Thereiswaterontheroadseverywhere。"
　　Helookedatherandsmiled。EvidentlyMedinskayanoticedtheeaseofhisbehaviourandsomethingnewinhissmile，forsheadjustedherdressanddrewfartherawayfromhim。Theireyesmet——andMedinskayaloweredherhead。
　　"Melting！"saidshe，thoughtfully，examiningtheringonherlittlefinger。
　　"Ye-es，streamseverywhere。"Fomainformedher，admiringhisboots。
　　"That'sgood。Springiscoming。"
　　Nowitwon'tbedelayedlong。"
　　"Springiscoming，"repeatedMedinskaya，softly，asiflisteningtothesoundsofherwords。
　　"Peoplewillstarttofallinlove，"saidFoma，withasmile，andforsomereasonorotherfirmlyrubbedhishands。
　　"Areyoupreparingyourself？"askedMedinskaya，drily。
　　"Ihavenoneedforit。Ihavebeenreadylongago。Iamalreadyinloveforallmylife。"
　　Shecastaglanceathim，andstartedtoplayagain，lookingatthestringsandsayingpensively：
　　"Spring。Howgooditisthatyouarebutbeginningtolive。Theheartisfullofpower，andthereisnothingdarkinit。"
　　"SophyaPavlovna！"exclaimedFoma，softly。Sheinterruptedhimwithacaressinggesture。
　　"Wait，dearest！TodayIcantellyousomethinggood。Doyouknow，apersonwhohaslivedlonghassuchmomentsthatwhenhelooksintohisheartheunexpectedlyfindstheresomethinglongforgotten。Foryearsitlaysomewhereinthedepthofhisheart，butlostnoneofthefragranceofyouth，andwhenmemorytouchesit，thenspringcomesoverthatperson，breathinguponhimthevivifyingfreshnessofthemorningofhislife。Thisisgood，thoughitisverysad。"
　　Thestringstrembledandweptunderthetouchofherfingers，anditseemedtoFomathattheirsoundsandthesoftvoiceofthewomanweretouchinghisheartgentlyandcaressingly。But，stillfirminhisdecision，helistenedtoherwordsand，notknowingtheirmeaning，thought：
　　"Youmayspeak！AndIwon'tbelieveanythingyoumaysay。"
　　Thisthoughtirritatedhim。Andhefeltsorrythathecouldnotlistentoherwordsasattentivelyandtrustfullyasbefore。
　　"Areyouthinkingofhowitisnecessarytolive？"askedthewoman。
　　"SometimesIthinkofit，andthenIforgetagain。Ihavenotimeforit！"saidFomaandsmiled。"Andthen，whatistheretothinkof？Itissimple。Youseehowotherslive。Well，consequently，youmustimitatethem。"
　　"Ah，don'tdothis！Spareyourself。Youaresogood！Thereissomethingpeculiarinyou；what——Idonotknow。Butitcanbefelt。
　　Anditseemstome，itwillbeveryhardforyoutogetalonginlife。Iamsure，youwillnotgoalongtheusualwayofthepeopleofyourcircle。No！Youcannotbepleasedwithalifewhichiswhollydevotedtogain，tohuntsaftertherouble，tothisbusinessofyours。Oh，no！Iknow，youwillhaveadesireforsomethingelse，willyounot？"
　　Shespokequickly，withalookofalarminhereyes。Lookingather，Fomathought：
　　"Whatisshedrivingat？"
　　Andheansweredherslowly：
　　"PerhapsIwillhaveadesireforsomethingelse。PerhapsIhaveitalready。"
　　Drawingupclosertohim，shelookedintohisfaceandspokeconvincingly：
　　"Listen！Donotlivelikeallotherpeople！Arrangeyourlifesomehowdifferently。Youarestrong，young。Youaregood！"
　　"AndifIamgoodthentheremustbegoodforme！"exclaimedFoma，feelingthathewasseizedwithagitation，andthathisheartwasbeginningtobeatwithanxiety。
　　"Ah，butthatisnotthecase！Hereonearthitisworseforthegoodpeoplethanforthebadones！"saidMedinskaya，sadly。
　　Andagainthetremblingnotesofmusicbegantodanceatthetouchofherfingers。Fomafeltthatifhedidnotstarttosayatoncewhatwasnecessary，hewouldtellhernothinglater。
　　"Godblessme！"hesaidtohimself，andinaloweredvoice，strengtheninghisheart，began：
　　"SophyaPavlovna！Enough！Ihavesomethingtosay。Ihavecometotellyou：'Enough！'Wemustdealfairly，openly。Atfirstyouhaveattractedmetoyourself，andnowyouarefencingawayfromme。I
　　cannotunderstandwhatyousay。Mymindisdull，butIcanfeelthatyouwishtohideyourself。Icanseeit——doyouunderstandnowwhatbroughtmehere？"
　　Hiseyesbegantoflashandwitheachwordhisvoicebecamewarmerandlouder。Shemovedherbodyforwardandsaidwithalarm：
　　"Oh，cease。"
　　"No，Iwon't，Iwillspeak！"
　　"Iknowwhatyouwanttosay。"
　　"Youdon'tknowitall！"saidFoma，threateningly，risingtohisfeet。"ButIknoweverythingaboutyou——everything。"
　　"Yes？Thenthebetteritisforme，"saidMedinskaya，calmly。
　　Shealsoarosefromthecouch，asthoughabouttogoawaysomewhere，butafterafewsecondssheagainseatedherselfonthecouch。Herfacewasserious，herlipsweretightlycompressed，buthereyeswerelowered，andFomacouldnotseetheirexpression。Hethoughtthatwhenhetoldher，"Iknoweverythingaboutyou！"shewouldbefrightened，shewouldfeelashamedandconfused，wouldaskhisforgivenessforhavingmadesportofhim。Thenhewouldembraceherandforgiveher。Butthatwasnotthecase；itwashewhowasconfusedbyhercalmness。Helookedather，searchingforwordstoresumehisspeech，butfoundthemnot。
　　"Itisbetter，"sherepeatedfirmlyanddrily。"Soyouhavelearnedeverything，haveyou？And，ofcourse，you'vecensuredme，asI
　　deserve。Iunderstand。Iamguiltybeforeyou。Butno，Icannotjustifymyself。"
　　Shebecamesilentandsuddenly，liftingherhandswithanervousgesture，claspedherhead，andbegantoadjustherhair。
　　Fomaheavedadeepsigh。Herwordshadkilledinhimacertainhope——ahope，whosepresenceinhisheartheonlyfeltnowthatitwasdead。Andshakinghishead，hesaid，withbitterreproach：
　　"TherewasatimewhenIlookedatyouandthought，'Howbeautifulsheis，howgood，thedove！'Andnowyousayyourself，'Iamguilty。'Ah！"
　　Thevoiceoftheyouthbrokedown。Andthewomanbegantolaughsoftly。
　　"Howfineandhowridiculousyouare，andwhatapitythatyoucannotunderstandallthis！"
　　Theyouthlookedather，feelinghimselfdisarmedbyhercaressingwordsandmelancholysmile。Thatcold，harshsomething，whichhehadinhisheartagainsther，wasnowmeltingbeforethewarmlightofhereyes。Thewomannowseemedtohimsmall，defenseless，likeachild。Shewassayingsomethinginagentlevoiceasthoughimploring，andforeversmiling，buthepaidnoattentiontoherwords。
　　"I'vecometoyou，"saidhe，interruptingherwords，"withoutpity。
　　Imeanttotellyoueverything。AndyetIsaidnothing。Idon'tfeellikedoingit。Myheartsank。Youarebreathinguponmesostrangely。Eh，Ishouldnothaveseenyou！Whatareyoutome？Itwouldbebetterformetogoaway，itseems。"
　　"Wait，dearest，don'tgoaway！"saidthewoman，hastily，holdingoutherhandtohim。"Whysosevere？Donotbeangryatme！WhatamItoyou？Youneedadifferentfriend，awomanjustassimple-
　　mindedandsound-souledasyouare。Shemustbegay，healthy。I——I
　　amalreadyanoldwoman。Iamforeverworrying。Mylifeissoemptyandsoweary，soempty！Doyouknow，whenapersonhasgrownaccustomedtolivemerrily，andthencannotbemerry，hefeelsbad！
　　Hedesirestolivecheerfully，hedesirestolaugh，yethedoesnotlaugh——itislifethatislaughingathim。Andastomen。Listen！
　　Likeamother，Iadviseyou，Ibegandimploreyou——obeynooneexceptyourownheart！Liveinaccordancewithitspromptings。Menknownothing，theycannottellyouanythingthatistrue。Donotheedthem。"
　　Tryingtospeakasplainlyandintelligiblyaspossible，shewasagitated，andherwordscameincoherentlyhurriedlyoneafteranother。Apitifulsmileplayedonherlipsallthetime，andherfacewasnotbeautiful。
　　"Lifeisverystrict。Itwantsallpeopletosubmittoitsrequests，andonlytheverystrongonescanresistitwithimpunity。Itisyetquestionablewhethertheycandoit！Oh，ifyouknewhowharditistolive。Mangoessofarthathebeginstofearhisownself。Heissplitintojudgeandcriminal——hejudgeshisownselfandseeksjustificationbeforehimself。Andheiswillingtopassdaysandnightswiththosethatdespisehim，andthatarerepulsivetohim——justtoavoidbeingalonewithhimself。"
　　Fomaliftedhisheadandsaiddistrustfully，withsurprise：
　　"Icannotunderstandwhatitis！Lubovalsosaysthesame。"
　　"WhichLubov？Whatdoesshesay？"
　　"Myfoster-sister。Shesaysthesame，——sheisforevercomplainingoflife。Itisimpossibletolive，shesays。"
　　"Oh，sheisyetyoung！Anditisagreathappinessthatshealreadyspeaksofthis。"
　　"Happiness！"Fomadrawledoutmockingly。"Itmustbeafinehappinessthatmakespeoplesighandcomplain。"
　　"You'dbetterlistentocomplaints。Thereisalwaysmuchwisdominthesecomplaintsofmen。Oh！Thereismorewisdominthesecomplaintsthananywhereelse。Youlistentothese，——theywillteachyoutofindyourway。"
　　Fomaheardthewoman'svoice，whichsoundedconvincing；andperplexed，lookedabouthim。Everythinghadlongbeenfamiliartohim，buttodayitlookedsomewhatnewtohim。Amassoftriflesfilledtheroom，allthewallswerecoveredwithpicturesandshelves，brightandbeautifulobjectswerestaringfromeverycorner。Thereddishlightofthelampfilledonewithmelancholy。
　　Twilightwrappedeverythingintheroom，andonlyhereandtherethegoldoftheframes，orthewhitespotsofmarbleflasheddimly。
　　Heavyfabricsweremotionlesslyhangingbeforethedoors。AllthisembarrassedandalmostchokedFoma；hefeltasthoughhehadlosthisway。Hewassorryforthewoman。Butshealsoirritatedhim。
　　"DoyouhearhowIspeaktoyou？IwishIwereyourmother，oryoursister。Neverbeforedidanybodyawakeninmesowarmandkindredafeelingasyouhavedone。Andyou，youlookatmeinsuchanunfriendlyway。Doyoubelieveme？Yes？No？"
　　Helookedatherandsaidwithasigh：
　　"Idon'tknow。Iusedtobelieveyou。"
　　"Andnow？"sheaskedhastily。
　　"Andnow——itisbestformetogo！Idon'tunderstandanything，andyetIlongtounderstand。Idonotevenunderstandmyself。OnmywaytoyouIknewwhattosay，andhereallisconfused。Youhaveputmeupontherack，youhavesetmeonedge。Andthenyoutellme——'Iamasamothertoyou'——whichmeans——begone！"
　　"Understandme，Ifeelsorryforyou！"thewomanexclaimedsoftly。
　　Foma'sirritationagainstherwasgrowingstrongerandstronger，andashewentonspeakingtoher，hiswordsbecameabsurd。Whilehespoke，hekeptonmovinghisshouldersasthoughtearingsomethingthatentangledhim。
　　"Sorry？Whatfor？Idonotneedit。Eh，Icannotspeakwell！Itisbadtobedumb。But——Iwouldhavetoldyou！Youdidnottreatmeproperly——indeed，whyhaveyousoenticedaman？AmIaplaythingforyou？"
　　"Ionlywantedtoseeyoubymyside，"saidthewomansimply，inaguiltyvoice。
　　Hedidnothearthesewords。
　　"Andwhenitcametothepoint，youwerefrightenedandyoushutyourselfofffromme。Youbegantorepent。Ha，ha！Lifeisbad！Andwhyareyoualwayscomplainingofsomelife？Whatlife？Manislife，andexceptmanthereisnolife。Youhaveinventedsomeothermonster。Youhavedonethistodeceivetheeye，tojustifyyourself。Youdosomemischief，youloseyourselfindifferentinventionsandfoolishnessesandthenyousigh！Ah，life！Oh，life！
　　Andhaveyounotdoneityourself？Andcoveringyourselfwithcomplaints，youconfuseothers。Youhavelostyourway，verywell，butwhydoyouwanttoleadmeastray？Isitwickednessthatspeaksinyou：'Ifeelbad，'yousay，'lethimalsofeelbad——there，I'llbesprinklehisheartwithmypoisonoustears！'Isn'tthatso？Eh！
　　Godhasgivenyouthebeautyofanangel，butyourheart——whereisit？"
　　Standingbeforeher，hetrembledineverylimb，andexaminedherfromheadtofootwithreproachfullooks。Nowhiswordscamefreelyfromhisheart，hespokenotloud，butwithpowerandpleasure。Herheadraised，thewomanstaredintohisface，withwide-openeyes。
　　Herlipsweretremblinganddeepwrinklesappearedatthecornersofhermouth。
　　"Abeautifulpersonshouldleadagoodlife。Whileofyoutheysaythings。"Foma'svoicebrokedown；heraisedhishandandconcludedinadullvoice：
　　"Goodbye！"
　　"Goodbye！"saidMedinskaya，softly。
　　Hedidnotgiveherhishand，but，turningabruptly，hewalkedawayfromher。Butalreadyatthedoorhefeltthathewassorryforher，andheglancedatheracrosshisshoulder。There，inthecorner，shestoodalone，herheadbent，herhandshangingmotionless。
　　Understandingthathecouldnotleaveherthus，hebecameconfused，andsaidsoftly，butwithoutrepenting：
　　"PerhapsIsaidsomethingoffensive——forgiveme！ForafterallI
　　loveyou，"andheheavedadeepsigh。
　　Thewomanburstintosoft，nervouslaughter。
　　"No，youhavenotoffendedme。Godspeedyou。"
　　"Well，thengoodbye！"repeatedFomainastilllowervoice。
　　"Yes，"repliedthewoman，alsoinalowvoice。
　　Fomapushedasidethestringsofbeadswithhishand；theyswungbacknoisilyandtouchedhischeeks。Heshudderedatthiscoldtouchandwentout，carryingawayaheavy，perplexedfeelinginhisbreast，withhisheartbeatingasthoughasoftbutstrongnetwerecastoverit。
　　Itwasnightbythistime；themoonwasshiningandthefrostcoveredthepuddleswithcoatingsofdullsilver。Fomawalkedalongthesidewalk，hebrokethesewithhiscane，andtheycrackedmournfully。Theshadowsofthehousesfellontheroadinblacksquares，andtheshadowsofthetrees——inwonderfulpatterns。Andsomeofthemlookedlikethinhands，helplesslyclutchingtheground。
　　"Whatisshedoingnow？"thoughtFoma，picturingtohimselfthewoman，alone，inthecornerofanarrowroom，inthereddishhalf-
　　light。
　　"Itisbestformetoforgether，"hedecided。Buthecouldnotforgether；shestoodbeforehim，provokinginhimnowintensepity，nowirritationandevenanger。Andherimagewassoclear，andthethoughtsofherweresopainful，asthoughhewascarryingthiswomaninhisbreast。Acabwascomingfromtheoppositeside，fillingthesilenceofthenightwiththejarringofthewheelsonthecobble-stonesandwiththeircreakingontheice。Whenthecabwaspassingacrossamoonlitstrip，thenoisewaslouderandmorebrisk，andintheshadowsitwasheavierandduller。Thedriverandthepassengerinitwereshakingandhoppingabout；forsomereasonorothertheybothbentforwardandtogetherwiththehorseformedonebig，blackmass。Thestreetwasspeckledwithspotsoflightandshade，butinthedistancethedarknessseemedthickasthoughthestreetwerefencedoffbyawall，risingfromearthtotheskies。SomehowitoccurredtoFomathatthesepeopledidnotknowwhithertheyweregoing。Andhe，too，didnotknowwhitherhewasgoing。Hishouserosebeforehisimagination——sixbigrooms，wherehelivedalone。AuntAnfisahadgonetothecloister，perhapsnevertoreturn——shemightdiethere。AthomewereIvan，theolddeafdvornik，theoldmaid，Sekleteya，hiscookandservant，andablack，shaggydog，withasnoutasbluntasthatofasheat-fish。
　　Andthedog，too，wasold。
　　"PerhapsIreallyoughttogetmarried，"thoughtFoma，withasigh。
　　Buttheverythoughtofhoweasyitwasforhimtogetmarriedmadehimillatease，andevenridiculousinhisowneyes。Itwerebutnecessarytoaskhisgodfathertomorrowforabride，——andbeforeamonthwouldpass，awomanwouldlivewithhiminhishouse。Andshewouldbenearhimdayandnight。Hewouldsaytoher："Let'sgoforawalk！"andshewouldgo。Hewouldtellher："Let'sgotosleep！"
　　andagainshewouldgo。Shouldshedesiretokisshim，shewouldkisshim，eventhoughhedidnotlikeit。Andifheshouldtellher："Goaway，Idon'twantit，"shewouldfeeloffended。Whatwouldhespeaktoherabout？Whatwouldshetellhim？Hethoughtandpicturedtohimselfyoungladiesofhisacquaintance，daughtersofmerchants。Someofthemwereverypretty，andheknewthatanyoneofthemwouldmarryhimwillingly。Buthedidnotcaretohaveanyofthemashiswife。Howawkwardandshamefulitmustbewhenagirlbecomesawife。Andwhatdoesthenewly-marriedcouplesaytoeachotherafterthewedding，inthebedroom？Fomatriedtothinkwhathewouldsayinsuchacase，andconfused，hebegantolaugh，findingnoappropriatewords。ThenherecalledLubaMayakin。Shewouldsurelybefirsttosaysomething，utteringsomeunintelligiblewords，whichwereforeigntoherself。Somehowitseemedtohimthatallherwordswereforeign，andshedidnotspeakaswasproperforagirlofherage，appearanceanddescent。
　　AndherehisthoughtsrestedonLubov'scomplaints。Hisgaitbecameslower；hewasnowastoundedbythefactthatallthepeoplethatwereneartohimandwithwhomhetalkedagreatdeal，alwaysspoketohimoflife。Hisfather，hisaunt，hisgodfather，Lubov，SophyaPavlovna，alltheseeithertaughthimtounderstandlife，orcomplainedofit。HerecalledthewordssaidbytheoldmanonthesteameraboutFate，andmanyotherremarksonlife，reproachesandbittercomplaintsagainstit，whichhehappenedtohearfromallsortsofpeople。
　　"Whatdoesitmean？"hethought，"whatislife，ifitisnotman？
　　Andmanalwaysspeaksasiflifeweresomethingelse，somethingoutsideofman，andthatsomethinghindershimfromliving。Perhapsitisthedevil？"
　　Apainfulfeelingoffearfellontheyouth；heshudderedandhastilylookedaround。Thestreetwasdesertedandquiet；thedarkwindowsofthehousesstareddimlyintothedarkofnight，andalongthewallsandfencesFoma'sshadowfollowedhim。
　　"Driver！"hecriedoutaloud，quickeninghissteps。Theshadowstartedandcrawledafterhim，frightened，black，silent。ItseemedtoFomathattherewasacoldbreathbehindhim，andthatsomethinghuge，invisible，andterriblewasovertakinghim。Frightened，healmostrantomeetthecab，whichappearednoisilyfromthedarkness，andwhenheseatedhimselfinthecab，hedarednotlookback，thoughhewishedtodoso。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　ABOUTaweekpassedsinceFomaspoketoMedinskaya。AndherimagestoodfixedlybeforeFomabynightandbyday，awakeninginhisheartagnawingfeelingofanxiety。Helongedtogotoher，andwassomuchafflictedoverherthatevenhisboneswereachingfromthedesireofhishearttobenearheragain。Buthewassternlysilent；hefrownedanddidnotcaretoyieldtothisdesire，industriouslyoccupyinghimselfwithhisaffairsandprovokinginhimselfafeelingofangeragainstthewoman。Hefeltthatifhewentuptoher，hewouldnolongerfindhertobethesameashehadlefther；somethingmusthavechangedwithinherafterthatconversation，andshewouldnolongerreceivehimascordiallyasbefore，wouldnotsmileathimtheclearsmilethatusedtoawakeninhimstrangethoughtsandhopes。Fearingthatallthiswaslostandthatsomethingelsemusthavetakenitsplace，herestrainedhimselfandsuffered。
　　Hisworkandhislongingforthewomandidnothinderhimfromthinkingoflife。Hedidnotphilosophizeaboutthisenigma，whichwasalreadystirringafeelingofalarminhisheart；hewasnotabletoargue，buthebegantolistenattentivelytoeverythingthatmensaidoflife，andhetriedtoremembertheirwords。Theydidnotmakeanythingcleartohim；nay，theyincreasedhisperplexityandpromptedhimtoregardthemsuspiciously。Theywereclever，cunningandsensible——hesawit；indealingswiththemitwasalwaysnecessarytobeonone'sguard；heknewalreadythatinimportantmattersnoneofthemspokeastheythought。Andwatchingthemcarefully，hefeltthattheirsighsandtheircomplaintsoflifeawakenedinhimdistrust。Silentlyhelookedateverybodywithsuspicion，andathinwrinklemaskedhisforehead。
　　OnemorninghisgodfathersaidtohimontheExchange：
　　"Ananyhasarrived。Hewouldliketoseeyou。Gouptohimtowardevening，andseethatyouholdyourtongue。Ananywilltrytoloosenitinordertomakeyoutalkonbusinessmatters。Heiscunning，theolddevil；heisaholyfox；he'lllifthiseyestowardheaven，andmeanwhilewillputhispawintoyourpocketandgrabyourpurse。Beonyourguard。"
　　"Doweowehimanything？"askedFoma。
　　"Ofcourse！Wehaven'tpaidyetforthebarge，andthenfiftyfive-
　　fathombeamsweretakenfromhimnotlongago。Ifhewantseverythingatonce——don'tgive。Aroubleisastickything；thelongeritturnsaboutinyourhand，themorecopeckswillsticktoit。Aroubleislikeagoodpigeon——itgoesupintheair，youturnaroundandsee——ithasbroughtawholeflockwithitintothepigeon-house。"
　　"Buthowcanwehelppayingitnow，ifhedemandsit？"
　　"Lethimcryandaskforit——andyouroar——butdon'tgiveittohim。"
　　I'llgouptheresoon。"
　　AnanySavvichShchurovwasarichlumber-dealer，hadabigsaw-
　　mill，builtbargesandranrafts。HehadhaddealingswithIgnat，andFomahadmorethanonceseenthistall，heavily-bearded，long-
　　armed，white-hairedoldman，whokepthimselfaserectasapine-
　　tree。Hisbig，handsomefigure，hisopenfaceandhiscleareyescalledforthinFomaafeelingofrespectforShchurov，althoughhehearditrumouredthatthislumber-dealerhadgainedhiswealthnotbyhonesttoilandthathewasleadinganevillifeathome，inanobscurevillageoftheforestdistrict；andIgnathadtoldFomathatwhenShchurovwasyoungandwasbutapoorpeasant，heshelteredaconvictinthebath-house，inhisgarden，andthattheretheconvictmadecounterfeitmoneyforhim。SincethattimeAnanybegantogrowrich。Onedayhisbathhouseburneddown，andintheashestheydiscoveredthecorpseofamanwithafracturedskull。TherewasarumourinthevillagethatShchurovhimselfhadkilledhisworkman——killedandthenburnedhim。Suchthingshadhappenedmorethanoncewiththegood-lookingoldman；butsimilarrumourswereonfootwithreferencetomanyarichmanintown——
　　theyhadall，itwassaid，hoardeduptheirmillionsbywayofrobberies，murdersand，mainly，bypassingcounterfeitmoney。Fomahadheardsuchstoriesinhischildhoodandheneverbeforeconsideredwhethertheyweretrueornot。
　　HealsoknewthatShchurovhadgotridoftwowives——oneofthemdiedduringthefirstnightofthewedding，inAnany'sembraces。
　　Thenhetookhisson'swifeawayfromhim，andhissontooktodrinkforgriefandwouldhaveperishedindrunkennesshadhenotcometohimselfintimeandgoneofftosavehimselfinahermitage，inIrgiz。Andwhenhismistress-daughter-in-lawhadpassedaway，Shchurovtookintohishouseadumbbeggar-girl，whowaslivingwithhimtothisday，andwhohadrecentlybornehimadeadchild。Onhiswaytothehotel，whereAnanystayed，Fomainvoluntarilyrecalledallthis，andfeltthatShchurovhadbecomestrangelyinterestingtohim。
　　WhenFomaopenedthedoorandstoppedrespectfullyonthethresholdofthesmallroom，whoseonlywindowoverlookedtherustyroofoftheneighbouringhouse，henoticedthattheoldShchurovhadjustrisenfromsleep，andsittingonhisbed，leaninghishandsagainstit，hestaredattheground；andhewassobentthathislong，whitebeardfelloverhisknees。Butevenbent，hewaslarge。
　　"Whoentered？"askedAnanyinahoarseandangryvoice，withoutliftinghishead。
　　"I。Howdoyoudo，AnanySavvich？"
　　Theoldmanraisedhisheadslowlyand，winkinghislargeeyes，lookedatFoma。
　　"Ignat'sson，isthatright？"
　　"Thesame。"
　　"Well，comeoverhere，sitdownbythewindow。Letmeseehowyou'vegrownup。Willyounothaveaglassofteawithme？"
　　"Iwouldn'tmind。"
　　"Waiter！"criedtheoldman，expandinghischest，and，takinghisbeardinhishand，hebegantoexamineFomainsilence。Fomaalsolookedathimstealthily。
　　Theoldman'sloftyforeheadwasallcoveredwithwrinkles，anditsskinwasdark。Gray，curlylockscoveredhistemplesandhissharp-
　　pointedears；hiscalmblueeyeslenttheupperpartofhisfaceawiseandgoodexpression。Buthischeeksandhislipswerethickandred，andseemedoutofplaceonhisface。Histhin，longnosewasturneddownwardasthoughitwishedtohideitselfinhiswhitemoustache；theoldmanmovedhislips，andfrombeneaththemsmall，yellowteethweregleaming。Hehadonapinkcalicoshirt，asilkbeltaroundhiswaist，andblack，loosetrousers，whichweretuckedintohisboots。Fomastaredathislipsandthoughtthattheoldmanwassurelysuchashewassaidtobe。
　　"Asaboyyoulookedmorelikeyourfather，"saidShchurovsuddenly，andsighed。Then，afteramoment'ssilence，heasked："Doyourememberyourfather？Doyoueverprayforhim？Youmust，youmustpray！"hewenton，afterheheardFoma'sbriefanswer。"Ignatwasaterriblesinner，andhediedwithoutrepentance，takenunawares。Hewasagreatsinner！"
　　"Hewasnotmoresinfulthanothers，"repliedFoma，angrily，offendedinhisfather'sbehalf。
　　"Thanwho，forinstance？"demandedShchurov，strictly。
　　"Aretherenotplentyofsinners？"
　　"ThereisbutonemanonearthmoresinfulthanwasthelateIgnat——
　　andthatisthatcursedheathen，yourgodfatherYashka，"
　　ejaculatedtheoldman。
　　"Areyousureofit？"inquiredFoma，smiling。
　　"I？Ofcourse，Iam！"saidShchurov，confidently，noddinghishead，andhiseyesbecamesomewhatdarker。"IwillalsoappearbeforetheLord，andthatnotsinless。IshallbringwithmeaheavyburdenbeforeHisholycountenance。Ihavebeenpleasingthedevilmyself，onlyItrusttoGodforHismercy，whileYashkabelievesinnothing，neitherindreams，norinthesingingofbirds。YashkadoesnotbelieveinGod，thisIknow！Andforhisnon-beliefhewillyetreceivehispunishmentonearth。"
　　"Areyousureofthis，too？"
　　"Yes，Iam。Anddon'tyouthinkIalsoknowthatyouconsideritludicroustolistentome。Whatasagaciousfellow，indeed！Buthewhohascommittedmanysinsisalwayswise。Sinisateacher。
　　That'swhyYashkaMayakinisextraordinarilyclever。"
　　Listeningtotheoldman'shoarseandconfidentvoice，Fomathought：
　　"Heisscentingdeath，itseems。"
　　Thewaiter，asmallman，withafacewhichwaspaleandcharacterless，broughtinthesamovarandquicklyhastenedoutoftheroom，withshortsteps。Theoldmanwasundoingsomebundlesonthewindow-sillandsaid，withoutlookingatFoma：
　　"Youarebold，andthelookofyoureyesisdark。Before，thereusedtobemorelight-eyedpeople，becausethenthesoulsusedtobebrighter。Before，everythingwassimpler——boththepeopleandthesins，andnoweverythinghasbecomecomplicated。Eh，eh！"
　　Hemadetea，seatedhimselfoppositeFomaandwentonagain：
　　"Yourfatheratyouragewasawater-pumperandstayedwiththefleetnearourvillage。AtyourageIgnatwasascleartomeasglass。Atasingleglanceyoucouldtellwhatsortofamanhewas。
　　Whileyou——hereIamlookingatyou，butcannotseewhatyouare。
　　Whoareyou？Youdon'tknowityourself，mylad，andthat'swhyyou'llsuffer。Everybodynowadaysmustsuffer，becausetheydonotknowthemselves。Lifeisamassofwind-fallentrees，andyoumustknowhowtofindyourwaythroughit。Whereisit？Allaregoingastray，andthedevilisdelighted。Areyoumarried？"
　　"Notyet，"saidFoma。
　　"Thereagain，youarenotmarried，andyet，I'mquitesure，youarenotpureanylonger。Well，areyouworkinghardinyourbusiness？"
　　"Sometimes。MeanwhileIamwithmygodfather。"
　　"Whatsortofworkisityouhavenowadays？"saidtheoldman，shakinghishead，andhiseyeswereconstantlytwinkling，nowturningdark，nowbrighteningupagain。"Youhavenolabournow！Informeryearsthemerchanttravelledwithhorsesonbusiness。Evenatnight，insnowstorms，heusedtogo！Murderersusedtowaitforhimontheroadandkillhim。Andhediedamartyr，washinghissinsawaywithblood。Nowtheytravelbyrail；theyaresendingtelegrams，orthey'veeveninventedsomethingthatamanmayspeakinhisofficeandyoucanhearhimfivemilesaway。Therethedevilsurelyhasahandinit！Amansits，withoutmotion，andcommitssinsmerelybecausehefeelslonesome，becausehehasnothingtodo：themachinedoesallhiswork。Hehasnowork，andwithouttoilmanisruined！Hehasprovidedhimselfwithmachinesandthinksitisgood！Whilethemachineisthedevil'strapforyou。Hethuscatchesyouinit。Whiletoiling，youfindnotimeforsin，buthavingamachine——youhavefreedom。Freedomkillsaman，evenasthesunbeamskilltheworm，thedwellerofthedepthofearth。
　　Freedomkillsman！"
　　Andpronouncinghiswordsdistinctlyandpositively，theoldAnanystruckthetablefourtimeswithhisfinger。Hisfacebeamedtriumphantly，hischestrosehigh，andoveritthesilverhairofhisbeardshooknoiselessly。DreadfellonFomaashelookedathimandlistenedtohiswords，fortherewasaringoffirmfaithinthem，anditwasthepowerofthisfaiththatconfusedFoma。Hehadalreadyforgottenallheknewabouttheoldman，allofwhichhehadbutawhileagobelievedtobetrue。
　　"Whoevergivesfreedomtohisbody，killshissoul！"saidAnany，lookingatFomasostrangelyasifhesawbehindhimsomebody，whowasgrievedandfrightenedbyhiswords；andwhosefearandpaindelightedhim。"Allyoupeopleoftodaywillperishthroughfreedom。Thedevilhascapturedyou——hehastakentoilawayfromyou，andslippedmachinesandtelegramsintoyourhands。Howfreedomeatsintothesoulsofmen！Justtellme，whyarethechildrenworsethantheirfathers？Becauseoftheirfreedom，yes。
　　That'swhytheydrinkandleaddepravedliveswithwomen。Theyhavelessstrengthbecausetheyhavelesswork，andtheyhavenotthespiritofcheerfulnessbecausetheyhavenoworries。Cheerfulnesscomesintimeofrest，whilenowadaysnooneisgettingtired。"
　　"Well，"saidFoma，softly，"theywereleadingdepravedlivesanddrinkingjustasmuchinformerdaysasnow，Isuppose。"
　　"Doyouknowit？Youshouldkeepsilence！"criedAnany，flashinghiseyessternly。"Informerdaysmanhadmorestrength，andthesinswereaccordingtohisstrength。Whileyou，oftoday，havelessstrength，andmoresins，andyoursinsaremoredisgusting。Thenmenwerelikeoak-trees。AndGod'sjudgmentwillalsobeinaccordancewiththeirstrength。Theirbodieswillbeweighed，andangelswillmeasuretheirblood，andtheangelsofGodwillseethattheweightofthesinsdoesnotexceedtheweightofthebodyandtheblood。Doyouunderstand？Godwillnotcondemnthewolffordevouringasheep，butifamiserableratshouldbeguiltyofthesheep'sdeath，Godwillcondemntherat！"
　　"HowcanamantellhowGodwilljudgeman？"askedFoma，thoughtfully。"Avisibletrialisnecessary。"
　　"Whyavisibletrial？"
　　"Thatpeoplemightunderstand。"
　　"Who，buttheLord，ismyjudge？"
　　Fomaglancedattheoldmanandloweringhishead，becamesilent。
　　Heagainrecalledthefugitiveconvict，whowaskilledandburntbyShchurov，andagainhebelievedthatitreallywasso。Andthewomen——hiswivesandhismistresses——hadsurelybeenhastenedtowardtheirgravesbythisoldman'scaresses；hehadcrushedthemwithhisbonychest，drunkthesapoftheirlifewiththesethicklipsofhiswhichwerescarletyetfromtheclottedbloodofthewomen，whodiedintheembracesofhislongsinewyarms。Andnow，awaitingdeath，whichwasalreadysomewherebesidehim，hecountshissins，judgesothers，andperhapsjudgeshimself，andsays：
　　"Who，buttheLord，ismyjudge？"
　　"Isheafraidornot？"Fomaaskedhimselfandbecamepensive，stealthilyscrutinisingtheoldman。
　　"Yes，mylad！Think，"spokeShchurov，shakinghishead，"think，howyouaretolive。Thecapitalinyourheartissmall，andyourhabitsaregreat，seethatyouarenotreducedtobankruptcybeforeyourownself！Ho-ho-ho！"
　　"HowcanyoutellwhatandhowmuchIhavewithinmyheart？"saidFoma，gloomily，offendedbyhislaughter。
　　"Icanseeit！Iknoweverything，becauseIhavelivedlong！Oh-ho-
　　ho！HowlongIhavelived！Treeshavegrownupandbeencutdown，andhousesbuiltoutofthem，andeventhehouseshavegrownold。
　　WhileIhaveseenallthisandamstillalive，andwhen，attimes，Irecallmylife，Ithink，'Isitpossiblethatonemancouldaccomplishsomuch？IsitpossiblethatIhavewitnessedallthis？'"TheoldmanglancedatFomasternly，shookhisheadandbecamesilent。
　　Itbecamequiet。Outsidethewindowsomethingwassoftlyrustlingontheroofofthehouse；therattleofwheelsandthemuffledsoundsofconversationwereheardfrombelow，fromthestreet。Thesamovaronthetablesangasadtune。Shchurovwasfixedlystaringintohisglassoftea，strokinghisbeard，andonecouldhearthatsomethingrattledinhisbreast，asifsomeburdenwasturningaboutinit。
　　"It'shardforyoutolivewithoutyourfather，isn'tit？"saidhe。
　　"Iamgettingusedtoit，"repliedFoma。
　　"Youarerich，andwhenYakovdies，youwillbericherstill。He'llleaveeverythingtoyou。"
　　"Idon'tneedit。"
　　"Towhomelseshouldheleaveit？Hehasbutonedaughter，andyououghttomarrythatdaughter，andthatsheisyourgodsisterandfoster-sister——nomatter！Thatcanbearranged——andthenyouwouldbemarried。Whatgoodisthereinthelifeyouarenowleading？I
　　supposeyouareforeverrunningaboutwiththegirls？"
　　"No。"
　　"Youdon'tsay！Eh，eh，eh！themerchantispassingaway。Acertainforestertoldme——Idon'tknowwhetherheliedornot——thatinformerdaysthedogswerewolves，andthendegeneratedintodogs。
　　Itisthesamewithourcalling；wewillsoonalsobedogs。Wewilltakeupscience，putstylishhatsonourheads，we'lldoeverythingthatisnecessaryinordertoloseourfeatures，andtherewillbenothingbywhichtodistinguishusfromotherpeople。IthasbecomeacustomtomakeGymnasiumstudentsofallchildren。Themerchants，thenobles，thecommoners——allareadjustedtomatchthesamecolour。Theydressthemingrayandteachthemallthesamesubjects。Theygrowmanevenastheygrowatree。Whydotheydoit？Nooneknows。Evenalogcouldbetoldfromanotherbyitsknotatleast，whileheretheywanttoplanethepeopleoversothatallofthemshouldlookalike。Thecoffinisalreadywaitingforusoldpeople。Ye-es！Itmaybethataboutfiftyyearshence，noonewillbelievethatIlivedinthisworld。I，Anany，thesonofSavva，bythesurnameofShchurov。So！AndthatI，Anany，fearednoone，saveGod。AndthatinmyyouthIwasapeasant，thatallthelandI
　　possessedthenwastwodesyatinsandaquarter；whiletowardmyoldageIhavehoardedupeleventhousanddesyatins，allforests，andperhapstwomillionsincash。"
　　"There，theyalwaysspeakofmoney！"saidFoma，withdissatisfaction。"Whatjoydoesmanderivefrommoney？""Mm，"
　　bellowedShchurov。"Youwillmakeapoormerchant，ifyoudonotunderstandthepowerofmoney。"
　　"Whodoesunderstandit？"askedFoma。
　　"I！"saidShchurov，withconfidence。"Andeverycleverman。Yashkaunderstandsit。Money？Thatisagreatdeal，mylad！Justspreaditoutbeforeyouandthink，'Whatdoesitcontain？'Thenwillyouknowthatallthisishumanstrength，humanmind。Thousandsofpeoplehaveputtheirlifeintoyourmoneyandthousandsmorewilldoit。Andyoucanthrowitallintothefireandseehowthemoneyisburning，andatthatmomentyouwillconsideryourselfmaster。"
　　"Butnobodydoesthis。"
　　"Becausefoolshavenomoney。Moneyisinvestedinbusiness。
　　Businessgivesbreadtothemasses。Andyouaremasteroverallthosemasses。WhereforedidGodcreateman？ThatmanshouldpraytoHim。HewasaloneandHefeltlonesome，soHebegantodesirepower，andasmanwascreatedintheimageoftheLord，manalsodesirespower。Andwhat，savemoney，cangivepower？That'stheway。Well，andyou——haveyoubroughtmemoney？"
　　"No，"answeredFoma。FromthewordsoftheoldmanFoma'sheadwasheavyandtroubled，andhewasgladthattheconversationhad，atlast，turnedtobusinessmatters。
　　"Thatisn'tright，"saidShchurov，sternlyknittinghisbrow。"Itisoverdue——youmustpay。
　　"You'llgetahalfofittomorrow。"
　　"Whyahalf？Whynotall？"
　　"Wearebadlyinneedofmoneynow。"
　　"Andhaven'tyouany？ButIalsoneedit。"
　　"Waitalittle。"
　　"Eh，mylad，Iwillnotwait！Youarenotyourfather。Youngsterslikeyou，milksops，areanunreliablelot。Inamonthyoumaybreakupthewholebusiness。AndIwouldbetheloserforit。Yougivemeallthemoneytomorrow，orI'llprotestthenotes。Itwouldn'ttakemelongtodoit！"
　　FomalookedatShchurov，withastonishment。Itwasnotatallthatsameoldman，whobutamomentagospokesosagaciouslyaboutthedevil。Thenhisfaceandhiseyesseemeddifferent，andnowhelookedfierce，hislipssmiledpitilessly，andtheveinsonhischeeks，nearhisnostrils，wereeagerlytrembling。Fomasawthatifhedidnotpayhimatonce，Shchurovwouldindeednotsparehimandwoulddishonourthefirmbyprotestingthenotes。
　　"Evidentlybusinessispoor？"grinnedShchurov。"Well，tellthetruth——wherehaveyousquanderedyourfather'smoney？"
　　Fomawantedtotesttheoldman：
　　"Businessisnonetoobrisk，"saidhe，withafrown。"Wehavenocontracts。Wehavereceivednoearnestmoney，andsoitisratherhard。"
　　"So-o！ShallIhelpyouout？"
　　"Besokind。Postponethedayofpayment，"beggedFoma，modestlyloweringhiseyes。
　　"Mm。ShallIassistyououtofmyfriendshipforyourfather？Well，beitso，I'lldoit。"
　　"Andforhowlongwillyoupostponeit？"inquiredFoma。
　　"Forsixmonths。"
　　"Ithankyouhumbly。"
　　"Don'tmentionit。Youowemeeleventhousandsixhundredroubles。
　　Nowlisten：rewritethenotesfortheamountoffifteenthousand，paymetheinterestonthissuminadvance。AndassecurityI'lltakeamortgageonyourtwobarges。"
　　Fomarosefromthechairandsaid，withasmile：
　　"Sendmethenotestomorrow。I'llpayyouinfull。"
　　Shchurovalsorosefromhischairand，withoutloweringhiseyesatFoma'ssarcasticlook，said，calmlyscratchinghischest：
　　"That'sallright。"
　　"Thankyouforyourkindness。"
　　"That'snothing！Youdon'tgivemeachance，orIwouldhaveshownyoumykindness！"saidtheoldmanlazily，showinghisteeth。
　　"Yes！Ifoneshouldfallintoyourhands——"
　　"He'dfinditwarm——"
　　"Iamsureyou'dmakeitwarmforhim。"
　　"Well，mylad，thatwilldo！"saidShchurov，sternly。"Thoughyouconsideryourselfquiteclever，itisrathertoosoon。You'vegainednothing，andalreadyyoubegantoboast！Butyoujustwinfromme——thenyoumayshoutforjoy。Goodbye。Haveallthemoneyfortomorrow。"
　　"Don'tletthattroubleyou。Goodbye！"
　　"Godbewithyou！"
　　WhenFomacameoutoftheroomheheardthattheoldmangaveaslow，loudyawn，andthenbegantohuminaratherhoarsebass：
　　"Openforusthedoorsofmercy。OhblessedVirginMary！"
　　Fomacarriedawaywithhimfromtheoldmanadoublefeeling。
　　Shchurovpleasedhimandatthesametimewasrepulsivetohim。
　　Herecalledtheoldman'swordsaboutsin，thoughtofthepowerofhisfaithinthemercyoftheLord，andtheoldmanarousedinFomaafeelingakintorespect。
　　"He，too，speaksoflife；heknowshissins；butdoesnotweepoverthem，doesnotcomplainofthem。Hehassinned——andheiswillingtostandtheconsequences。Yes。Andshe？"HerecalledMedinskaya，andhisheartcontractedwithpain。
　　"Andsheisrepenting。Itishardtotellwhethershedoesitpurposely，inordertohidefromjustice，orwhetherherheartisreallyaching。'Who，buttheLord，'sayshe，'istojudgeme？'
　　That'showitis。"
　　ItseemedtoFomathatheenviedAnany，andtheyouthhastenedtorecallShchurov'sattemptstoswindlehim。ThiscalledforthinhimanaversionfortheoldmanHecouldnotreconcilehisfeelingsand，perplexed，hesmiled。
　　"Well，IhavejustbeenatShchurov's，"hesaid，comingtoMayakinandseatinghimselfbythetable。
　　Mayakin，inagreasymorning-gown，acounting-boardinhishand，begantomoveaboutinhisleather-coveredarm-chairimpatiently，andsaidwithanimation：
　　"Pouroutsometeaforhim，Lubava！Tellme，Foma，ImustbeintheCityCouncilatnineo'clock；tellmeallaboutit，makehaste！"
　　Smiling，FomarelatedtohimhowShchurovsuggestedtorewritethenotes。
　　"Eh！"exclaimedYakovTarasovichregretfully，withashakeofthehead。"You'vespoiltthewholemassforme，dear！Howcouldyoubesostraightforwardinyourdealingswiththeman？Psha！Thedevildrovemetosendyouthere！Ishouldhavegonemyself。Iwouldhaveturnedhimaroundmyfinger！"
　　"Hardly！Hesays，'Iamanoak。'"
　　"Anoak？AndIamasaw。Anoak！Anoakisagoodtree，butitsfruitsaregoodforswineonly。Soitcomesoutthatanoakissimplyablockhead。"
　　"Butit'sallthesame，wehavetopay，anyway。"
　　"Cleverpeopleareinnohurryaboutthis；whileyouarereadytorunasfastasyoucantopaythemoney。Whatamerchantyouare！"
　　YakovTarasovichwaspositivelydissatisfiedwithhisgodson。Hefrownedandinanangrymannerorderedhisdaughter，whowassilentlypouringouttea：
　　"Pushthesugarnearertome。Don'tyouseethatIcan'treachit？"
　　Lubov'sfacewaspale，hereyesseemedtroubled，andherhandsmovedlazilyandawkwardly。Fomalookedatherandthought：
　　"Howmeeksheisinthepresenceofherfather。"
　　"Whatdidhespeaktoyouabout？"askedMayakin。
　　"Aboutsins。"
　　"Well，ofcourse！Hisownaffairisdearesttoeachandeveryman。
　　Andheisamanufacturerofsins。Bothinthegalleysandinhelltheyhavelongbeenweepingandlongingforhim，waitingforhimimpatiently。"
　　"Hespeakswithweight，"saidFoma，thoughtfully，stirringhistea。
　　"Didheabuseme？"inquiredMayakin，withamaliciousgrimace。
　　"Somewhat。"
　　"Andwhatdidyoudo？"
　　"Ilistened。"
　　"Mm！Andwhatdidyouhear？"
　　"'Thestrong，'hesays，'willbeforgiven；butthereisnoforgivenessfortheweak。'"
　　"Justthinkofit！Whatwisdom！Eventhefleasknowthat。"
　　Forsomereasonoranother，thecontemptwithwhichMayakinregardedShchurov，irritatedFoma，and，lookingintotheoldman'sface，hesaidwithagrin：
　　"Buthedoesn'tlikeyou。"
　　"Nobodylikesme，mydear，"saidMayakin，proudly。"Thereisnoreasonwhytheyshouldlikeme。Iamnogirl。Buttheyrespectme。
　　Andtheyrespectonlythosetheyfear。"Andtheoldmanwinkedathisgodsonboastfully。
　　"Hespeakswithweight，"repeatedFoma。"Heiscomplaining。'Therealmerchant，'sayshe，'ispassingaway。Allpeoplearetaughtthesamething，'hesays：'sothatallmaybeequal，lookingalike。"'
　　"Doesheconsideritwrong？"
　　"Evidentlyso。"
　　"Fo-o-o-l！"Mayakindrawledout，withcontempt。
　　"Why？Isitgood？"askedFoma，lookingathisgodfathersuspiciously。
　　"Wedonotknowwhatisgood；butwecanseewhatiswise。Whenweseethatallsortsofpeoplearedriventogetherinoneplaceandareallinspiredtherewithoneandthesameidea——thenmustweacknowledgethatitiswise。Because——whatisamanintheempire？
　　Nothingmorethanasimplebrick，andallbricksmustbeofthesamesize。Doyouunderstand？Andthosepeoplethatareofequalheightandweight——IcanplaceinanypositionIlike。"
　　"Andwhomdoesitpleasetobeabrick？"saidFoma，morosely。
　　"Itisnotaquestionofpleasing，itisamatteroffact。Ifyouaremadeofhardmaterial，theycannotplaneyou。Itisnoteverybody'sphizthatyoucanruboff。Butsomepeople，whenbeatenwithahammer，turnintogold。Andiftheheadhappenstocrack——
　　whatcanyoudo？Itmerelyshowsitwasweak。"
　　"Healsospokeabouttoil。'Everything，'hesays，'isdonebymachinery，andthusaremenspoiled。"'
　　"Heisoutofhiswits！"Mayakinwavedhishanddisdainfully。"Iamsurprised，whatanappetiteyouhaveforallsortsofnonsense！
　　Whatdoesitcomefrom？"
　　"Isn'tthattrue，either？"askedFoma，breakingintosternlaughter。
　　"Whattruethingcanheknow？Amachine！Theoldblockheadshouldhavethought——'whatisthemachinemadeof？'Ofiron！Consequently，itneednotbepitied；itiswoundup——anditforgesroublesforyou。Withoutanywords，withouttrouble，yousetitintomotionanditrevolves。Whileaman，heisuneasyandwretched；heisoftenverywretched。Hewails，grieves，weeps，begs。Sometimeshegetsdrunk。Ah，howmuchthereisinhimthatissuperfluoustome！
　　Whileamachineislikeanarshinyardstick，itcontainsexactlysomuchastheworkrequired。Well，Iamgoingtodress。Itistime。"
　　Heroseandwentaway，loudlyscrapingwithhisslippersalongthefloor。Fomaglancedafterhimandsaidsoftly，withafrown：
　　"Thedevilhimselfcouldnotseethroughallthis。Onesaysthis，theother，that。"
　　"Itispreciselythesamewithbooks，"saidLubovinalowvoice。
　　Fomalookedather，smilinggood-naturedly。Andsheansweredhimwithavaguesmile。
　　Hereyeslookedfatiguedandsad。
　　"Youstillkeeponreading？"askedFoma。
　　"Yes，"thegirlansweredsadly。
　　"Andareyoustilllonesome？"
　　"Ifeeldisgusted，becauseIamalone。There'snooneheretosayawordto。"
　　"That'sbad。"
　　Shesaidnothingtothis，but，loweringherhead，sheslowlybegantofingerthefringesofthetowel。
　　"Yououghttogetmarried，"saidFoma，feelingthathepitiedher。
　　"Leavemealone，please，"answeredLubov，wrinklingherforehead。
　　"Whyleaveyoualone？Youwillgetmarried，Iamsure。"
　　"There！"exclaimedthegirlsoftly，withasigh。"That'sjustwhatIamthinkingof——itisnecessary。Thatis，I'llhavetogetmarried。Buthow？Doyouknow，Ifeelnowasthoughamiststoodbetweenotherpeopleandmyself——athick，thickmist！"
　　"That'sfromyourbooks，"Fomainterposedconfidently。
　　"Wait！AndIceasetounderstandwhatisgoingonaboutme。Nothingpleasesme。Everythinghasbecomestrangetome。Nothingisasitshouldbe。Everythingiswrong。Iseeit。Iunderstandit，yetI
　　cannotsaythatitiswrong，andwhyitisso。"
　　"Itisnotso，notso，"mutteredFoma。"That'sfromyourbooks。
　　Yes。AlthoughIalsofeelthatit'swrong。Perhapsthatisbecausewearesoyoungandfoolish。"
　　"Atfirstitseemedtome，"saidLubov，notlisteningtohim，"thateverythinginthebookswascleartome。Butnow——"
　　"Dropyourbooks，"suggestedFoma，withcontempt。
　　"Ah，don'tsaythat！HowcanIdropthem？Youknowhowmanydifferentideasthereareintheworld！OLord！They'resuchideasthatsetyourheadafire。Accordingtoacertainbookeverythingthatexistsonearthisrational。"
　　"Everything？"askedFoma。
　　"Everything！Whileanotherbooksaysthecontraryistrue。"
　　"Wait！Nowisn'tthisnonsense？"
　　"Whatwereyoudiscussing？"askedMayakin，appearingatthedoor，inalongfrock-coatandwithseveralmedalsonhiscollarandhisbreast。
　　"Justso，"saidLubov，morosely。
　　"Wespokeaboutbooks，"addedFoma。
　　"Whatkindofbooks？"
　　"Thebookssheisreading。Shereadthateverythingonearthisrational。"
　　"Really！"
　　"Well，andIsayitisalie！"
　　"Yes。"YakovTarasovichbecamethoughtful，hepinchedhisbeardandwinkedhiseyesalittle。
　　"Whatkindofabookisit？"heaskedhisdaughter，afterapause。
　　"Alittleyellow-coveredbook，"saidLubov，unwillingly。
　　"Justputthatbookonmytable。Thatissaidnotwithoutreflection——everythingonearthisrational！Seesomeonethoughtofit。Yes。Itisevenverycleverlyexpressed。Andwereitnotforthefools，itmighthavebeenperfectlycorrect。Butasfoolsarealwaysinthewrongplace，itcannotbesaidthateverythingonearthisrational。Andyet，I'lllookatthebook。Maybethereiscommonsenseinit。Goodbye，Foma！Willyoustayhere，ordoyouwanttodrivewithme？"
　　"I'llstayherealittlelonger。"
　　"Verywell。"
　　LubovandFomaagainremainedalone。
　　"Whatamanyourfatheris，"saidFoma，noddinghisheadtowardthedirectionofhisgodfather。
　　"Well，whatkindofamandoyouthinkheis？"
　　"Heretortseverycall，andwantstocovereverythingwithhiswords。"
　　"Yes，heisclever。Andyethedoesnotunderstandhowpainfulmylifeis，"saidLubov，sadly。
　　"NeitherdoIunderstandit。Youimaginetoomuch。"
　　"WhatdoIimagine？"criedthegirl，irritated。
　　"Why，allthesearenotyourownideas。Theyaresomeoneelse's。"
　　"Someoneelse's。Someoneelse's。"
　　Shefeltlikesayingsomethingharsh；butbrokedownandbecamesilent。Fomalookedatherand，settingMedinskayabyherside，thoughtsadly：
　　"Howdifferenteverythingis——bothmenandwomen——andyouneverfeelalike。"
　　Theysatoppositeeachother；bothwerelostinthought，andneitheronelookedattheother。Itwasgettingdarkoutside，andintheroomitwasquitedarkalready。Thewindwasshakingthelinden-trees，andtheirbranchesseemedtoclutchatthewallsofthehouse，asthoughtheyfeltcoldandimploredforshelterintherooms。
　　"Luba！"saidFoma，softly。
　　Sheraisedherheadandlookedathim。
　　"Doyouknow，IhavequarrelledwithMedinskaya。"
　　"Why？"askedLuba，brighteningup。
　　"So。Itcameaboutthatsheoffendedme。Yes，sheoffendedme。"
　　"Well，it'sgoodthatyou'vequarrelledwithher，"saidthegirl，approvingly，"forshewouldhaveturnedyourhead。Sheisavilecreature；sheisacoquette，evenworsethanthat。Oh，whatthingsIknowabouther！"
　　"She'snotatallavilecreature，"saidFoma，morosely。"Andyoudon'tknowanythingabouther。Youarealllying！"
　　"Oh，Ibegyourpardon！"
　　"No。Seehere，Luba，"saidFoma，softly，inabeseechingtone，"don'tspeakillofherinmypresence。Itisn'tnecessary。Iknoweverything。ByGod！Shetoldmeeverythingherself。"
　　"Herself！"exclaimedLuba，inastonishment。"Whatastrangewomansheis！Whatdidshetellyou？"
　　"Thatsheisguilty，"Fomaejaculatedwithdifficulty，withawrysmile。
　　"Isthatall？"Therewasaringofdisappointmentinthegirl'squestion；Fomahearditandaskedhopefully：
　　"Isn'tthatenough？"
　　"Whatwillyoudonow？"
　　"That'sjustwhatIamthinkingabout。"
　　"Doyouloveherverymuch？"
　　Fomawassilent。Helookedintothewindowandansweredconfusedly：
　　"Idon'tknow。ButitseemstomethatnowIlovehermorethanbefore。"
　　"Thanbeforethequarrel？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Iwonderhowonecanlovesuchawoman！"saidthegirl，shrugginghershoulders。
　　"Lovesuchawoman？Ofcourse！Whynot？"exclaimedFoma。
　　"Ican'tunderstandit。Ithink，youhavebecomeattachedtoherjustbecauseyouhavenotmetabetterwoman。"
　　"No，Ihavenotmetabetterone！"Fomaassented，andafteramoment'ssilencesaidshyly，"Perhapsthereisnonebetter。"
　　"Amongourpeople，"Lubovinterposed。
　　"Ineedherverybadly！Because，yousee，Ifeelashamedbeforeher。"
　　"Whyso？"
　　"Oh，ingeneral，Ifearher；thatis，Iwouldnotwanthertothinkillofme，asofothers。SometimesIfeeldisgusted。Ithink——
　　wouldn'titbeagreatideatogooutonsuchaspreethatallmyveinswouldstarttingling。AndthenIrecallherandIdonotventure。Andsoeverythingelse，Ithinkofher，'Whatifshefindsitout？'andIamafraidtodoit。"
　　"Yes，"thegirldrawledoutthoughtfully，"thatshowsthatyouloveher。Iwouldalsobelikethis。IfIloved，Iwouldthinkofhim——
　　ofwhathemightsay……"