshoulderFomasawthepale，frightenedandjoyousfaceofLuba——shelookedatherfatherwithbeseechingeyesanditseemedshewasonthepointofcryingout。Forafewmomentsallweresilentandmotionless，crushedastheywerebytheimmensityoftheiremotions。Thesilencewasbrokenbythelow，butdullandquiveringvoiceofYakovTarasovich：
"Youhavegrownold，Taras。"
Thesonlaughedinhisfather'sfacesilently，and，withaswiftglance，surveyedhimfromheadtofoot。
Thefathertearinghishandsfromthedoorposts，madeasteptowardhissonandsuddenlystoppedshortwithafrown。ThenTarasMayakin，withonehugestep，cameuptohisfatherandgavehimhishand。
"Well，letuskisseachother，"suggestedthefather，softly。
Thetwooldmenconvulsivelyclaspedeachotherintheirarms，exchangedwarmkissesandthensteppedapart。Thewrinklesoftheoldermanquivered，theleanfaceoftheyoungerwasimmobile，almoststern。Thekisseshadchangednothingintheexternalsideofthisscene，onlyLubovburstintoasobofjoy，andFomaawkwardlymovedaboutinhisseat，feelingasthoughhisbreathwerefailinghim。
"Eh，children，youarewoundstotheheart——youarenotitsjoy，"
complainedYakovTarasovichinaringingvoice，andheevidentlyinvestedagreatdealinthesewords，forimmediatelyafterhehadpronouncedthemhebecameradiant，morecourageous，andhesaidbriskly，addressinghimselftohisdaughter：
"Well，haveyoumeltedwithjoy？Youhadbettergoandpreparesomethingforus——teaandsoforth。We'llentertaintheprodigalson。Youmusthaveforgotten，mylittleoldman，whatsortofamanyourfatheris？"
TarasMayakinscrutinizedhisparentwithameditativelookofhislargeeyesandhesmiled，speechless，cladinblack，whereforethegrayhaironhisheadandinhisbeardtoldmorestrikingly。
"Well，beseated。Tellme——howhaveyoulived，whathaveyoudone？Whatareyoulookingat？Ah！That'smygodson。IgnatGordyeeff'sson，Foma。DoyourememberIgnat？"
"Iremembereverything，"saidTaras。
"Oh！That'sgood，ifyouarenotbragging。Well，areyoumarried？"
"Iamawidower。"
"Haveyouanychildren？"
"Theydied。Ihadtwo。"
"That'sapity。Iwouldhavehadgrandchildren。"
"MayIsmoke？"askedTaras。
"Goahead。Justlookathim，you'resmokingcigars。"
"Don'tyoulikethem？"
"I？Comeon，it'sallthesametome。Isaythatitlooksratheraristocratictosmokecigars。"
"Andwhyshouldweconsiderourselveslowerthanthearistocrats？"saidTaras，laughing。
"Do，Iconsiderourselveslower？"exclaimedtheoldman。"I
merelysaiditbecauseitlookedridiculoustome，suchasedateoldfellow，withbeardtrimmedinforeignfashion，cigarinhismouth。Whoishe？Myson——he-he-he！"theoldmantappedTarasontheshoulderandsprangawayfromhim，asthoughfrightenedlesthewererejoicingtoosoon，lestthatmightnotbetheproperwaytotreatthathalfgrayman。Andhelookedsearchinglyandsuspiciouslyintohisson'slargeeyes，whichweresurroundedbyyellowishswellings。
Tarassmiledinhisfather'sfaceanaffableandwarmsmile，andsaidtohimthoughtfully：
"That'sthewayIrememberyou——cheerfulandlively。Itlooksasthoughyouhadnotchangedabitduringalltheseyears。"
Theoldmanstraightenedhimselfproudly，and，strikinghisbreastwithhisfist，said：
"Ishallneverchange，becauselifehasnopoweroverhimwhoknowshisownvalue。Isn'tthatso？"
"Oh！Howproudyouare！"
"Imusthavetakenaftermyson，"saidtheoldmanwithacunninggrimace。"Doyouknow，dear，mysonwassilentforseventeenyearsoutofpride。"
"That'sbecausehisfatherwouldnotlistentohim，"Tarasremindedhim。
"It'sallrightnow。Nevermindthepast。OnlyGodknowswhichofusistoblame。He，theuprightone，He'lltellittoyou——wait！
Ishallkeepsilence。Thisisnotthetimeforustodiscussthatmatter。Youbettertellme——whathaveyoubeendoingalltheseyears？Howdidyoucometothatsodafactory？Howhaveyoumadeyourway？"
"That'salongstory，"saidTaraswithasigh；andemittingfromhismouthagreatpuffofsmoke，hebeganslowly："WhenI
acquiredthepossibilitytoliveatliberty，IenteredtheofficeofthesuperintendentofthegoldminesoftheRemezovs。"
"Iknow；they'reveryrich。Threebrothers。Iknowthemall。Oneisacripple，theotherafool，andthethirdamiser。Goon！"
"Iservedunderhimfortwoyears。AndthenImarriedhisdaughter，"narratedMayakininahoarsevoice。
"Thesuperintendent's？Thatwasn'tfoolishatall。"Tarasbecamethoughtfulandwassilentawhile。Theoldmanlookedathissadfaceandunderstoodhisson。
"Andsoyoulivedwithyourwifehappily，"hesaid。"Well，whatcanyoudo？Tothedeadbelongsparadise，andthelivingmustliveon。Youarenotsoveryoldasyet。Haveyoubeenawidowerlong？"
"Thisisthethirdyear。"
"So？Andhowdidyouchanceuponthesodafactory？"
"Thatbelongstomyfather-in-law。"
"Aha！Whatisyoursalary？"
"Aboutfivethousand。"
"Mm。That'snotastalecrust。Yes，that'sagalleyslaveforyou！"
Tarasglancedathisfatherwithafirmlookandaskedhimdrily：
"Bytheway，whatmakesyouthinkthatIwasaconvict？"
Theoldmanglancedathissonwithastonishment，whichwasquicklychangedintojoy：
"Ah！Whatthen？Youwerenot？Thedeviltakethem！Then——howwasit？Don'ttakeoffence！HowcouldIknow？TheysaidyouwereinSiberia！Well，andtherearethegalleys！"
"Tomakeanendofthisonceforall，"saidTaras，seriouslyandimpressively，clappinghishandonhisknee，"I'lltellyourightnowhowitallhappened。IwasbanishedtoSiberiatosettlethereforsixyears，and，duringallthetimeofmyexile，I
livedintheminingregionoftheLena。InMoscowIwasimprisonedforaboutninemonths。That'sall！"
"So-o！Butwhatdoesitmean？"mutteredYakovTarasovich，withconfusionandjoy。
"Andheretheycirculatedthatabsurdrumour。"
"That'sright——itisabsurdindeed！"saidtheoldman，distressed。
"Anditdidaprettygreatdealofharmonacertainoccasion。"
"Really？Isthatpossible？"
"Yes。Iwasabouttogointobusinessformyself，andmycreditwasruinedonaccountof——"
"Pshaw！"saidYakovTarasovich，ashespatangrily。"Oh，devil！
Come，come，isthatpossible？"
Fomasatallthistimeinhiscorner，listeningtotheconversationbetweentheMayakins，and，blinkingperplexedly，hefixedlyexaminedthenewcomer。RecallingLubov'sbearingtowardherbrother，andinfluenced，toacertaindegree，byherstoriesaboutTaras，heexpectedtoseeinhimsomethingunusual，somethingunliketheordinarypeople。HehadthoughtthatTaraswouldspeakinsomepeculiarway，woulddressinamannerpeculiartohimself；andingeneralhewouldbeunlikeotherpeople。Whilebeforehimsatasedate，stoutman，faultlesslydressed，withsterneyes，verymuchlikehisfatherinface，andtheonlydifferencebetweenthemwasthatthesonhadacigarinhismouthandablackbeard。Hespokebrieflyinabusiness-likewayofeverydaythings——wherewas，then，thatpeculiarsomethingabouthim？Nowhebegantotellhisfatheroftheprofitsinthemanufactureofsoda。Hehadnotbeenagalleyslave——Lubovhadlied！AndFomawasverymuchpleasedwhenhepicturedtohimselfhowhewouldspeaktoLubovaboutherbrother。
Nowandthensheappearedinthedoorwayduringtheconversationbetweenherfatherandherbrother。Herfacewasradiantwithhappiness，andhereyesbeamedwithjoyasshelookedattheblackfigureofTaras，cladinsuchapeculiarlythickfrockcoat，withpocketsonthesidesandwithbigbuttons。Shewalkedontiptoe，andsomehowalwaysstretchedhernecktowardherbrother。Fomalookedatherquestioningly，butshedidnotnoticehim，constantlyrunningbackandforthpastthedoor，withplatesandbottlesinherhands。
Itsohappenedthatsheglancedintotheroomjustwhenherbrotherwastellingherfatheraboutthegalleys。Shestoppedasthoughpetrified，holdingatrayinheroutstretchedhandsandlistenedtoeverythingherbrothersaidaboutthepunishmentinflicteduponhim。Shelistened，andslowlywalkedaway，withoutcatchingFoma'sastonishedandsarcasticglance。AbsorbedinhisreflectionsonTaras，slightlyoffendedbythelackofattentionshownhim，andbythefactthatsincethehandshakeattheintroductionTarashadnotgivenhimasingleglance，FomaceasedforawhiletofollowtheconversationoftheMayakins，andsuddenlyhefeltthatsomeoneseizedhimbytheshoulder。Hetrembledandsprangtohisfeet，almostfellinghisgodfather，whostoodbeforehimwithexcitedface：
"There——look！Thatisaman！That'swhataMayakinis！Theyhaveseventimesboiledhiminlye；theyhavesqueezedoiloutofhim，andyethelives！Understand？Withoutanyaid——alone——hemadehiswayandfoundhisplaceand——heisproud！ThatmeansMayakin！A
Mayakinmeansamanwhoholdshisfateinhisownhands。Doyouunderstand？Takealessonfromhim！Lookathim！Youcannotfindanotherlikehiminahundred；you'dhavetolookforoneinathousand。What？Justbearthisinmind：YoucannotforgeaMayakinfrommanintoeitherdevilorangel。"
Stupefiedbythistempestuousshock，Fomabecameconfusedanddidnotknowwhattosayinreplytotheoldman'snoisysongofpraise。HesawthatTaras，calmlysmokinghiscigar，waslookingathisfather，andthatthecornersofhislipswerequiveringwithasmile。Hisfacelookedcondescendinglycontented，andallhisfiguresomewhataristocraticandhaughty。Heseemedtobeamusedbytheoldman'sjoy。
AndYakovTarasovichtappedFomaonthechestwithhisfingerandsaid：
"Idonotknowhim，myownson。Hehasnotopenedhissoultome。
Itmaybethatsuchadifferencehadgrownupbetweenusthatnotonlyaneagle，butthedevilhimselfcannotcrossit。Perhapshisbloodhasoverboiled；thatthereisnoteventhescentofthefather'sbloodinit。ButheisaMayakin！AndIcanfeelitatonce！Ifeelitandsay：'TodaythouforgivestThyservant，0hLord！'"
Theoldmanwastremblingwiththefeverofhisexultation，andfairlyhoppedashestoodbeforeFoma。
"Calmyourself，father！"saidTaras，slowlyrisingfromhischairandwalkinguptohisfather。"Whyconfusetheyoungman？Come，letussitdown。"
HegaveFomaafleetingsmile，and，takinghisfatherbythearm，ledhimtowardthetable。
"Ibelieveinblood，"saidYakovTarasovich；"inhereditaryblood。Thereinliesallpower！Myfather，Iremember，toldme：
'Yashka，youaremygenuineblood！'There。ThebloodoftheMayakinsisthick——itistransferredfromfathertofatherandnowomancaneverweakenit。Letusdrinksomechampagne！Shallwe？
Verywell，then！Tellmemore——tellmeaboutyourself。HowisitthereinSiberia？"
Andagain，asthoughfrightenedandsoberedbysomethought，theoldmanfixedhissearchingeyesuponthefaceofhisson。Andafewminuteslaterthecircumstantialbutbriefrepliesofhissonagainarousedinhimanoisyjoy。Fomakeptonlisteningandwatching，ashesatquietlyinhiscorner。
"Goldmining，ofcourse，isasolidbusiness，"saidTaras，calmly，withimportance，"butitisaratherriskyoperationandonerequiringalargecapital。Theearthsaysnotawordaboutwhatitcontainswithinit。Itisveryprofitabletodealwithforeigners。Dealingswiththem，underanycircumstances，yieldanenormouspercentage。Thatisaperfectlyinfallibleenterprise。
Butawearyone，itmustbeadmitted。Itdoesnotrequiremuchbrains；thereisnoroominitforanextraordinaryman；amanwithgreatenterprisingpowercannotdevelopinit。"
Luboventeredandinvitedthemallintothedining-room。WhentheMayakinssteppedoutFomaimperceptiblytuggedLubovbythesleeve，andsheremainedwithhimalone，inquiringhastily：
"Whatisit？"
"Nothing，"saidFoma，withasmile。"Iwanttoaskyouwhetheryouareglad？"
"OfcourseIam！"exclaimedLubov。
"Andwhatabout？"
"Thatis，whatdoyoumean？"
"Justso。Whatabout？"
"You'requeer！"saidLubov，lookingathimwithastonishment。
"Can'tyousee？"
"What？"askedFoma，sarcastically。
"What'sthetroublewithyou？"saidLubov，lookingathimuneasily。
"Eh，you！"drawledoutFoma，withcontemptuouspity。"Canyourfather，canthemerchantclassbegetanythinggood？Canyouexpectaradishtobringforthraspberries？Andyouliedtome。
Tarasisthis，Tarasisthat。Whatisinhim？Amerchant，liketheothermerchants，andhispaunchisalsothatoftherealmerchant。He-he！"Hewassatisfied，seeingthatthegirl，confusedbyhiswords，wasbitingherlips，nowflushing，nowturningpale。
"You——you，Foma，"shebegan，inachokingvoice，andsuddenlystampingherfoot，shecried：
"Don'tyoudaretospeaktome！"
Onreachingthethresholdoftheroom，sheturnedherangryfacetohim，andejaculatedinalowvoice，emphatically：
"Oh，youmaliciousman！"
Fomaburstintolaughter。Hedidnotfeellikegoingtothetable，wherethreehappypeoplewereengagedinalivelyconversation。Heheardtheirmerryvoices，theircontentedlaughter，therattleofthedishes，andheunderstoodthat，withthatburdenonhisheart，therewasnoplaceforhimbesidethem。
Norwasthereaplaceforhimanywhere。Ifallpeopleonlyhatedhim，evenasLubovhatedhimnow，hewouldfeelmoreateaseintheirmidst，hethought。Thenhewouldknowhowtobehavewiththem，wouldfindsomethingtosaytothem。Whilenowhecouldnotunderstandwhethertheywerepityinghimorwhethertheywerelaughingathim，becausehehadlosthiswayandcouldnotconformhimselftoanything。Ashestoodawhilealoneinthemiddleoftheroom，heunconsciouslyresolvedtoleavethishousewherepeoplewererejoicingandwherehewassuperfluous。Onreachingthestreet，hefelthimselfoffendedbytheMayakins。
Afterall，theyweretheonlypeopleneartohimintheworld。
Beforehimarosehisgodfather'sface，onwhichthewrinklesquiveredwithagitation，andilluminatedbythemerryglitterofhisgreeneyes，seemedtobeamwithphosphoriclight。
"Evenarottentrunkofatreestandsoutinthedark！"reflectedFoma，savagely。ThenherecalledthecalmandseriousfaceofTarasandbesideitthefigureofLubovbowingherselfhastilytowardhim。Thatarousedinhimfeelingsofenvyandsorrow。
"Whowilllookatmelikethat？Thereisnotasoultodoit。"
Hecametohimselffromhisbroodingsontheshore，atthelanding-places，arousedbythebustleoftoil。Allsortsofarticlesandwareswerecarriedandcartedineverydirection；
peoplemovedabouthastily，care-worn，spurringontheirhorsesexcitedly，shoutingatoneanother，fillingthestreetwithunintelligiblebustleanddeafeningnoiseofhurriedwork。Theybusiedthemselvesonanarrowstripofground，pavedwithstone，builtupononesidewithtallhouses，andtheothersidecutoffbyasteepravineattheriver，andtheirseethingbustlemadeuponFomaanimpressionasthoughtheyhadallpreparedthemselvestofleefromthistoilamidfilthandnarrownessandtumult——preparedthemselvestofleeandwerenowhasteningtocompletethesoonertheunfinishedworkwhichwouldnotreleasethem。Hugesteamers，standingbytheshoreandemittingcolumnsofsmokefromtheirfunnels，werealreadyawaitingthem。Thetroubledwateroftheriver，closelyobstructedwithvessels，wassoftlyandplaintivelysplashingagainsttheshore，asthoughimploringforaminuteofrestandrepose。
"YourHonour！"ahoarsecryrangoutnearFoma'sears，"contributesomebrandyinhonourofthebuilding！"
Fomaglancedatthepetitionerindifferently；hewasahuge，beardedfellow，barefooted，withatornshirtandabruised，swollenface。
"Getaway！"mutteredFoma，andturnedawayfromhim。
"Merchant！Whenyoudieyoucan'ttakeyourmoneywithyou。Givemeforoneglassofbrandy，orareyoutoolazytoputyourhandintoyourpocket？"
Fomaagainlookedatthepetitioner；thelatterstoodbeforehim，coveredmorewithmudthanwithclothes，and，tremblingwithintoxication，waitedobstinately，staringatFomawithblood-
shot，swolleneyes。
"Isthatthewaytoask？"inquiredFoma。
"Howelse？Wouldyouwantmetogodownonmykneesbeforeyouforaten-copeckpiece？"askedthebare-footedman，boldly。
"There！"andFomagavehimacoin。
"Thanks！Fifteencopecks。Thanks！AndifyougivemefifteenmoreI'llcrawlonallfoursrightuptothattavern。Doyouwantmeto？"proposedthebarefootedman。
"Go，leavemealone！"saidFoma，wavinghimoffwithhishand。
"Hewhogivesnotwhenhemay，whenhefainwould，shallhavenay，"saidthebarefootedman，andsteppedaside。
Fomalookedathimashedeparted，andsaidtohimself：
"Thereisaruinedmanandyethowboldheis。Heasksalmsasthoughdemandingadebt。Wheredosuchpeoplegetsomuchboldness？"
Andheavingadeepsigh，heansweredhimself：
"Fromfreedom。Themanisnotfettered。Whatistherethatheshouldregret？Whatdoeshefear？AndwhatdoIfear？WhatistherethatIshouldregret？"
ThesetwoquestionsseemedtostrikeFoma'sheartandcalledforthinhimadullperplexity。Helookedatthemovementoftheworkingpeopleandkeptonthinking：Whatdidheregret？Whatdidhefear？
"Alone，withmyownstrength，Ishallevidentlynevercomeoutanywhere。LikeafoolIshallkeepontrampingaboutamongpeople，mockedandoffendedbyall。Iftheywouldonlyjostlemeaside；iftheywouldonlyhateme，then——then——Iwouldgooutintothewideworld！WhetherIlikedornot，Iwouldhavetogo！"
Fromoneofthelandingwharvesthemerry"dubinushka"
["Dubinushka，"orthe"OakenCudgel，"isasongpopularwiththeRussianworkmen。]hadalreadybeensmitingtheairforalongtime。Thecarriersweredoingacertainwork，whichrequiredbriskmovements，andwereadaptingthesongandtherefraintothem。
"InthetavernsitgreatmerchantsDrinkingliquorsstrong，"
narratedtheleader，inaboldrecitative。Thecompanyjoinedinunison：
"Oh，dubinushka，heave-ho！"
Andthenthebassossmotetheairwithdeepsounds：
"Itgoes，itgoes。"
Andthetenorsrepeated：
"Itgoes，itgoes。"