"Youwillsurelybepresentatthedinner，won'tyou？"askedMedinskaya。
"Yes。"
"Andtomorrowatthemeetinginmyhouse？"
"Withoutfail！"
"Andperhapssometimeyouwilldropin，simplyonavisit，wouldn'tyou？"
"I——Ithankyou！I'llcome！"
"Imustthankyouforthepromise。"
Theybecamesilent。Intheairsoaredthereverentlysoftvoiceofthebishop，whorecitedtheprayerexpressively，outstretchinghishandovertheplacewherethecorner-stoneofthehousewaslaid：
"Mayneitherthewind，norwater，noranythingelsebringharmuntoit；mayitbecompletedinthybenevolence，andfreeallthosethataretoliveinitfromallkindsofcalumny。"
"Howrichandbeautifulourprayersare，aretheynot？"askedMedinskaya。
"Yes，"saidFoma，shortly，withoutunderstandingherwordsandfeelingthathewasblushingagain。
"Theywillalwaysbeopponentsofourcommercialinterests，"
Mayakinwhisperedloudlyandconvincingly，standingbesidethecitymayor，notfarfromFoma。"Whatisittothem？Alltheywantissomehowtodeservetheapprovalofthenewspaper。Buttheycannotreachthemainpoint。Theyliveformeredisplay，notfortheorganisationoflife；thesearetheironlymeasures：thenewspapersandSweden！[MayakinspeaksofSweden，meaningSwitzerland——
Translator'snote。]ThedoctorscoffedatmealldayyesterdaywiththisSweden。Thepubliceducation，sayshe，inSweden，andeverythingelsethereisfirst-class！ButwhatisSweden，anyway？ItmaybethatSwedenisbutafib，isbutusedasanexample，andthatthereisnoeducationwhateveroranyoftheotherthingsthere。Andthen，wedon'tliveforthesakeofSweden，andSwedencannotputustotest。
Wehavetomakeourlipaccordingtoourownlast。Isn'titso？
Andthearchdeacondroned，hisheadthrownback：
"Eternalme-emo-orytothefounderofthisho-ouse！"
Fomashuddered，butMayakinwasalreadybyhisside，andpullinghimbythesleeve，asked：
"Areyougoingtothedinner？"
AndMedinskaya'svelvet-like，warmlittlehandglidedoncemoreoverFoma'shand。
ThedinnerwastoFomaarealtorture。Forthefirsttimeinhislifeamongtheseuniformedpeople，hesawthattheywereeatingandspeaking——doingeverythingbetterthanhe，andhefeltthatbetweenhimandMedinskaya，whowasseatedjustoppositehim，wasahighmountain，notatable。BesidehimsatthesecretaryofthesocietyofwhichFomahadbeenmadeanhonorarymember；hewasayoungcourtofficer，bearingtheoddnameofOokhtishchev。Asiftomakehisnameappearmoreabsurdthanitreallywas，hespokeinaloud，ringingtenor，andaltogether——plump，short，round-
facedandalivelytalker——helookedlikeabrandnewbell。
"Theverybestthinginoursocietyisthepatroness；themostreasonableiswhatwearedoing——courtingthepatroness；themostdifficultistotellthepatronesssuchacomplimentaswouldsatisfyher；andthemostsensiblethingistoadmirethepatronesssilentlyandhopelessly。Sothatinreality，youareamembernotof'theSocietyofSolicitude，'andsoon，butoftheSocietyofTantaluses，whichiscomposedofpersonsbentonpleasingSophyaMedinskaya。"
Fomalistenedtohischatter，nowandthenlookingatthepatroness，whowasabsorbedinaconversationwiththechiefofthepolice；Fomaroaredinreplytohisinterlocutor，pretendingtobebusyeating，andhewishedthatallthiswouldendthesooner。Hefeltthathewaswretched，stupid，ridiculousandhewascertainthateverybodywaswatchingandcensuringhim。Thistiedhimwithinvisibleshackles，thuscheckinghiswordsandhisthoughts。Atlasthewentsofar，thatthelineofvariousphysiognomies，stretchedoutbythetableoppositehim，seemedtohimalongandwavywhitestripbesprinkledwithlaughingeyes，andalltheseeyeswereprickinghimunpleasantlyandpainfully。
Mayakinsatnearthecitymayor，wavedhisforkintheairquickly，andkeptontalkingallthetime，nowcontracting，nowexpandingthewrinklesofhisface。Themayor，agray-headed，red-faced，short-
neckedman，staredathimlikeabull，withobstinateattentionandattimesherappedontheedgeofthetablewithhisbigfingeraffirmatively。
Theanimatedtalkandlaughterdrownedhisgodfather'sboldspeech，andFomawasunabletohearasinglewordofit，muchmoresothatthetenorofthesecretarywasunceasinglyringinginhisears：
"Look，there，thearchdeaconarose；heisfillinghislungswithair；
hewillsoonproclaimaneternalmemoryforIgnatMatveyich。"
"MayInotgoaway？"askedFomainalowvoice。
"Whynot？Everybodywillunderstandthis。"
Thedeacon'sresoundingvoicedrownedandseemedtohavecrushedthenoiseinthehail；theeminentmerchantsfixedtheireyesonthebig，wide-openmouth，fromwhichadeepsoundwasstreamingforth，andavailinghimselfofthismoment，Fomaarosefromhisseatandleftthehall。
Afterawhilehebreathedfreelyand，sittinginhiscab，thoughtsadlythattherewasnoplaceforhimamidthesepeople。Inwardly，hecalledthempolished。Hedidnotliketheirbrilliancy，theirfaces，theirsmilesortheirwords，butthefreedomandtheclevernessoftheirmovements，theirabilitytospeakmuchandonanysubject，theirprettycostumes——allthisarousedinhimamixtureofenvyandrespectforthem。Hefeltsadandoppressedattheconsciousnessofbeingunabletotalksomuchandsofluentlyasallthesepeople，andhereherecalledthatLubaMayakinahadmorethanoncescoffedathimonthisaccount。
FomadidnotlikeMayakin'sdaughter，andsincehehadlearnedfromhisfatherofMayakin'sintentiontomarryhimtoLuba，theyoungGordyeeffbegantoshunher。Butafterhisfather'sdeathhewasalmosteverydayattheMayakins，andsomehowLubasaidtohimoneday：
"Iamlookingatyou，and，doyouknow？——youdonotresembleamerchantatall。"
"Nordoyoulooklikeamerchant'sdaughter，"saidFoma，andlookedathersuspiciously。Hedidnotunderstandthemeaningofherwords；
didshemeantooffendhim，ordidshesaythesewordswithoutanykindthoughts？
"ThankGodforthis！"saidsheandsmiledtohimakind，friendlysmile。
"Whatmakesyousoglad？"heasked。
"Thefactthatwedon'tresembleourfathers。"
Fomaglancedatherinastonishmentandkeptsilent。
"Tellmefrankly，"saidshe，loweringhervoice，"youdonotlovemyfather，doyou？Youdon'tlikehim？"
"Notverymuch，"saidFoma，slowly。
"AndIdislikehimverymuch。"
"Whatfor？"
"Foreverything。Whenyougrowwiser，youwillknowityourself。
Yourfatherwasabetterman。"
"Ofcourse！"saidFoma，proudly。
Afterthisconversationanattachmentsprangupbetweenthemalmostimmediately，andgrowingstrongerfromdaytoday，itsoondevelopedintofriendship，thoughasomewhatoddfriendshipitwas。
ThoughLubawasnotolderthanhergod-brother，sheneverthelesstreatedhimasanolderpersonwouldtreatalittleboy。Shespoketohimcondescendingly，oftenjestingathisexpense；hertalkwasalwaysfullofwordswhichwereunfamiliartoFoma；andshepronouncedthesewordswithparticularemphasisandwithevidentsatisfaction。
ShewasespeciallyfondofspeakingaboutherbrotherTaras，whomshehadneverseen，butofwhomshewastellingsuchstoriesaswouldmakehimlooklikeAuntAnfisa'sbraveandnoblerobbers。Often，whencomplainingofherfather，shesaidtoFoma：
"Youwillalsobejustsuchaskinflint。"
Allthiswasunpleasanttotheyouthandstunghisvanity。Butattimesshewasstraightforward，simple-minded，andparticularlykindandfriendlytohim；thenhewouldunburdenhisheartbeforeher，andforalongtimetheywouldshareeachother'sthoughtsandfeelings。
Bothspokeagreatdealandspokesincerely，butneitheroneunderstoodtheother；itseemedtoFomathatwhateverLubahadtosaywasforeigntohimandunnecessarytoher，andatthesametimeheclearlysawthathisawkwardwordsdidnotatallinteresther，andthatshedidnotcaretounderstandthem。Nomatterhowlongtheseconversationslasted，theygavebothofthemthesensationofdiscomfortanddissatisfaction。Asifaninvisiblewallofperplexityhadsuddenlyarisenandstoodbetweenthem。Theydidnotventuretotouchthiswall，ortotelleachotherthattheyfeltitwasthere——
theyresumedtheirconversations，dimlyconsciousthattherewassomethingineachofthemthatmightbindandunitethem。
WhenFomaarrivedathisgodfather'shouse，hefoundLubaalone。
Shecameouttomeethim，anditwasevidentthatshewaseitherilloroutofhumour；hereyeswereflashingfeverishlyandweresurroundedwithblackcircles。Feelingcold，shemuffledherselfinawarmshawlandsaidwithasmile：
"Itisgoodthatyou'vecome！ForIwassittingherealone；itislonesome——Idon'tfeellikegoinganywhere。Willyoudrinktea？"
"Iwill。Whatisthematterwithyou，areyouill？"
"Gotothedining-room，andI'lltellthemtobringthesamovar，"
shesaid，notansweringhisquestion。
Hewentintooneofthesmallroomsofthehouse，whosetwowindowsoverlookedthegarden。Inthemiddleoftheroomstoodanovaltable，surroundedwithold-fashioned，leather-coveredchairs；ononepartitionhungaclockinalongcasewithaglassdoor，inthecornerwasacupboardfordishes，andoppositethewindows，bythewalls，wasanoakensideboardasbigasafair-sizedroom。
"Areyoucomingfromthebanquet？"askedLuba，entering。
Fomanoddedhisheadmutely。
"Well，howwasit？Grand？"
"Itwasterrible！"Fomasmiled。"Isatthereasifonhotcoals。Theyalllookedtherelikepeacocks，whileIlookedlikeabarn-owl。"
LubawastakingoutdishesfromthecupboardandsaidnothingtoFoma。
"Really，whyareyousosad？"askedFomaagain，glancingathergloomyface。
Sheturnedtohimandsaidwithenthusiasmandanxiety：
"Ah，Foma！WhatabookI'veread！Ifyoucouldonlyunderstandit！"
"Itmustbeagoodbook，sinceitworkedyouupinthisway，"
saidFoma，smiling。
"Ididnotsleep。Ireadallnightlong。Justthinkofit：youread——
anditseemstoyouthatthegatesofanotherkingdomarethrownopenbeforeyou。Andthepeopletherearedifferent，andtheirlanguageisdifferent，everythingdifferent！Lifeitselfisdifferentthere。"
"Idon'tlikethis，"saidFoma，dissatisfied。"That'sallfiction，deceit；soisthetheatre。Themerchantsareridiculedthere。Aretheyreallysostupid？Ofcourse！Takeyourfather，forexample。"
"Thetheatreandtheschoolareoneandthesame，Foma，"saidLuba，instructively。"Themerchantsusedtobelikethis。Andwhatdeceitcantherebeinbooks？"
"Justasinfairy——tales，nothingisreal。"
"Youarewrong！Youhavereadnobooks；howcanyoujudge？Booksarepreciselyreal。Theyteachyouhowtolive。"
"Come，come！"Fomawavedhishand。"Dropit；nogoodwillcomeoutofyourbooks！There，takeyourfather，forexample，doeshereadbooks？Andyetheisclever！Ilookedathimtodayandenviedhim。Hisrelationswitheverybodyaresofree，soclever，hehasawordforeachandeveryone。Youcanseeatoncethatwhateverheshoulddesireheissuretoattain。"
"Whatishestrivingfor？"exclaimedLuba。"Nothingbutmoney。
Buttherearepeoplethatwanthappinessforallonearth，andtogainthisendtheyworkwithoutsparingthemselves；theysufferandperish！Howcanmyfatherbecomparedwiththese？"
"Youneednotcomparethem。Theyevidentlylikeonething，whileyourfatherlikesanother。"
"Theydonotlikeanything！"
How'sthat？
"Theywanttochangeeverything。"
"Sotheydostriveforsomething？"saidFoma，thoughtfully。"Theydowishforsomething？"
"Theywishforhappinessforall！"criedLuba，hotly。"Ican'tunderstandthis，"saidFoma，noddinghishead。"Whocaresthereformyhappiness？Andthenagain，whathappinesscantheygiveme，sinceI，myself，donotknowasyetwhatIwant？No，youshouldhaveratherlookedatthosethatwereatthebanquet。"
"Thosearenotmen！"announcedLuba，categorically。
"Idonotknowwhattheyareinyoureyes，butyoucanseeatoncethattheyknowtheirplace。Aclever，easy-goinglot。"
"Ah，Foma！"exclaimedLuba，vexed。"Youunderstandnothing！
Nothingagitatesyou！Youareanidler。"
"Now，that'sgoingtoofar！I'vesimplynothadtimeenoughtoseewhereIam。"
"Youaresimplyanemptyman，"saidLuba，resolutelyandfirmly。
"Youwerenotwithinmysoul，"repliedFoma，calmly。"Youcannotknowmythoughts。"
"Whatistherethatyoushouldthinkof？"saidLuba，shrugginghershoulders。
"So？Firstofall，Iamalone。Secondly，Imustlive。Don'tI
understandthatitisaltogetherimpossibleformetoliveasI
amnow？Idonotcaretobemadethelaughing-stockofothers。I
cannotevenspeaktopeople。No，norcanIthink。"Fomaconcludedhiswordsandsmiledconfusedly。
"Itisnecessarytoread，tostudy，"Lubaadvisedhimconvincingly，pacingupanddowntheroom。
"Somethingisstirringwithinmysoul，"Fomawenton，notlookingather，asthoughspeakingtohimself；"butIcannottellwhatitis。I
see，forinstance，thatwhatevermygodfathersaysiscleverandreasonable。Butthatdoesnotattractme。Theotherpeoplearebyfarmoreinterestingtome。"
"Youmeanthearistocrats？"askedLuba。
"Yes。"
"That'sjusttheplaceforyou！"saidLuba，withasmileofcontempt。
"Eh，you！Aretheymen？Dotheyhavesouls？"
"Howdoyouknowthem？Youarenotacquaintedwiththem。"
"Andthebooks？HaveInotreadbooksaboutthem？"
Themaidbroughtinthesamovar，andtheconversationwasinterrupted。
LubamadeteainsilencewhileFomalookedatherandthoughtofMedinskaya。Hewaswishingtohaveatalkwithher。
"Yes，"saidthegirl，thoughtfully，"Iamgrowingmoreandmoreconvincedeverydaythatitishardtolive。WhatshallIdo？Marry？
Whom？ShallImarryamerchantwhowilldonothingbutrobpeopleallhislife，nothingbutdrinkandplaycards？Asavage？Idonotwantit！Iwanttobeanindividual。Iamsuch，forIknowhowwrongtheconstructionoflifeis。ShallIstudy？Myfatherwillnotallowthis。
0hLord！ShallIrunaway？Ihavenotenoughcourage。WhatamItodo？"
Sheclaspedherhandsandbowedherheadoverthetable。
"Ifyouknewbuthowrepulsiveeverythingis。Thereisnotalivingsoularoundhere。Sincemymotherdied，myfatherdroveeveryoneaway。Somewentofftostudy。Lipa，too，leftus。Shewritesme：
'Read。'Ah，Iamreading！Iamreading！"sheexclaimed，withdespairinhervoice，andafteramoment'ssilenceshewentonsadly：
"Booksdonotcontainwhattheheartneedsmost，andthere'smuchI
cannotunderstandinthem。Andthen，Ifeelwearytobereadingallthetimealone，alone！Iwanttospeaktoaman，butthereisnonetospeakto！Ifeeldisgusted。Welivebutonce，anditishightimeformetolive，andyetthereisnotasoul！WhereforeshallIlive？
Lipatellsme：'Readandyouwillunderstandit。'Iwantbreadandshegivesmeastone。Iunderstandwhatonemustdo——onemuststandupforwhathelovesandbelieves。Hemustfightforit。"
Andsheconcluded，utteringsomethinglikeamoan：
"ButIamalone！WhomshallIfight？Therearenoenemieshere。
Therearenomen！Ilivehereinaprison！
Fomalistenedtoherwords，fixedlyexaminingthefingersofhishand；
hefeltthatinherwordswassomegreatdistress，buthecouldnotunderstandher。Andwhenshebecamesilent，depressedandsad，hefoundnothingtotellhersaveafewwordsthatwerelikeareproach：
"There，youyourselfsaythatbooksareworthlesstoyou，andyetyouinstructmetoread。"
Shelookedintohisface，andangerflashedinhereyes。
"Oh，howIwishthatallthesetormentswouldawakenwithinyou，thetormentsthatconstantlyoppressme。Thatyourthoughts，likemine，wouldrobyouofyoursleep，thatyou，too，wouldbedisgustedwitheverything，andwithyourselfaswell！Idespiseeveryoneofyou。
Ihateyou！"
Allaflush，shelookedathimsoangrilyandspokewithsomuchspitefulness，thatinhisastonishmenthedidnotevenfeeloffendedbyher。Shehadneverbeforespokentohiminsuchmanner。
"What'sthematterwithyou？"heaskedher。
"Ihateyou，too！You，whatareyou？Dead，empty；howwillyoulive？
Whatwillyougivetomankind？"shesaidwithmalice，inalowvoice。
"I'llgivenothing；letthemstriveforitthemselves，"answeredFoma，knowingthatthesewordswouldaugmentheranger。
"Unfortunatecreature！"exclaimedthegirlwithcontempt。
TheassuranceandthepowerofherreproachesinvoluntarilycompelledFomatolistenattentivelytoherspitefulwords；hefelttherewascommonsenseinthem。Heevencamenearertoher，butshe，enragedandexasperated，turnedawayfromhimandbecamesilent。
Itwasstilllightoutside，andthereflectionofthesettingsunlaystillonthebranchesofthelinden-treesbeforethewindows，buttheroomwasalreadyfilledwithtwilight，andthesideboard，theclockandthecupboardseemedtohavegrowninsize。Thehugependulumpeepedouteverymomentfrombeneaththeglassoftheclock-case，andflashingdimly，washidingwithawearysoundnowontherightside，nowontheleft。Fomalookedatthependulumandhebegantofeelawkwardandlonesome。Lubaaroseandlightedthelampwhichwashangingoverthetable。Thegirl'sfacewaspaleandstern。
"Youwentforme，"saidFoma，reservedly。"Whatfor？Ican'tunderstand。"
"Idon'twanttospeaktoyou！"repliedLuba，angrily。
"That'syouraffair。Butnevertheless，whatwronghaveIdonetoyou？"
"You？
"I。"
"Understandme，Iamsuffocating！Itisclosehere。Isthislife？
Isthisthewayhowtolive？WhatamI？Iamahanger-oninmyfather'shouse。Theykeepmehereasahousekeeper。Thenthey'llmarryme！Againhousekeeping。It'saswamp。Iamdrowning，suffocating。"
"AndwhathaveItodowithit？"askedFoma。
"Youarenobetterthantheothers。"
"AndthereforeIamguiltybeforeyou？"
"Yes，guilty！Youmustdesiretobebetter。"
"ButdoInotwishit？"exclaimedFoma。
Thegirlwasabouttotellhimsomething，butatthistimethebellbegantoringsomewhere，andshesaidinalowvoice，leaningbackinherchair：
"It'sfather。"
"Iwouldnotfeelsorryifhestayedawayalittlelonger，"saidFoma。
"IwishIcouldlistentoyousomemore。Youspeaksoveryoddly。"
"Ah！mychildren，mydoves！"exclaimedYakovTarasovich，appearinginthedoorway。"You'redrinkingtea？Pouroutsometeaforme，Lugava！"
Sweetlysmiling，andrubbinghishands，hesatdownnearFomaandasked，playfullyjostlinghimintheside：
"Whathaveyoubeencooingabout？"
"So——aboutdifferenttrifles，"answeredLuba。
"Ihaven'taskedyou，haveI？"saidherfathertoher，withagrimace。
"Youjustsitthere，holdyourtongue，andmindyourwoman'saffairs。"
"I'vebeentellingheraboutthedinner，"Fomainterruptedhisgodfather'swords。
"Aha！So-o-o。Well，then，I'llalsospeakaboutthedinner。Ihavebeenwatchingyouoflate。Youdon'tbehaveyourselfsensibly！"
"Whatdoyoumean？"askedFoma，knittinghisbrow，illpleased。
"Ijustmeanthatyourbehaviourispreposterous，andthat'sall。
Whenthegovernor，forinstance，speakstoyou，youkeepquiet。"
"WhatshouldItellhim？Hesaysthatitisamisfortunetoloseafather。Well，Iknowit。WhatcouldItellhim？"
"ButastheLordwilleditso，Idonotgrumble，yourExcellency。
That'swhatyoushouldhavesaid，orsomethinginthisspirit。
Governors，mydear，areveryfondofmeeknessinaman。"
"WasItolookathimlikealamb？"saidFoma，withasmile。
"Youdidlooklikealamb，andthatwasunnecessary。Youmustlookneitherlikealamb，norlikeawolf，butjustplayoffbeforehimasthoughsaying：'Youareourfather，weareyourchildren，'andhewillimmediatelysoften。"
"Andwhatisthisfor？"
"Foranyevent。Agovernor，mydear，canalwaysbeofusesomewhere。"
"Whatdoyouteachhim，papa？"saidLuba，indignantly，inalowvoice。
"Well，what？"
"Todanceattendance。"
"Youlie，youlearnedfool！Iteachhimpolitics，notdancingattendance；Iteachhimthepoliticsoflife。Youhadbetterleaveusalone！Departfromevil，andpreparesomelunchforus。Goahead！"
Lubarosequicklyandthrowingthetowelacrossthebackofthechair，lefttheroom。Mayakin，winkinghiseyes，lookedafterher，tappedthetablewithhisfingersandsaid：
"Ishallinstructyou，Foma。Ishallteachyouthemostgenuine，trueknowledgeandphilosophy，andifyouunderstandthem，yourlifewillbefaultless。"
Fomasawhowthewrinklesontheoldman'sforeheadweretwitching，andtheyseemedtohimlikelinesofSlavonicletters。
"Firstofall，Foma，sinceyouliveonthisearth，itisyourdutytothinkovereverythingthattakesplaceaboutyou。Why？Thatyoumaynotsufferforyourownsenselessness，andmaynotharmothersbyyourfolly。Now，everyactofmanisdouble-faced，Foma。Oneisvisibletoall——thisisthewrongside；theotherisconcealed——andthatistherealone。Itisthatonethatyoumustbeabletofindinordertounderstandthesenseofthething。Takeforexamplethelodging-asylums，thework-houses，thepoor-housesandothersimilarinstitutions。Justconsider，whataretheyfor？"
"Whatistheretoconsiderhere？"saidFoma，wearily"Everybodyknowswhattheyarefor——forthepoorandfeeble。"
"Eh，dear！Sometimeseverybodyknowsthatacertainmanisarascalandascoundrel，andyetallcallhimIvanorPeter，andinsteadofabusinghimtheyrespectfullyaddhisfather'snametohisown。"
"Whathasthistodowithit？"
"It'salltothepoint。Soyousaythatthesehousesareforthepoor，forbeggars，consequently，inaccordancewithChrist'scommandment。Verywell！Butwhoisthebeggar？Thebeggarisaman，forcedbyfatetoremindusofChrist；heisabrotherofChrist；heisthebelloftheLordandheringsinlifetorouseourconscience，toarousethesatietyofthefleshofman。Hestandsbythewindowandsingsout：'ForthesakeofChrist！'andbyhissingingheremindsusofChrist，ofHisholycommandmenttohelptheneighbour。ButmenhavesoarrangedtheirlifethatitisimpossibleforthemtoactaccordingtotheteachingsofChrist，andJesusChristhasbecomealtogetherunnecessarytous。
Notonetime，butperhapsahundredthousandtimeshaveweturnedHimovertothecross，andyetwecannotdriveHimaltogetheroutoflife，becauseHispoorbrethrensingHisHolynameonthestreetsandthusremindusofHim。Andnowwehavearrangedtolockupthesebeggarsinseparatehousesthattheyshouldnotwalkaroundonthestreetsandshouldnotrouseourconscience。
"Cle-ver！"whisperedFoma，amazed，staringfixedlyathisgodfather。
"Aha！"exclaimedMayakin，hiseyesbeamingwithtriumph。
"Howisitthatmyfatherdidnotthinkofthis？"askedFoma，uneasily。
"Justwait！Listenfurther，itisstillworse。Soyousee，wehavearrangedtolockthemupinallsortsofhousesandthattheymightbekepttherecheaply，wehavecompelledthoseoldandfeeblebeggarstoworkandweneedgivenoalmsnow，andsinceourstreetshavebeenclearedofthevariousraggedbeggars，wedonotseetheirterribledistressandpoverty，andwemay，therefore，thinkthatallmenoneartharewell-fed，shodandclothed。That'swhatallthesedifferenthousesarefor，fortheconcealmentofthetruth，forthebanishmentofChristfromourlife！Isthiscleartoyou？"
"Yes！"saidFoma，confusedbytheoldman'scleverwords。
"Andthisisnotall。Thepoolisnotyetbaledouttothebottom！"
exclaimedMayakin，swinginghishandintheairwithanimation。
Thewrinklesofhisfacewereinmotion；hislong，ravenousnosewasstirring，andinhisvoicerangnotesofirritabilityandemotion。
"Now，letuslookatthisthingfromtheotherside。Whocontributesmostinfavourofthepoor，forthesupportofthesehouses，asylums，poor-houses？Therichpeople，themerchants，ourbodyofmerchants。Verywell！Andwhocommandsourlifeandregulatesit？Thenobles，thefunctionariesandallsortsofotherpeople，notbelongingtoourclass。Fromthemcomethelaws，thenewspapers，science——everythingfromthem。Before，theywereland-owners，nowtheirlandwassnatchedawayfromthem——andtheystartedoutinservice。Verywell！Butwhoarethemostpowerfulpeopletoday？Themerchantisthesupremepowerinanempire，becausehehasthemillionsonhisside！Isn'tthatso？"
"True！"assentedFoma，eagertohearthesoonerthatwhichwastofollow，andwhichwasalreadysparklingintheeyesofhisgodfather。
"Justmarkthis，"theoldmanwentondistinctlyandimpressively。
"Wemerchantshadnohandinthearrangementoflife，nordowehaveavoiceorahandinittoday。Lifewasarrangedbyothers，anditistheythatmultipliedallsortsofscabsinlife——idlersandpoorunfortunates；andsincebymultiplyingthemtheyobstructedlifeandspoiltit——itis，justlyjudging，nowtheirdutytopurifyit。Butwearepurifyingit，wecontributemoneyforthepoor，welookafterthem——we，judgeitforyourself，whyshouldwemendanother'srags，sincewedidnottearthem？Whyshouldwerepairahouse，sinceothershavelivedinitandsinceitbelongstoothers？Wereitnotwiserforustostepasideandwatchuntilacertaintimehowrottennessismultiplyingandchokingthosethatarestrangerstous？Theycannotconquerit，theyhavenotthemeanstodoit。Thentheywillturntousandsay：'Pray，helpus，gentlemen！'andwe'lltellthem：'Letushaveroomforourwork！Rankusamongthebuildersofthissamelife！'Andassoonastheydothiswe，too，willhavetoclearlifeatonesweepofallsortsoffilthandchaff。ThentheEmperorwillseewithhiscleareyeswhoarereallyhisfaithfulservants，andhowmuchwisdomtheyhavesavedupwhiletheirhandswereidle。Doyouunderstand？"
"Ofcourse，Ido！"exclaimedFoma。
Whenhisgodfatherspokeofthefunctionaries，Fomaremindedhimselfofthepeoplethatwerepresentatthedinner；herecalledthebrisksecretary，andathoughtflashedthroughhismindthatthisstoutlittlemanhasinallprobabilityanincomeofnomorethanathousandroublesayear，whilehe，Foma，hasamillion。Butthatmanlivessoeasilyandfreely，whilehe，Foma，doesnotknowhowtolive，isindeedabashedtolive。Thiscomparisonandhisgodfather'sspeechrousedinhimawhirlofthoughts，buthehadtimetograspandexpressonlyoneofthem：
"Indeed，doweworkforthesakeofmoneyonly？What'stheuseofmoneyifitcangiveusnopower？"
"Aha！"saidMayakin，winkinghiseyes。
"Eh！"exclaimedFoma，offended。"Howaboutmyfather？Haveyouspokentohim？"
"Ispoketohimfortwentyyears。"
"Well，howabouthim？"
"Mywordsdidnotreachhim。Thecrownofyourfather'sheadwasratherthick。Hissoulwasopentoall，whilehismindwashiddenawayfarwithinhim。Yes，hemadeablunder，andIamverysorryaboutthemoney。"
"Iamnotsorryforthemoney。"
"Youshouldhavetriedtoearnevenatenthpartofit，thenspeak。"
"MayIcomein？"cameLuba'svoicefrombehindthedoor。
"Yes，steprightin，"saidthefather。
"Willyouhavelunchnow？"sheasked，entering。
"Letushaveit。"
Shewalkeduptothesideboardandsoonthedisheswererattling。
YakovTarasovichlookedather，movedhislips，andsuddenlystrikingFoma'skneewithhishand，hesaidtohim：
"That'stheway，mygodson！Think。"
Fomarespondedwithasmileandthought："Buthe'sclever——
clevererthanmyfather。"
Butanothervoicewithinhimimmediatelyreplied：
"Cleverer，butworse。"
CHAPTERV
FOMA'SdualrelationtowardMayakingrewstrongerandstrongerastimewenton；listeningtohiswordsattentivelyandwitheagercuriosity，hefeltthateachmeetingwithhisgodfatherwasstrengtheninginhimthefeelingofhostilitytowardtheoldman。
SometimesYakovTarasovichrousedinhisgodsonafeelingakintofear，sometimesevenphysicalaversion。ThelatterusuallycametoFomawhenevertheoldmanwaspleasedwithsomethingandlaughed。
Fromlaughtertheoldman'swrinkleswouldtremble，thuschangingtheexpressionofhisfaceeverynowandthen；hisdry，thinlipswouldstretchoutandmovenervously，displayingblackbrokenteeth，andhisredlittlebeardwasasthoughaflame。Hislaughtersoundedlikethesqueakingofrustyhinges，andaltogethertheoldmanlookedlikealizardatplay。Unabletoconcealhisfeelings，FomaoftenexpressedthemtoMayakinratherrudely，bothinwordsandingesture，buttheoldman，pretendingnottonoticeit，keptavigilanteyeonhim，directinghiseachandeverystep。WhollyabsorbedbythesteamshipaffairsoftheyoungGordyeeff，heevenneglectedhisownlittleshop，andallowedFomaconsiderableleisuretime。ThankstoMayakin'simportantpositionintownandtohisextensiveacquaintanceontheVolga，businesswassplendid，butMayakin'szealousinterestinhisaffairsstrengthenedFoma'ssuspicionsthathisgodfatherwasfirmlyresolvedtomarryhimtoLuba，andthismadetheoldmanmorerepulsivetohim。
HelikedLuba，butatthesametimesheseemedsuspiciousanddangerousforhim。Shedidnotmarry，andMayakinneversaidawordaboutit；hegavenoeveningparties，invitednoneoftheyouthstohishouseanddidnotallowLubatoleavethehouse。Andallhergirlfriendsweremarriedalready。Fomaadmiredherwordsandlistenedtoherjustaseagerlyastoherfather；butwhenevershestartedtospeakofTaraswithloveandanguish，itseemedtohimthatshewashidinganothermanunderthatname，perhapsthatsameYozhov，whoaccordingtoherwords，hadtoleavetheuniversityforsomereasonorother，andgotoMoscow。Therewasagreatdealofsimplemindednessandkindnessinher，whichpleasedFoma，andofttimesherwordsawakenedinhimafeelingofpityforher；itseemedtohimthatshewasnotalive，thatshewasdreamingthoughawake。
Hisconductatthefuneralfeastforhisfatherbecameknowntoallthemerchantsandgavehimabadreputation。OntheExchange，henoticed，everybodylookedathimsneeringly，malevolently，andspoketohiminsomepeculiarway。Onedayheheardbehindhimalowexclamation，fullofcontempt：
"Gordyeeff！Milksop！"
Hefeltthatthiswassaidofhim，buthedidnotturnaroundtoseewhoitwasthatflungthosewordsathim。Therichpeople，whohadinspiredhimwithtimiditybefore，werenowlosinginhiseyesthewitcheryoftheirwealthandwisdom。Theyhadmorethanoncesnatchedoutofhishandsthisorthatprofitablecontract；heclearlysawthattheywoulddoitagain，andtheyallseemedtohimalike——greedyformoney，alwaysreadytocheatoneanother。Whenheimpartedtohisgodfatherhisobservation，theoldmansaid：
"Howthen？Businessisjustthesameaswar——ahazardousaffair。
Theretheyfightforthepurse，andinthepurseisthesoul。"
"Idon'tlikethis，"announcedFoma。
"NeitherdoIlikeeverything——there'stoomuchfraud。
Buttobefairinbusinessmattersisutterlyimpossible；youmustbeshrewd！Inbusiness，dear，onapproachingamanyoumustholdhoneyinyourlefthand，andclutchaknifeinyourright。Everybodywouldliketobuyfivecopecks'worthforahalfacopeck。"
"Well，thisisn'ttoogood，"saidFoma，thoughtfully。"Butitwillbegoodlater。Whenyouhavetakentheupperhand，thenitwillbegood。
Life，dearFoma，isverysimple：eitherbiteeverybody，orlieinthegutter。
Theoldmansmiled，andthebrokenteethinhismouthrousedinFomathekeenthought：
"Youhavebittenmany，itseems。"
"There'sbutoneword——battle！"repeatedtheoldman。
"Isthistherealone？"askedFoma，lookingatMayakinsearchingly。
"Thatis，whatdoyoumean——thereal？"
"Istherenothingbetterthanthis？Doesthiscontaineverything？"
"Whereelseshoulditbe？Everybodylivesforhimself。Eachofuswishesthebestforhimself。Andwhatisthebest？Togoinfrontofothers，tostandabovethem。Sothateverybodyistryingtoattainthefirstplaceinlife——onebythismeans，anotherbythatmeans。Buteveryoneispositivelyanxioustobeseenfromafar，likeatower。
Andmanwasindeedappointedtogoupward。EventheBookofJobsays：
'Manisbornuntotrouble，asthesparks，toflyupward。'Justsee：
evenchildrenatplayalwayswishtosurpassoneanother。Andeachandeverygamehasitsclimax，whichmakesitinteresting。Doyouunderstand？"
"Iunderstandthis！"saidFoma，firmlyandconfidently。
"Butyoumustalsofeelthis。Withunderstandingaloneyoucannotgofar，andyoumustdesire，anddesiresothatabigmountainshouldseemtoyoubutahillock，andtheseabutapuddle。Eh！
WhenIwasofyourageIhadaneasylife，whileyouareonlytakingaim。Butthen，goodfruitdoesnotripenearly。"
Theoldman'smonotonousspeechessoonaccomplishedwhattheywereintendedtodo。Fomalistenedtothemandmadecleartohimselftheaimoflife。Hemustbebetterthanothers，heresolved，andtheambition，kindledbytheoldman，tookdeeprootinhisheart。Ittookrootwithinhisheart，butdidnotfillitup，forFoma'srelationstowardMedinskayaassumedthatcharacter，whichtheywereboundtoassume。Helongedforher，healwaysyearnedtoseeher；whileinherpresencehebecametimid，awkwardandstupid；heknewitandsufferedonthisaccount。Hefrequentlyvisitedher，butitwashardtofindherathomealone；
perfumeddandieslikefliesoverapieceofsugar——werealwaysflittingabouther。TheyspoketoherinFrench，sangandlaughed，whilehelookedattheminsilence，torturedbyangerandjealousy。
Hislegscrossed，hesatsomewhereinacornerofherrichlyfurnisheddrawing-room，whereitwasextremelydifficulttowalkwithoutoverturningoratleaststrikingagainstsomething——Fomasatandwatchedthemsternly。
Overthesoftrugsshewasnoiselesslypassinghitherandthither，castingtohimkindglancesandsmiles，whileheradmirerswerefawninguponher，andtheyall，likeserpents，werecleverlyglidingbythevariouslittletables，chairs，screens，flower-stands——astorehousefullofbeautifulandfrailthings，scatteredabouttheroomwithacarelessnessequallydangeroustothemandtoFoma。Butwhenhewalkedthere，therugsdidnotdrownhisfootsteps，andallthesethingscaughtathiscoat，trembledandfell。Besidethepianostoodasailormadeofbronze，whosehandwaslifted，readytothrowthelife-savingring；onthisringwereropesofwire，andthesealwayspulledFomabythehair。AllthisprovokedlaughteramongSophyaPavlovnaandheradmirers，andFomasufferedgreatly，changingfromheattocold。
Buthefeltnolessuncomfortableevenwhenalonewithher。
Greetinghimwithakindlysmile，shewouldtakeaseatbesidehiminoneofthecosycornersofherdrawing-roomandwouldusuallystartherconversationbycomplainingtohimofeverybody：
"Youwouldn'tbelievehowgladIamtoseeyou！"Bendinglikeacat，shewouldgazeintohiseyeswithherdarkglance，inwhichsomethingavidiouswouldnowflashup。
"Ilovetospeaktoyou，"shesaid，musicallydrawlingherwords。
"I'vegrowntiredofalltherestofthem。They'reallsoboring，ordinaryandworn-out，whileyouarefresh，sincere。Youdon'tlikethosepeopleeither，doyou？"
"Ican'tbearthem！"repliedFoma，firmly。
"Andme？"sheaskedsoftly。
Fomaturnedhiseyesawayfromherandsaid，withasigh：
"Howmanytimeshaveyouaskedmethat？"
"Isithardforyoutotellme？"
"Itisn'thard，butwhatfor？"
"Imustknowit。"
"Youaremakingsportofme，"saidFoma，sternly。Andsheopenedhereyeswideandinquiredinatoneofgreatastonishment：
"HowdoImakesportofyou？Whatdoesitmeantomakesport？"
Andherfacelookedsoangelicthathecouldnothelpbelievingher。
"Iloveyou！Iloveyou！Itisimpossiblenottoloveyou！"saidhehotly，andimmediatelyaddedsadly，loweringhisvoice："Butyoudon'tneedit！"
"Thereyouhaveit！"sighedMedinskaya，satisfied，drawingbackfromhim。"Iamalwaysextremelypleasedtohearyousaythis，withsomuchyouthfulnessandoriginality。Wouldyouliketokissmyhand？"
Withoutsayingawordheseizedherthin，whitelittlehandandcarefullybendingdowntoit，hepassionatelykisseditforalongtime。Smilingandgraceful，notintheleastmovedbyhispassion，shefreedherhandfromhis。Pensively，shelookedathimwiththatstrangeglitterinhereyes，whichalwaysconfusedFoma；sheexaminedhimassomethingrareandextremelycurious，andsaid：
"Howmuchstrengthandpowerandfreshnessofsoulyoupossess！Doyouknow？Youmerchantsareanaltogethernewrace，anentireracewithoriginaltraditions，withanenormousenergyofbodyandsoul。
Takeyou，forinstance——youareapreciousstone，andyoushouldbepolished。Oh！"
Whenevershetoldhim："You，"or"accordingtoyourmerchantfashion，"itseemedtoFomathatshewaspushinghimawayfromherwiththesewords。Thisatoncesaddenedandoffendedhim。Hewassilent，lookingathersmallmaidenlyfigure，whichwasalwayssomehowparticularlywelldressed，alwayssweet-scentedlikeaflower。
Sometimeshewasseizedwithawild，coarsedesiretoembraceandkissher。Butherbeautyandthefragilityofherthin，supplebodyawakenedinhimafearofbreakinganddisfiguringher，andhercalm，caressingvoiceandtheclear，butsomewhatcautiouslookofhereyeschilledhispassion；itseemedtohimasthoughshewerelookingstraightintohissoul，diviningallhisthoughts。Buttheseburstsofemotionwererare。GenerallytheyouthregardedMedinskayawithadoration，admiringeverythinginher——herbeauty，herwords，herdresses。Andbesidethisadorationtherewasinhimapainfullykeenconsciousnessofhisremotenessfromher，ofhersupremacyoverhim。
Theserelationswereestablishedbetweenthemwithinashorttime；
aftertwoorthreemeetingsMedinskayawasinfullpossessionoftheyouthandsheslowlybegantotorturehim。Evidentlyshelikedtohaveahealthy，strongyouthathermercy；shelikedtorouseandtametheanimalinhimmerelywithhervoiceandglance，andconfidentofthepowerofhersuperiority，shefoundpleasureinthusplayingwithhim。Onleavingher，hewasusuallyhalf-sickfromexcitement，bearingheragrudge，angrywithhimself，filledwithmanypainfulandintoxicatingsensations。Andabouttwodayslaterhewouldcometoundergothesametortureagain。
Onedayheaskedhertimidly：
"SophyaPavlovna！Haveyoueverhadanychildren？"
"No。"
"Ithoughtnot！"exclaimedFomawithdelight。
Shecastathimthelookofaverynaivelittlegirl，andsaid：
"Whatmadeyouthinkso？AndwhydoyouwanttoknowwhetherI
hadanychildrenornot？"
Fomablushed，and，bendinghishead，begantospeaktoherinaheavyvoice，asthoughhewasliftingeverywordfromthegroundandasthougheachwordweighedafewpuds。
"Yousee——awomanwho——hasgivenbirthtochildren——suchawomanhasaltogetherdifferenteyes。"
"So？Whatkindaretheythen？"
"Shameless！"Fomablurtedout。
Medinskayabrokeintohersilverlaughter，andFoma，lookingather，alsobegantolaugh。
"Excuseme！"saidhe，atlength。"PerhapsI'vesaidsomethingwrong，improper。"
"Oh，no，no！Youcannotsayanythingimproper。Youareapure，amiableboy。Andso，myeyesarenotshameless？"
"Yoursarelikeanangel's！"announcedFomawithenthusiasm，lookingatherwithbeamingeyes。Andsheglancedathim，asshehadneverdonebefore；herlookwasthatofamother，asadlookoflovemingledwithfearforthebeloved。
"Go，dearone。Iamtired；Ineedarest，"shesaidtohim，assherosewithoutlookingathim。Hewentawaysubmissively。
Forsometimeafterthisincidentherattitudetowardhimwasstricterandmoresincere，asthoughshepitiedhim，butlatertheirrelationsassumedtheoldformofthecat-and-mouseplay。
Foma'srelationtowardMedinskayacouldnotescapehisgodfather'snotice，andonedaytheoldmanaskedhim，withamaliciousgrimace：
"Foma！Youhadbetterfeelyourheadmoreoftensothatyoumaynotloseitbyaccident。"
"Whatdoyoumean？"askedFoma。
"IspeakofSonka。Youaregoingtoseehertoooften。"
"Whathasthattodowithyou？"saidFoma，ratherrudely。"AndwhydoyoucallherSonka？"
"It'snothingtome。Iwouldlosenothingifyoushouldbefleeced。AndastocallingherSonka——everybodyknowsthatishername。Sodoeseverybodyknowthatshelikestorakeupthefirewithotherpeople'shands。"
"Sheisclever！"announcedFoma，firmly，frowningandhidinghishandsinhispockets。"Sheisintelligent。"
"Clever，that'strue！Howcleverlyshearrangedthatentertainment；
therewasanincomeoftwothousandfourhundredroubles，theexpenses——onethousandninehundred；theexpensesreallydidnotevenamounttoathousandroubles，foreverybodydoeseverythingforherfornothing。Intelligent！Shewilleducateyou，andespeciallywillthoseidlersthatrunaroundher。"
"They'renotidlers，theyarecleverpeople！"repliedFoma，angrily，contradictinghimselfnow。"AndIlearnfromthem。WhatamI？Iknownothing。WhatwasItaught？Whiletheretheyspeakofeverything——andeachonehashiswordtosay。Donothindermefrombeinglikeaman。"
"Pooh！Howyou'velearnedtospeak！Withsomuchanger，likethehailstrikingagainsttheroof！Verywell，belikeaman，butinordertobelikeamanitmightbelessdangerousforyoutogotothetavern；thepeoplethereareafterallbetterthanSophya'speople。Andyou，youngman，youshouldhavelearnedtodiscriminateonepersonfromanother。
TakeSophya，forinstance：Whatdoessherepresent？Aninsectfortheadornmentofnatureandnothingmore！"
Intenselyagitated，FomasethisteethtogetherandwalkedawayfromMayakin，thrustinghishandsstilldeeperintohispockets。ButtheoldmansoonstartedagainaconversationaboutMedinskaya。
Theywereontheirwaybackfromthebayafteraninspectionofthesteamers，andseatedinabigandcommodioussledge，theywereenthusiasticallydiscussingbusinessmattersinafriendlyway。ItwasinMarch。Thewaterunderthesledge-runnerswasbubbling，thesnowwasalreadycoveredwitharatherdirtyfleece，andthesunshonewarmlyandmerrilyintheclearsky。
"Willyougotoyourladyassoonaswearrive？"askedMayakin，unexpectedly，interruptingtheirbusinesstalk。
"Iwill，"saidFoma，shortly，andwithdispleasure，"Mm。Tellme，howoftendoyougiveherpresents？"askedMayakin，plainlyandsomewhatintimately。
"Whatpresents？Whatfor？"Fomawondered。
"Youmakehernopresents？Youdon'tsay。Doesshelivewithyouthenmerelyso，forlove'ssake？"
Fomaboiledupwithangerandshame，turnedabruptlytowardtheoldmanandsaidreproachfully：
"Eh！Youareanoldman，andyetyouspeaksothatitisashametolistentoyou！Tosaysuchathing！Doyouthinkshewouldcomedowntothis？"
Mayakinsmackedhislipsandsangoutinamournfulvoice：
"Whatablockheadyouare！Whatafool！"andsuddenlygrownangry，hespatout："Shameuponyou！Allsortsofbrutesdrankoutofthepot，nothingbutthedregsremained，andnowafoolhasmadeagoduntohimselfofthisdirtypot。Devil！Youjustgouptoherandtellherplainly：'Iwanttobeyourlover。Iamayoungman，don'tchargememuchforit。'"
"Godfather！"saidFoma，sternly，inathreateningvoice，"I
cannotbeartohearsuchwords。Ifitweresomeoneelse。"
"Butwhoexceptmyselfwouldcautionyou？GoodGod！"Mayakincriedout，claspinghishands。"Soshehasledyoubythenoseallwinterlong！Whatanose！Whatabeastsheis！"
Theoldmanwasagitated；inhisvoicerangvexation，anger，eventearsFomahadneverbeforeseenhiminsuchastate，andlookingathim，hewasinvoluntarilysilent。
"Shewillruinyou！0hLord！TheBabylonianprostitute！"
Mayakin'seyeswereblinking，hislipsweretrembling，andinrude，cynicalwordshebegantospeakofMedinskaya，irritated，withawrathfuljarinhisvoice。
Fomafeltthattheoldmanspokethetruth。Henowbegantobreathewithdifficultyandhefeltthathismouthhadadry，bittertaste。
"Verywell，father，enough，"hebeggedsoftlyandsadly，turningasidefromMayakin。
"Eh，yououghttogetmarriedassoonaspossible！"exclaimedtheoldmanwithalarm。
"ForChrist'ssake，donotspeak，"utteredFomainadullvoice。
Mayakinglancedathisgodsonandbecamesilent。Foma'sfacelookeddrawn；hegrewpale，andtherewasagreatdealofpainful，bitterstuporinhishalf-openlipsandinhissadlook。Ontherightandontheleftoftheroadafieldstretcheditself，coveredhereandtherewithpatchesofwinter-raiment。Rookswerehoppingbusilyaboutovertheblackspots，wherethesnowhadmelted。Thewaterunderthesledge-runnerswassplashing，themuddysnowwaskickedupbythehoofsofthehorses。
"Howfoolishmanisinhisyouth！"exclaimedMayakin，inalowvoice。
Fomadidnotlookathim。
"Beforehimstandsthestumpofatree，andyetheseesthesnoutofabeast——that'showhefrightenshimself。Oh，oh！"
"Speakmoreplainly，"saidFoma，sternly。
"Whatistheretosay？Thethingisclear：girlsarecream；womenaremilk；womenarenear，girlsarefar。Consequently，gotoSonka，ifyoucannotdowithoutit，andtellherplainly。That'showthematterstands。Fool！Ifsheisasinner，youcangethermoreeasily。
Whyareyousoangry，then？Whysobristledup？"
"Youdon'tunderstand，"saidFoma，inalowvoice。
"WhatisitIdonotunderstand？Iunderstandeverything！"
"Theheart。Manhasaheart，"sighedtheyouth。
Mayakinwinkedhiseyesandsaid：
"Thenhehasnomind。"
CHAPTERVI
WHENFomaarrivedinthecityhewasseizedwithsad，revengefulanger。HewasburningwithapassionatedesiretoinsultMedinskaya，toabuseher。Histeethfirmlysettogether，hishandsthrustdeepintohispockets，hewalkedforafewhoursinsuccessionaboutthedesertedroomsofhishouse，hesternlyknittedhisbrow，andconstantlythrewhischestforward。Hisbreastwastoonarrowtoholdhisheart，whichwasfilledwithwrath。Hestampedthefloorwithheavyandmeasuredsteps，asthoughhewereforginghisanger。
"Thevilewretch——disguisedherselfasanangel！"Pelageyavividlyaroseinhismemory，andhewhisperedmalignantlyandbitterly：
"Thoughafallenwoman，sheisbetter。Shedidnotplaythehypocrite。Sheatonceunfoldedhersoulandherbody，andherheartissurelyjustasherbreast——whiteandsound。"
SometimesHopewouldwhispertimidlyinhisear：
"Perhapsallthatwassaidofherwasalie。"
Butherecalledtheeagercertaintyofhisgodfather，andthepowerofhiswords，andthisthoughtperished。Hesethisteethmorefirmlytogetherandthrewhischeststillmoreforward。Evilthoughtslikesplintersofwoodstuckintohisheart，andhisheartwasshatteredbytheacutepaintheycaused。
BydisparagingMedinskaya，Mayakinmadehermoreaccessibletohisgodson，andFomasoonunderstoodthis。Afewdayspassed，andFoma'sagitatedfeelingsbecamecalm，absorbedbythespringbusinesscares。Thesorrowforthelossoftheindividualdeadenedthespiteheowedthewoman，andthethoughtofthewoman'saccessibilityincreasedhispassionforher。Andsomehow，withoutperceivingithimself，hesuddenlyunderstoodandresolvedthatheoughttogouptoSophyaPavlovnaandtellherplainly，openly，justwhathewantedofher——that'sall！Heevenfeltacertainjoyatthisresolution，andheboldlystartedofftoMedinskaya，thinkingonthewayonlyhowtotellherbestallthatwasnecessary。
TheservantsofMedinskayawereaccustomedtohisvisits，andtohisquestionwhethertheladywasathomethemaidreplied：
"Pleasegointothedrawing-room。Sheistherealone。"
Hebecamesomewhatfrightened，butnoticinginthemirrorhisstatelyfigureneatlycladwithafrock-coat，andhisswarthy，seriousfaceinaframeofadownyblackbeard，setwithlargedarkeyes——heraisedhisshouldersandconfidentlysteppedforwardthroughtheparlour。Strangesoundsofastringinstrumentwerecalmlyfloatingtomeethim；theyseemedtoburstintoquiet，cheerlesslaughter，complainingofsomething，tenderlystirringtheheart，asthoughimploringitforattentionandhavingnohopesofgettingit。Fomadidnotliketohearmusic——italwaysfilledhimwithsadness。Evenwhenthe"machine"inthetavernplayedsomesadtune，hisheartfilledwithmelancholyanguish，andhewouldeitheraskthemtostopthe"machine"orwouldgoawaysomelittledistancefeelingthathecouldnotlistencalmlytothesetuneswithoutwords，butfulloflamentationandtears。Andnowheinvoluntarilystoppedshortatthedoorofthedrawing-room。
Acurtainoflongstringsofparti-colouredglassbeadshungoverthedoor。Thebeadshadbeenstrungsoastoformafantasticfigureofsomekindofplants；thestringswerequietlyshakinganditseemedthatpaleshadowsofflowersweresoaringintheair。
Thistransparentcurtaindidnothidetheinsideofthedrawing-
roomfromFoma'seyes。Seatedonacouchinherfavouritecorner，Medinskayaplayedthemandolin。AlargeJapaneseumbrella，fasteneduptothewall，shadedthelittlewomaninblackbyitsmixtureofcolours；thehighbronzelampunderaredlamp-shadecastonherthelightofsunset。Themildsoundsoftheslenderstringsweretremblingsadlyinthenarrowroom，whichwasfilledwithsoftandfragranttwilight。Nowthewomanloweredthemandolinonherkneesandbeganrunningherfingersoverthestrings，alsotoexaminefixedlysomethingbeforeher。Fomaheavedasigh。
AsoftsoundofmusicsoaredaboutMedinskaya，andherfacewasforeverchangingasthoughshadowswerefallingonit，fallingandmeltingawayundertheflashofhereyes。
Fomalookedatherandsawthatwhenaloneshewasnotquitesogood-lookingasinthepresenceofpeople——nowherfacelookedolder，moreserious——hereyeshadnottheexpressionofkindnessandgentleness，theyhadarathertiredandwearylook。Andherpose，too，wasweary，asifthewomanwereabouttostirbutcouldnot。Fomanoticedthatthefeelingwhichpromptedhimtocometoherwasnowchanginginhisheartintosomeotherfeeling。Hescrapedwithhisfootalongthefloorandcoughed。
"Whoisthat？"askedthewoman，startingwithalarm。Andthestringstrembled，issuinganalarmedsound。
"ItisI，"saidFoma，pushingasidethestringsofthebeads。
"Ah！Buthowquietlyyou'veentered。Iamgladtoseeyou。Beseated！Whydidn'tyoucomeforsuchalongtime？"
Holdingoutherhandtohim，shepointedwiththeotheratasmallarmchairbesideher，andhereyesweregailysmiling。
"Iwasoutonthebayinspectingmysteamers，"saidFoma，withexaggeratedease，movinghisarmchairnearertothecouch。
"Istheremuchsnowyetonthefields？"
"Asmuchasonemaywant。Butitisalreadymeltingconsiderably。