blewabitterrainintothefacesoftheRussians；theFrenchprofitedbythiscircumstancetobeataretreat，evacuatingthevalleyofUrsern，crossingtheReuss，andtakinguptheirpositionontheheightsoftheFurkaandGrimsel。OneportionoftheRussianarmy’sdesignhadbeenachieved，theyweremastersoftheSt。
　　Gothard。Itistruethatassoonastheymarchedfartheron，theFrenchwouldretakeitandcutofftheirretreat；butwhatdidthismattertoSouvarow？Didhenotalwaysmarchforward？
　　Hemarchedon，then，withoutworryingaboutthatwhichwasbehindhim，reachedAndermatt，clearedTroud’Ury，andfoundLecourbeguardingthedefileoftheDevil’sBridgewithfifteenhundredmen。
　　Therethestrugglebeganagain；forthreedaysfifteenhundredFrenchmenkeptthirtythousandRussiansatbay。Souvarowragedlikealiontrappedinasnare，forhecouldnotunderstandthischangeoffortune。Atlast，onthefourthday，heheardthatGeneralKorsakoff，whohadprecededhimandwhowastorejoinhimlater，hadbeenbeatenbyMolitor，andthatMassenahadrecapturedZurichandoccupiedthecantonofGlaris。SouvarownowgaveuptheattempttoproceedupthevalleyoftheReuss，andwrotetoKorsakoffandJallachieh，"Ihastentoretrieveyourlosses；standfirmasramparts：youshallanswertomewithyourheadsforeverystepinretreatthatyoutake。"Theaide-de-campwasalsochargedtocommunicatetotheRussianandAustriangeneralsaverbalplanofbattle。GeneralsLinskenandJallachiehweretoattacktheFrenchtroopsseparatelyandthentojointheforcesinthevalleyofGlaris，intowhichSouvarowhimselfwastodescendbytheKlon-Thal，thushemmingMolitorinbetweentwowallsofiron。
　　Souvarowwassosurethatthisplanwouldbesuccessful，thatwhenhearrivedonthebordersofthelakeofKlon-Thal，hesentabearerwithaflagoftruce，summoningMolitortosurrender，seeingthathewassurroundedoneveryside。
　　Molitorreplied，tothefield-marshalthathisproposedmeetingwithhisgeneralshadfailed，ashehadbeatenthemoneaftertheother，anddriventhembackintotheGrisons，andthatmoreover，inretaliation，asMassenawasadvancingbyMuotta，itwashe，Souvarow，whowasbetweentwofires，andthereforehecalleduponhimtolaydownhisarmsinstead。
　　Onhearingthisstrangereply，Souvarowthoughtthathemustbedreaming，butsoonrecoveringhimselfandrealisingthedangerofhispositioninthedefiles，hethrewhimselfonGeneralMolitor，whoreceivedhimatthepointofthebayonet，andthenclosingupthepasswithtwelvehundredmen，theFrenchsucceededinholdingfifteentoeighteenthousandRussiansincheckforeighthours。Atlengthnightcame，andMolitorevacuatedtheKlonThal，andretiredtowardstheLinth，todefendthebridgesofNoefelsandMollis。
　　Theoldfield-marshalrushedlikeatorrentoverGlarisandMiltodi；
　　therehelearntthatMolitorhadtoldhimthetruth，andthatJallachiehandLinskenhadbeenbeatenanddispersed，thatMassenawasadvancingonSchwitz，andthatGeneralRosenberg，whohadbeengiventhedefenceofthebridgeofMuotta，hadbeenforcedtoretreat，sothathefoundhimselfinthepositioninwhichhehadhopedtoplaceMolitor。
　　Notimewastobelostinretreating。SouvarowhurriedthroughthepassesofEngi，Schwauden，andElm。Hisflightwassohurriedthathewasobligedtoabandonhiswoundedandpartofhisartillery。
　　ImmediatelytheFrenchrushedinpursuitamongtheprecipicesandclouds。Onesawwholearmiespassingoverplaceswherechamois-
　　hunterstookofftheirshoesandwalkedbarefoot，holdingonbytheirhandstopreventthemselvesfromfalling。Threenationshadcomefromthreedifferentpartstoameeting-placeinthehomeoftheeagles，asiftoallowthosenearestGodtojudgethejusticeoftheircause。Thereweretimeswhenthefrozenmountainschangedintovolcanoes，whencascadesnowfilledwithbloodfellintothevalleys，andavalanchesofhumanbeingsrolleddownthedeepestprecipices。
　　Deathreapedsuchaharvesttherewherehumanlifehadneverbeenbefore，thatthevultures，becomingfastidiousthroughtheabundance，pickedoutonlytheeyesofthecorpsestocarrytotheiryoung——atleastsosaysthetraditionofthepeasantsofthesemountains。
　　SouvarowwasabletorallyhistroopsatlengthintheneighbourhoodofLindau。HerecalledKorsakoff，whostilloccupiedBregenz；butallhistroopstogetherdidnotnumbermorethanthirtythousandmen-
　　allthatremainedoftheeightythousandwhomPaulhadfurnishedashiscontingentinthecoalition。InfifteendaysMassenahaddefeatedthreeseparatearmies，eachnumericallystrongerthanhisown。Souvarow，furiousathavingbeendefeatedbythesesameRepublicanswhomhehadsworntoexterminate，blamedtheAustriansforhisdefeat，anddeclaredthatheawaitedordersfromhisemperor，towhomhehadmadeknownthetreacheryoftheallies，beforeattemptinganythingfurtherwiththecoalition。
　　Paul’sanswerwasthatheshouldimmediatelyreturntoRussiawithhissoldiers，arrivingatSt。Petersburgassoonaspossible，whereatriumphalentryawaitedthem。
　　ThesameukasedeclaredthatSouvarowshouldbequarteredintheimperialpalacefortherestofhislife，andlastlythatamonumentshouldberaisedtohiminoneofthepublicplacesofSt。
　　Petersburg。
　　FoedorwasthusabouttoseeVaninkaoncemore。Throughoutthecampaign，wheretherewasachanceofdanger，whetherintheplainsofItaly，inthedefilesofTesino，orontheglaciersofMountPragal，hewasthefirsttothrowhimselfintoit，andhisnamehadfrequentlybeenmentionedasworthyofdistinction。Souvarowwastoobravehimselftobeprodigalofhonourswheretheywerenotmerited。
　　Foedorwasreturning，ashehadpromised，worthyofhisnobleprotector’sfriendship，andwhoknows，perhapsworthyofVaninka’slove。Field-MarshalSouvarowhadmadeafriendofhim，andnonecouldknowtowhatthisfriendshipmightnotlead；forPaulhonouredSouvarowlikeoneoftheancientheroes。
　　ButnoonecouldrelyuponPaul，forhischaracterwasmadeupofextremeimpulses。Withouthavingdoneanythingtooffendhismaster，andwithoutknowingthecauseofhisdisgrace，Souvarow，onarrivingatRiga，receivedaprivateletterwhichinformedhim，intheemperor’sname，that，havingtoleratedaninfractionofthelawsofdisciplineamonghissoldiers，theemperordeprivedhimofallthehonourswithwhichhehadbeeninvested，andalsoforbadehimtoappearbeforehim。
　　Suchtidingsfelllikeathunderboltupontheoldwarrior，alreadyembitteredbyhisreverses：hewasheart-brokenthatsuchstorm-
　　cloudsshouldtarnishtheendofhisgloriousday。
　　Inconsequenceofthisorder，heassembledallhisofficersinthemarket-placeofRiga，andtookleaveofthemsorrowfully，likeafathertakingleaveofhisfamily。Havingembracedthegeneralsandcolonels，andhavingshakenhandswiththeothers，hesaidgood-byetothemoncemore，andleftthemfreetocontinuetheirmarchtotheirdestination。
　　Souvarowtookasledge，and，travellingnightandday，arrivedincognitointhecapital，whichhewastohaveenteredintriumph，andwasdriventoadistantsuburb，tothehouseofoneofhisnieces，wherehediedofabrokenheartfifteendaysafterwards。
　　Onhisownaccount，Foedortravelledalmostasrapidlyashisgeneral，andenteredSt。Petersburgwithouthavingsentanylettertoannouncehisarrival。Ashehadnoparentinthecapital，andashisentireexistencewasconcentratedinoneperson，hedrovedirecttothegeneral’shouse，whichwassituatedintheProspectofNiewski，atanangleoftheCatherineCanal。
　　Havingarrivedthere，hesprangoutofhiscarriage，enteredthecourtyard，andboundedupthesteps。Heopenedtheante-chamberdoor，andprecipitatedhimselfintothemidstoftheservantsandsubordinatehouseholdofficers。Theycriedoutwithsurpriseuponseeinghim：heaskedthemwherethegeneralwas；theyrepliedbypointingtothedoorofthediningroom；hewasinthere，breakfastingwithhisdaughter。
　　Then，throughastrangereaction，Foedorfelthiskneesfailinghim，andhewasobligedtoleanagainstawalltopreventhimselffromfalling。Atthismoment，whenhewasabouttoseeVaninkaagain，thissoulofhissoul，forwhomalonehehaddonesomuch，hedreadedlestheshouldnotfindherthesameaswhenhehadlefther。
　　Suddenlythedining-roomdooropened，andVaninkaappeared。Seeingtheyoungman，sheutteredacry，and，turningtothegeneral，said，"Father，itisFoedor"；andtheexpressionofhervoiceleftnodoubtofthesentimentwhichinspiredit。
　　"Foedor！"criedthegeneral，springingforwardandholdingouthisarms。
　　FoedordidnotknowwhethertothrowhimselfatthefeetofVaninkaorintothearmsofherfather。Hefeltthathisfirstrecognitionoughttobedevotedtorespectandgratitude，andthrewhimselfintothegeneral’sarms。Hadheactedotherwise，itwouldhavebeenanavowalofhislove，andhehadnorighttoavowthislovetillheknewthatitwasreciprocated。
　　Foedorthenturned，andasatparting，sankonhiskneebeforeVaninka；butamomenthadsufficedforthehaughtygirltobanishthefeelingshehadshown。Theblushwhichhadsuffusedhercheekhaddisappeared，andshehadbecomeagaincoldandhaughtylikeanalabasterstatue-amasterpieceofpridebegunbynatureandfinishedbyeducation。Foedorkissedherhand；itwastremblingbutcoldhefelthisheartsink，andthoughthewasabouttodie。
　　"Why，Vaninka，"saidthegeneral——"whyareyousocooltoafriendwhohascausedussomuchanxietyandyetsomuchpleasure？Come，Fordor，kissmydaughter。"
　　Foedorroseentreatingly，butwaitedmotionless，thatanotherpermissionmightconfirmthatofthegeneral。
　　"Didyounothearmyfather？"saidVaninka，smiling，butneverthelesspossessingsufficientself-controltopreventtheemotionshewasfeelingfromappearinginhervoice。
　　FoedorstoopedtokissVaninka，andasheheldherhandsitseemedtohimthatshelightlypressedhisownwithanervous，involuntarymovement。Afeeblecryofjoynearlyescapedhim，when，suddenlylookingatVaninka，hewasastonishedatherpallor：herlipswereaswhiteasdeath。
　　ThegeneralmadeFoedorsitdownatthetable：Vaninkatookherplaceagain，andasbychanceshewasseatedwithherbacktothelight，thegeneralnoticednothing。
　　BreakfastpassedinrelatingandlisteningtoanaccountofthisstrangecampaignwhichbeganundertheburningsunofItalyandendedintheglaciersofSwitzerland。AstherearenojournalsinSt。
　　Petersburgwhichpublishanythingotherthanthatwhichispermittedbytheemperor，Souvarow’ssuccesseswerespreadabroad，buthisreverseswereignored。Foedordescribedtheformerwithmodestyandthelatterwithfrankness。
　　Onecanimagine，theimmenseinterestthegeneraltookinFoedor’sstory。Histwocaptain’sepauletsandthedecorationsonhisbreastprovedthattheyoungmanhadmodestlysuppressedhisownpartinthestoryhehadtold。Butthegeneral，toocourageoustofearthathemightshareinSouvarow’sdisgrace，hadalreadyvisitedthedyingfield-marshal，andhadheardfromhimanaccountofhisyoungprotege’sbravery。Therefore，whenFoedorhadfinishedhisstory，itwasthegeneral’sturntoenumerateallthefinethingsFoedorhaddoneinacampaignoflessthanayear。Havingfinishedthisenumeration，headdedthatheintendednextdaytoasktheemperor’spermissiontotaketheyoungcaptainforhisaide-de-camp。Foedorhearingthiswishedtothrowhimselfatthegeneral’sfeet，buthereceivedhimagaininhisarms，andtoshowFoedorhowcertainhewasthathewouldbesuccessfulinhisrequest，hefixedtheroomsthattheyoungmanwastooccupyinthehouseatonce。
　　ThenextdaythegeneralreturnedfromthepalaceofSt。Michelwiththepleasantnewsthathisrequesthadbeengranted。
　　Foedorwasoverwhelmedwithjoy：fromthistimehewastoformpartofthegeneral’sfamily。LivingunderthesameroofasVaninka，seeingherconstantly，meetingherfrequentlyintherooms，seeingherpasslikeanapparitionattheendofacorridor，findinghimselftwiceadayatthesametablewithher，allthiswasmorethanFoedorhadeverdaredhope，andhethoughtforatimethathehadattainedcompletehappiness。
　　Forherpart，Vaninka，althoughshewassoproud，atthebottomofherhearttookakeeninterestinFoedor。Hehadleftherwiththecertaintythathelovedher，andduringhisabsenceherwoman’spridehadbeengratifiedbythegloryhehadacquired，inthehopeofbridgingthedistancewhichseparatedthem。Sothat，whenshesawhimreturnwiththisdistancebetweenthemlessened，shefeltbythebeatingofherheartthatgratifiedpridewaschangingintoamoretendersentiment，andthatforherpartshelovedFoedorasmuchasitwaspossibleforhertoloveanyone。
　　Shehadneverthelessconcealedthesefeelingsunderanappearanceofhaughtyindifference，forVaninkawasmadeso：sheintendedtoletFoedorknowsomedaythatshelovedhim，butuntilthetimecamewhenitpleasedhertorevealit，shedidnotwishtheyoungmantodiscoverherlove。Thingswentoninthiswayforseveralmonths，andthecircumstanceswhichhadatfirstappearedtoFoedorastheheightofhappinesssoonbecameawfultorture。
　　Toloveandtofeelhishearteveronthepointofavowingitslove，tobefrommorningtillnightinthecompanyofthebelovedone，tomeetherhandatthetable，totouchherdressinanarrowcorridor，tofeelherleaningonhisarmwhentheyenteredasalonorleftaballroom，alwaystohaveceaselesslytocontroleveryword，look，ormovementwhichmightbetrayhisfeelings，nohumanpowercouldenduresuchastruggle。
　　VaninkasawthatFoedorcouldnotkeephissecretmuchlonger，anddeterminedtoanticipatetheavowalwhichshesaweverymomentonthepointofescapinghisheart。
　　Onedaywhentheywerealone，andshesawthehopelesseffortstheyoungmanwasmakingtohidehisfeelingsfromher，shewentstraightuptohim，and，lookingathimfixedly，said：
　　"Youloveme！"
　　"Forgiveme，forgiveme，"criedtheyoungman，claspinghishands。
　　"Whyshouldyouaskmetoforgiveyou，Foedor？Isnotyourlovegenuine？"
　　"Yes，yes，genuinebuthopeless。"
　　"Whyhopeless？Doesnotmyfatherloveyouasason？"saidVaninka。
　　"Oh，whatdoyoumean？"criedFoedor。"Doyoumeanthatifyourfatherwillbestowyourhanduponme，thatyouwillthenconsent——？"
　　"Areyounotbothnobleinheartandbybirth，Foedor？Youarenotwealthy，itistrue，butthenIamrichenoughforboth。"
　　"ThenIamnotindifferenttoyou？"
　　"IatleastpreferyoutoanyoneelseIhavemet。"
　　"Vaninka！"Theyounggirldrewherselfawayproudly。
　　"Forgiveme！"saidFoedor。"WhatamIdoing？Youhavebuttoorder：
　　Ihavenowishapartfromyou。IdreadlestIshalloffendyou。
　　Tellmewhattodo，andIwillobey。"
　　"Thefirstthingyoumustdo，Foedor，istoaskmyfather’sconsent。"
　　"Soyouwillallowmetotakethisstep？"
　　"Yes，butononecondition。"
　　"Whatisit？Tellme。"
　　"Myfather，whateverhisanswer，mustneverknowthatIhaveconsentedtoyourmakingthisapplicationtohim；noonemustknowthatyouarefollowingmyinstructions；theworldmustremainignorantoftheconfessionIhavejustmadetoyou；and，lastly，youmustnotaskme，whateverhappens，tohelpyouinanyotherwaythanwithmygoodwishes。"
　　"Whateveryouplease。Iwilldoeverythingyouwishmetodo。DoyounotgrantmeathousandtimesmorethanIdaredhope，andifyourfatherrefusesme，doInotknowmyselfthatyouaresharingmygrief？"criedFoedor。
　　"Yes；butthatwillnothappen，Ihope，"saidVaninka，holdingoutherhandtotheyoungofficer，whokisseditpassionately。
　　"Nowbehopefulandtakecourage；"andVaninkaretired，leavingtheyoungmanahundredtimesmoreagitatedandmovedthanshewasherself，womanthoughshewas。
　　ThesamedayFoedoraskedforaninterviewwiththegeneral。Thegeneralreceivedhisaide-de-campasusualwithagenialandsmilingcountenance，butwiththefirstwordsFoedorutteredhisfacedarkened。However，whenheheardtheyoungman’sdescriptionofthelove，sotrue，constant，andpassionate，thathefeltforVaninka，andwhenheheardthatthispassionhadbeenthemotivepowerofthosegloriousdeedshehadpraisedsooften，heheldouthishandtoFoedor，almostasmovedastheyoungsoldier。
　　Andthenthegeneraltoldhim，thatwhilehehadbeenaway，andignorantofhisloveforVaninka，inwhomhehadobservednotraceofitsbeingreciprocated，hehad，attheemperor’sdesire，promisedherhandtothesonofaprivycouncillor。Theonlystipulationthatthegeneralhadmadewas，thatheshouldnotbeseparatedfromhisdaughteruntilshehadattainedtheageofeighteen。Vaninkahadonlyfivemonthsmoretospendunderherfather’sroof。Nothingmorecouldbesaid：inRussiatheemperor’swishisanorder，andfromthemomentthatitisexpressed，nosubjectwouldopposeit，eveninthought。However，therefusalhadimprintedsuchdespairontheyoungman’sface，thatthegeneral，touchedbyhissilentandresignedsorrow，heldouthisarmstohim。Foedorflunghimselfintothemwithloudsobs。
　　Thenthegeneralquestionedhimabouthisdaughter，andFoedoranswered，ashehadpromised，thatVaninkawasignorantofeverything，andthattheproposalcamefromhimalone，withoutherknowledge。Thisassurancecalmedthegeneral：hehadfearedthathewasmakingtwopeoplewretched。
　　Atdinner-timeVaninkacamedownstairsandfoundherfatheralone。
　　Foedorhadnotenoughcouragetobepresentatthemealandtomeetheragain，justwhenhehadlostallhope：hehadtakenasleigh，anddrivenouttotheoutskirtsofthecity。
　　DuringthewholetimedinnerlastedVaninkaandthegeneralhardlyexchangedaword，butalthoughthissilencewassoexpressive，Vaninkacontrolledherfacewithherusualpower，andthegeneralaloneappearedsadanddejected。
　　Thatevening，justwhenVaninkawasgoingdownstairs，teawasbroughttoherroom，withthemessagethatthegeneralwasfatiguedandhadretired。Vaninkaaskedsomequestionsaboutthenatureofhisindisposition，andfindingthatitwasnotserious，shetoldtheservantwhohadbroughtherthemessagetoaskherfathertosendforherifhewantedanything。Thegeneralsenttosaythathethankedher，butheonlyrequiredquietandrest。Vaninkaannouncedthatshewouldretirealso，andtheservantwithdrew。
　　HardlyhadhelefttheroomwhenVaninkaorderedAnnouschka，herfoster-sister，whoactedashermaid，tobeonthewatchforFoedor’sreturn，andtoletherknowassoonashecamein。
　　Ateleveno’clockthegateofthemansionopened：Foedorgotoutofhissleigh，andimmediatelywentuptohisroom。Hethrewhimselfuponasofa，overwhelmedbyhisthoughts。Aboutmidnightheheardsomeonetappingatthedoor：muchastonished，hegotupandopenedit。ItwasAnnouschka，whocamewithamessagefromhermistress，thatVaninkawishedtoseehimimmediately。Althoughhewasastonishedatthismessage，whichhewasfarfromexpecting，Foedorobeyed。
　　HefoundVaninkaseated，dressedinawhiterobe，andasshewaspalerthanusualhestoppedatthedoor，foritseemedtohimthathewasgazingatamarblestatue。
　　"Comein，"saidVaninkacalmly。
　　Foedorapproached，drawnbyhervoicelikesteeltoamagnet。
　　Annouschkashutthedoorbehindhim。
　　"Well，andwhatdidmyfathersay？"saidVaninka。
　　Foedortoldherallthathadhappened。Theyounggirllistenedtohisstorywithanunmovedcountenance，butherlips，theonlypartofherfacewhichseemedtohaveanycolour，becameaswhiteasthedressing-gownshewaswearing。Foedor，onthecontrary，wasconsumedbyafever，andappearednearlyoutofhissenses。
　　"Now，whatdoyouintendtodo？"saidVaninkainthesamecoldtoneinwhichshehadaskedtheotherquestions。
　　"YouaskmewhatIintendtodo，Vaninka？Whatdoyouwishmetodo？
　　WhatcanIdo，butfleefromSt。Petersburg，andseekdeathinthefirstcornerofRussiawherewarmaybreakout，inordernottorepaymypatron’skindnessbysomeinfamousbaseness？"
　　"Youareafool，"saidVaninka，withamixedsmileoftriumphandcontempt；forfromthatmomentshefelthersuperiorityoverFoedor，andsawthatshewouldrulehimlikeaqueenfortherestofherlife。
　　"Thenorderme——amInotyourslave？"criedtheyoungsoldier。
　　"Youmuststayhere，"saidVaninka。
　　"Stayhere？"
　　"Yes；onlywomenandchildrenwillthusconfessthemselvesbeatenatthefirstblow：aman，ifhebeworthyofthename，fights。"
　　"Fight！——againstwhom？——againstyourfather？Never！"
　　"Whosuggestedthatyoushouldcontendagainstmyfather？Itisagainsteventsthatyoumuststrive；forthegeneralityofmendonotgovernevents，butarecarriedawaybythem。Appeartomyfatherasthoughyouwerefightingagainstyourlove，andhewillthinkthatyouhavemasteredyourself。AsIamsupposedtobeignorantofyourproposal，Ishallnotbesuspected。Iwilldemandtwoyears’morefreedom，andIshallobtainthem。Whoknowswhatmayhappeninthecourseoftwoyears？Theemperormaydie，mybetrothedmaydie，myfather——mayGodprotecthim！——myfatherhimselfmaydie——！"
　　"Butiftheyforceyoutomarry？"
　　"Forceme！"interruptedVaninka，andadeepflushrosetohercheekandimmediatelydisappearedagain。"Andwhowillforcemetodoanything？Father？Helovesmetoowell。Theemperor？Hehasenoughworriesinhisownfamily，withoutintroducingthemintoanother’s。Besides，thereisalwaysalastresourcewheneveryotherexpedientfails：theNevaonlyflowsafewpacesfromhere，anditswatersaredeep。"
　　Foedorutteredacry，forintheyounggirl’sknitbrowsandtightlycompressedlipstherewassomuchresolutionthatheunderstoodthattheymightbreakthischildbutthattheywouldnotbendher。ButFoedor’sheartwastoomuchinharmonywiththeplanVaninkahadproposed；hisobjectionsonceremoved，hedidnotseekfreshones。
　　Besides，hadhehadthecouragetodoso；Vaninka’spromisetomakeupinsecrettohimforthedissimulationshewasobligedtopractiseinpublicwouldhaveconqueredhislastscruples。
　　Vaninka，whosedeterminedcharacterhadbeenaccentuatedbyhereducation，hadanunboundedinfluenceoverallwhocameincontactwithher；eventhegeneral，withoutknowingwhy，obeyedher。Foedorsubmittedlikeachildtoeverythingshewished，andtheyounggirl’slovewasincreasedbythewishessheopposedandbyafeelingofgratifiedpride。
　　Itwassomedaysafterthisnocturnaldecisionthattheknoutinghadtakenplaceatwhichourreadershaveassisted。Itwasforsomeslightfault，andGregoryhadbeenthevictim；Vaninkahavingcomplainedtoherfatherabouthim。Foedor，whoasaide-de-camphadbeenobligedtopresideoverGregory’spunishment，hadpaidnomoreattentiontothethreatstheserfhadutteredonretiring。
　　Ivan，thecoachman，whoafterhavingbeenexecutionerhadbecomesurgeon，hadappliedcompressesofsaltandwatertohealupthescarredshouldersofhisvictim。Gregoryhadremainedthreedaysintheinfirmary，andduringthistimehehadturnedoverinhismindeverypossiblemeansofvengeance。Thenattheendofthreedays，beinghealed，hehadreturnedtohisduty，andsooneveryoneexcepthehadforgottenthepunishment。IfGregoryhadbeenarealRussian，hewouldsoonhaveforgottenitall；forthispunishmentistoofamiliartotheroughMuscoviteforhimtorememberitlongandwithrancour。Gregory，aswehavesaid，hadGreekbloodinhisveins；hedissembledandremembered。AlthoughGregorywasaserf，hisdutieshadlittlebylittlebroughthimintogreaterfamiliaritywiththegeneralthananyoftheotherservants。Besides，ineverycountryintheworldbarbershavegreatlicencewiththosetheyshave；thisisperhapsduetothefactthatamanisinstinctivelymoregracioustoanotherwhofortenminuteseverydayholdshislifeinhishands。
　　Gregoryrejoicedintheimmunityofhisprofession，anditnearlyalwayshappenedthatthebarber’sdailyoperationonthegeneral’schinpassedinconversation，ofwhichheborethechiefpart。
　　Onedaythegeneralhadtoattendareview：hesentforGregorybeforedaybreak，andasthebarberwaspassingtherazorasgentlyaspossibleoverhismaster’scheek，theconversationfell，ormorelikelywasled，onFoedor。Thebarberpraisedhimhighly，andthisnaturallycausedhismastertoaskhim，rememberingthecorrectiontheyoungaide-decamphadsuperintended，ifhecouldnotfindsomefaultinthismodelofperfectionthatmightcounterbalancesomanygoodqualities。GregoryrepliedthatwiththeexceptionofpridehethoughtFoedorirreproachable。
　　"Pride？"askedtheastonishedgeneral。"ThatisafailingfromwhichIshouldhavethoughthimmostfree。"
　　"PerhapsIshouldhavesaidambition，"repliedGregory。
　　"Ambition！"saidthegeneral。"Itdoesnotseemtomethathehasgivenmuchproofofambitioninenteringmyservice；forafterhisachievementsinthelastcampaignhemighteasilyhaveaspiredtothehonourofaplaceintheemperor’shousehold。"
　　"Ohyes，heisambitious，"saidGregory，smiling。"Oneman’sambitionisforhighposition，another’sanillustriousalliance：theformerwilloweeverythingtohimself，thelatterwillmakeastepping-stoneofhiswife，thentheyraisetheireyeshigherthantheyshould。"
　　"Whatdoyoumeantosuggest？"saidthegeneral，beginningtoseewhatGregorywasaimingat。
　　"Imean，yourexcellency，"repliedGregory，"therearemanymenwho，owingtothekindnessshownthembyothers，forgettheirpositionandaspiretoamoreexaltedone；havingalreadybeenplacedsohigh，theirheadsareturned。"
　　"Gregory，"criedthegeneral，"believeme，youaregettingintoascrape；foryouaremakinganaccusation，andifItakeanynoticeofit，youwillhavetoproveyourwords。"
　　"BySt。Basilius，general，itisnoscrapewhenyouhavetruthonyourside；forIhavesaidnothingIamnotreadytoprove。"
　　"Then，"saidthegeneral，"youpersistindeclaringthatFoedorlovesmydaughter？"
　　"Ah！Ihavenotsaidthat：itisyourexcellency。IhavenotnamedtheladyVaninka，"saidGregory，withtheduplicityofhisnation。
　　"Butyoumeantit，didyounot？Come，contrarytoyourcustom，replyfrankly。"
　　"Itistrue，yourexcellency；itiswhatImeant。"
　　"And，accordingtoyou，mydaughterreciprocatesthepassion，nodoubt？"
　　"Ifearso，yourexcellency。"
　　"Andwhatmakesyouthinkthis，say？"
　　"First，Mr。FoedornevermissesachanceofspeakingtotheladyVaninka。"
　　"Heisinthesamehousewithher，wouldyouhavehimavoidher？"
　　"WhentheladyVaninkareturnslate，andwhenperchanceMr。Foedorhasnotaccompaniedyou，whateverthehourMr。Foedoristhere，ready，tohelpheroutofthecarriage。"
　　"Foedorattendsme，itishisduty，"saidthegeneral，beginningtobelievethattheserf’ssuspicionswerefoundedonslightgrounds。
　　"Hewaitsforme，"he，continued，"becausewhenIreturn，atanyhourofthedayornight，Imayhaveorderstogivehim。"
　　"NotadaypasseswithoutMr。FoedorgoingintomyladyVaninka’sroom，althoughsuchafavourisnotusuallygrantedtoayoungmaninahouselikethatofyourexcellency。"
　　"UsuallyitisIwhosendhimtoher，"saidthegeneral。
　　"Yes，inthedaytime，"repliedGregory，"butatnight？"
　　"Atnight！"criedthegeneral，risingtohisfeet，andturningsopalethat，afteramoment，hewasforcedtoleanforsupportonatable。
　　"Yes，atnight，yourexcellency，"answeredGregoryquietly；"andsince，asyousay，Ihavebeguntomixmyselfupinabadbusiness，I
　　mustgoonwithit；besides，evenifthereweretoresultfromitanotherpunishmentforme，evenmoreterriblethanthatIhavealreadyendured，Ishouldnotallowsogood，amastertobedeceivedanylonger。"
　　"Beverycarefulaboutwhatyouaregoingtosay，slave；forIknowthemenofyournation。Takecare，iftheaccusationyouaremakingbywayofrevengeisnotsupportedbyvisible，palpable，andpositiveproofs，youshallbepunishedasaninfamousslanderer。"
　　"TothatIagree，"saidGregory。
　　"DoyouaffirmthatyouhaveseenFoedorentermydaughter’schamberatnight？"
　　"IdonotsaythatIhaveseenhimenterit，yourexcellency。IsaythatIhaveseenhimcomeout。"
　　"Whenwasthat？"
　　"Aquarterofanhourago，whenIwasonmywaytoyourexcellency。"
　　"Youlie！"saidthegeneral，raisinghisfist。
　　"Thisisnotouragreement，yourexcellency，"saidtheslave，drawingback。"IamonlytobepunishedifIfailtogiveproofs。"
　　"Butwhatareyourproofs？"
　　"Ihavetoldyou。"
　　"Anddoyouexpectmetobelieveyourwordalone？"
　　"No；butIexpectyoutobelieveyourowneyes。"
　　"How？"
　　"ThefirsttimethatMr。FoedorisinmyladyVaninka’sroomaftermidnight，Ishallcometofindyourexcellency，andthenyoucanjudgeforyourselfifIlie；butuptothepresent，yourexcellency，alltheconditionsoftheserviceIwishtorenderyouaretomydisadvantage。"
　　"Inwhatway？"
　　"Well，ifIfailtogiveproofs，Iamtobetreatedasaninfamousslanderer；butifIgivethem，whatadvantageshallIgain？"
　　"Athousandroublesandyourfreedom。"
　　"Thatisabargain，then，yourexcellency，"repliedGregoryquietly，replacingtherazorsonthegeneral’stoilet-table，"andIhopethatbeforeaweekhaspassedyouwillbemorejusttomethanyouarenow。"
　　Withthesewordstheslavelefttheroom，leavingthegeneralconvincedbyhisconfidencethatsomedreadfulmisfortunethreatenedhim。
　　>Fromthistimeonward，asmightbeexpected，thegeneralweighedeverywordandnoticedeverygesturewhichpassedbetweenVaninkaandFoedorinhispresence；buthesawnothingtoconfirmhissuspicionsonthepartoftheaide-de-camporofhisdaughter；onthecontrary，Vaninkaseemedcolderandmorereservedthanever。
　　Aweekpassedinthisway。Abouttwoo’clockinthemorningoftheninthday，someoneknockedatthegeneral’sdoor。ItwasGregory。
　　"Ifyourexcellencywillgointoyourdaughter’sroom，"saidGregory，"youwillfindMr。Foedorthere。"
　　Thegeneralturnedpale，dressedhimselfwithoututteringaword，andfollowedtheslavetothedoorofVaninka’sroom。Havingarrivedthere，withamotionofhishandhedismissedtheinformer，who，insteadofretiringinobediencetothismutecommand，hidhimselfinthecornerofthecorridor。
　　Whenthegeneralbelievedhimselftobealone，heknockedonce；butallwassilent。Thissilence，however，provednothing；forVaninkamightbeasleep。Heknockedasecondtime，andtheyounggirl，inaperfectlycalmvoice，asked，"Whoisthere？"
　　"ItisI，"saidthegeneral，inavoicetremblingwithemotion。
　　"Annouschka！"saidthegirltoherfoster-sister，whosleptintheadjoiningroom，"openthedoortomyfather。Forgiveme，father，"
　　shecontinued；"butAnnouschkaisdressing，andwillbewithyouinamoment。"
　　Thegeneralwaitedpatiently，forhecoulddiscovernotraceofemotioninhisdaughter’svoice，andhehopedthatGregoryhadbeenmistaken。
　　Inafewmomentsthedooropened，andthegeneralwentin，andcastalonglookaroundhim；therewasnooneinthisfirstapartment。
　　Vaninkawasinbed，palerperhapsthanusual，butquitecalm，withthelovingsmileonherlipswithwhichshealwayswelcomedherfather。
　　"Towhatfortunatecircumstance，"askedtheyounggirlinhersoftesttones，"doIowethepleasureofseeingyouatsolateanhour？"
　　"Iwishedtospeaktoyouaboutaveryimportantmatter，"saidthegeneral，"andhoweverlateitwas，Ithoughtyouwouldforgivemefordisturbingyou。"
　　"Myfatherwillalwaysbewelcomeinhisdaughter’sroom，atwhateverhourofthedayornighthepresentshimselfthere。"
　　Thegeneralcastanothersearchinglookround，andwasconvincedthatitwasimpossibleforamantobeconcealedinthefirstroom——butthesecondstillremained。
　　"Iamlistening，"saidVaninka，afteramomentofsilence。
　　"Yes，butwearenotalone，"repliedthegeneral，"anditisimportantthatnootherearsshouldhearwhatIhavetosaytoyou。"
　　"Annauschka，asyouknow，ismyfoster-sister，"saidVaninka。
　　"Thatmakesnodifference，"saidthegeneral，goingcandleinhandintothenextroom，whichwassomewhatsmallerthanhisdaughter’s。
　　"Annouschka，"saidhe，"watchinthecorridorandseethatnooneoverhearsus。"
　　Ashespokethesewords，thegeneralthrewthesamescrutinizingglanceallroundtheroom，butwiththeexceptionoftheyounggirltherewasnoonethere。
　　Annouschkaobeyed，andthegeneralfollowedherout，and，lookingeagerlyroundforthelasttime，re-enteredhisdaughter’sroom，andseatedhimselfonthefootofherbed。Annouschka，atasignfromhermistress，leftheralonewithherfather。ThegeneralheldouthishandtoVaninka，andshetookitwithouthesitation。
　　"Mychild，"saidthegeneral，"Ihavetospeaktoyouaboutaveryimportantmatter。"
　　"Whatisit，father？"saidVaninka。
　　"Youwillsoonbeeighteen，"continuedthegeneral，"andthatistheageatwhichthedaughtersoftheRussiannobilityusuallymarry。"
　　ThegeneralpausedforamomenttowatchtheeffectofthesewordsuponVaninka，butherhandrestedmotionlessinhis。"Forthelastyearyourhandhasbeenengagedbyme，"continuedthegeneral。
　　"MayIknowtowhom？"askedVaninkacoldly。
　　"TothesonoftheCouncillor-in-Ordinary，"repliedthegeneral。
　　"Whatisyouropinionofhim？"
　　"Heisaworthyandnobleyoungman，Iamtold，butIcanhaveformednoopinionexceptfromhearsay。HashenotbeeningarrisonatMoscowforthelastthreemonths？"
　　"Yes，"saidthegeneral，"butinthreemonths’timeheshouldreturn。"
　　Vaninkaremainedsilent。
　　"Haveyounothingtosayinreply？"askedthegeneral。
　　"Nothing，father；butIhaveafavourtoaskofyou。"
　　"Whatisit？"
　　"IdonotwishtomarryuntilIamtwentyyearsold。"
　　"Whynot？"
　　"Ihavetakenavowtothateffect。"
　　"Butifcircumstancesdemandedthebreakingofthisvow，andmadethecelebrationofthismarriageimperativelynecessary？"
　　"Whatcircumstances？"askedVaninka。
　　"Foedorlovesyou，"saidthegeneral，lookingsteadilyatVaninka。
　　"Iknowthat，"saidVaninka，withaslittleemotionasifthequestiondidnotconcernher。
　　"Youknowthat！"criedthegeneral。
　　"Yes；hehastoldmeso。"
　　"When？"
　　"Yesterday。"
　　"Andyoureplied——？"
　　"Thathemustleavehereatonce。"
　　"Andheconsented？"
　　"Yes，father。"
　　"Whendoeshego？"
　　"Hehasgone。"
　　"Howcanthatbe？"saidthegeneral："heonlyleftmeatteno’clock。"
　　"Andheleftmeatmidnight，"saidVaninka。
　　"Ah！"saidthegeneral，drawingadeepbreathofrelief，"youareanoblegirl，Vaninka，andIgrantyouwhatyouask-twoyearsmore。
　　Butrememberitistheemperorwhohasdecideduponthismarriage。"
　　"MyfatherwilldomethejusticetobelievethatIamtoosubmissiveadaughtertobearebellioussubject。"
　　"Excellent，Vaninka，excellent，"saidthegeneral。"So，then，poorFoedorhastoldyouall？"
　　"Yes，"saidVaninka。
　　"Youknewthatheaddressedhimselftomefirst？"
　　"Iknewit。"
　　"Thenitwasfromhimthatyouheardthatyourhandwasengaged？"
　　"Itwasfromhim。"
　　"Andheconsentedtoleaveyou？Heisagoodandnobleyoungman，whoshallalwaysbeundermyprotectionwhereverhegoes。Oh，ifmywordhadnotbeengiven，Ilovehimsomuchthat，supposingyoudidnotdislikehim，Ishouldhavegivenhimyourhand。"
　　"Andyoucannotrecallyourpromise？"askedVaninka。
　　"Impossible，"saidthegeneral。
　　"Well，then，Isubmittomyfather’swill，"saidVaninka。
　　"Thatisspokenlikemydaughter，"saidthegeneral，embracingher。
　　"Farewell，Vaninka；Idonotaskifyoulovehim。Youhavebothdoneyourduty，andIhavenothingmoretoexact。"
　　Withthesewords，heroseandlefttheroom。Annouschkawasinthecorridor；thegeneralsignedtoherthatshemightgoinagain，andwentonhisway。AtthedoorofhisroomhefoundGregorywaitingforhim。
　　"Well，yourexcellency？"heasked。
　　"Well，"saidthegeneral，"youarebothrightandwrong。Foedorlovesmydaughter，butmydaughterdoesnotlovehim。Hewentintomydaughter’sroomateleveno’clock，butatmidnightheleftherforever。Nomatter，cometometomorrow，andyoushallhaveyourthousandroublesandyourliberty。"
　　Gregorywentoff，dumbwithastonishment。
　　Meanwhile，Annouschkahadre-enteredhermistress’sroom，asshehadbeenordered，andclosedthedoorcarefullybehindher。
　　Vaninkaimmediatelysprangoutofbedandwenttothedoor，listeningtotheretreatingfootstepsofthegeneral。Whentheyhadceasedtobeheard，sherushedintoAnnouschka’sroom，andbothbegantopullasideabundleoflinen，throwndown，asifbyaccident，intotheembrasureofawindow。Underthelinenwasalargechestwithaspringlock。Annouschkapressedabutton，Vaninkaraisedthelid。
　　Thetwowomenutteredaloudcry：thechestwasnowacoffin；theyoungofficer，stifledforwantofair，laydeadwithin。
　　Foralongtimethetwowomenhopeditwasonlyaswoon。Annouschkasprinkledhisfacewithwater；Vaninkaputsaltstohisnose。Allwasinvain。Duringthelongconversationwhichthegeneralhadhadwithhisdaughter，andwhichhadlastedmorethanhalfanhour，Foedor，unabletogetoutofthechest，asthelidwasclosedbyaspring，haddiedforwantofair。Thepositionofthetwogirlsshutupwithacorpsewasfrightful。AnnouschkasawSiberiacloseathand；Vaninka，todoherjustice，thoughtofnothingbutFoedor。
　　Bothwereindespair。However，asthedespairofthemaidwasmoreselfishthanthatofhermistress，itwasAnnouschkawhofirstthoughtofaplanofescapingfromthesituationinwhichtheywereplaced。
　　"Mylady，"shecriedsuddenly，"wearesaved。"Vaninkaraisedherheadandlookedatherattendantwithhereyesbathedintears。
　　"Saved？"saidshe，"saved？Weare，perhaps，butFoedor！"
　　"Listennow，"saidAnnouschka："yourpositionisterrible，Igrantthat，andyourgriefisgreat；butyourgriefcouldbegreaterandyourpositionmoreterriblestill。Ifthegeneralknewthis。"
　　"Whatdifferencewoulditmaketome？"saidVaninka。"Ishallweepforhimbeforethewholeworld。"
　　"Yes，butyouwillbedishonouredbeforethewholeworld！To-morrowyourslaves，andthedayafterallSt。Petersburg，willknowthatamandiedofsuffocationwhileconcealedinyourchamber。Reflect，mylady：yourhonouristhehonourofyourfather，thehonourofyourfamily。"
　　"Youareright，"saidVaninka，shakingherhead，asiftodispersethegloomythoughtsthatburdenedherbrain，——"youareright，butwhatmustwedo？"
　　"DoesmyladyknowmybrotherIvan？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Wemusttellhimall。"
　　"Ofwhatareyouthinking？"criedVaninka。"Toconfideinaman？A
　　man，doIsay？Aserf！aslave！"
　　"Thelowerthepositionoftheserfandslave，thesaferwilloursecretbe，sincehewillhaveeverythingtogainbykeepingfaithwithus。"
　　"Yourbrotherisadrunkard，"saidVaninka，withmingledfearanddisgust。
　　"Thatistrue，"saidAnnouschka；"butwherewillyoufindaslavewhoisnot？Mybrothergetsdrunklessthanmost，andisthereforemoretobetrustedthantheothers。Besides，inthepositioninwhichwearewemustrisksomething。"
　　"Youareright，"saidVaninka，recoveringherusualresolution，whichalwaysgrewinthepresenceofdanger。"Goandseekyourbrother。"
　　"Wecandonothingthismorning，"saidAnnouschka，drawingbackthewindowcurtains。"Look，thedawnisbreaking。"
　　"Butwhatcanwedowiththebodyofthisunhappyman？"criedVaninka。
　　"Itmustremainhiddenwhereitisallday，andthisevening，whileyouareattheCourtentertainment，mybrothershallremoveit。"
　　"True，"murmuredVaninkainastrangetone，"ImustgotoCourtthisevening；tostayawaywouldarousesuspicion。Oh，myGod！myGod！"
　　"Helpme，mylady，"saidAnnouschka；"Iamnotstrongenoughalone。"
　　Vaninkaturneddeadlypale，but，spurredonbythedanger，shewentresolutelyuptothebodyofherlover；then，liftingitbytheshoulders，whilehermaidraiseditbythelegs，shelaiditoncemoreinthechest。ThenAnnouschkashutdownthelid，lockedthechest，andputthekeyintoherbreast。Thenboththrewbackthelinenwhichhadhiddenitfromtheeyesofthegeneral。Daydawned，asmightbeexpected，eresleepvisitedtheeyesofVaninka。
　　Shewentdown，however，atthebreakfasthour；forshedidnotwishtoarousetheslightestsuspicioninherfather’smind。Onlyitmighthavebeenthoughtfromherpallorthatshehadrisenfromthegrave，butthegeneralattributedthistothenocturnaldisturbanceofwhichhehadbeenthecause。
　　LuckhadservedVaninkawonderfullyinpromptinghertosaythatFoedorhadalreadygone；fornotonlydidthegeneralfeelnosurprisewhenhedidnotappear，buthisveryabsencewasaproofofhisdaughter’sinnocence。Thegeneralgaveapretextforhisaide-
　　de-camp’sabsencebysayingthathehadsenthimonamission。AsforVaninka，sheremainedoutofherroomtillitwastimetodress。
　　Aweekbefore，shehadbeenattheCourtentertainmentwithFoedor。
　　Vaninkamighthaveexcusedherselffromaccompanyingherfatherbyfeigningsomeslightindisposition，buttwoconsiderationsmadeherfeartoactthus：thefirstwasthefearofmakingthegeneralanxious，andperhapsofmakinghimremainathomehimself，whichwouldmaketheremovalofthecorpsemoredifficult；thesecondwasthefearofmeetingIvanandhavingtoblushbeforeaslave。Shepreferred，therefore，tomakeasuperhumanefforttocontrolherself；
　　and，goingupagainintoherroom，accompaniedbyherfaithfulAnnouschka，shebegantodresswithasmuchcareasifherheartwerefullofjoy。Whenthiscruelbusinesswasfinished，sheorderedAnnouschkatoshutthedoor；forshewishedtoseeFoedoroncemore，andtobidalastfarewelltohimwhohadbeenherlover。Annouschkaobeyed；andVaninka，withflowersinherhairandherbreastcoveredwithjewels，glidedlikeaphantomintoherservant’sroom。
　　Annouschkaagainopenedthechest，andVaninka，withoutsheddingatear，withoutbreathingasigh，withtheprofoundanddeath-likecalmofdespair，leantdowntowardsFoedorandtookoffaplainringwhichtheyoungmanhadonhisfinger，placeditonherown，betweentwomagnificentrings，thenkissinghimonthebrow，shesaid，"Goodbye，mybetrothed。"
　　Atthismomentsheheardstepsapproaching。Itwasagroomofthechamberscomingfromthegeneraltoaskifshewereready。
　　Annouschkaletthelidofthechestfall，andVaninkagoingherselftoopenthedoor，followedthemessenger，whowalkedbeforeher，lightingtheway。
　　Suchwashertrustinherfoster-sisterthatshelefthertoaccomplishthedarkandterribletaskwithwhichshehadburdenedherself。
　　Aminutelater，Annouschkasawthecarriagecontainingthegeneralandhisdaughterleavebythemaingateofthehotel。
　　Shelethalfanhourgoby，andthenwentdowntolookforIvan。ShefoundhimdrinkingwithGregory，withwhomthegeneralhadkepthisword，andwhohadreceivedthesamedayonethousandroublesandhisliberty。Fortunately，therevellerswereonlybeginningtheirrejoicings，andIvaninconsequencewassoberenoughforhissistertoentrusthersecrettohimwithouthesitation。
　　IvanfollowedAnnouschkaintothechamberofhermistress。TheresheremindedhimofallthatVaninka，haughtybutgenerous，hadallowedhissistertodoforhim。The，fewglassesofbrandyIvanhadalreadyswallowedhadpredisposedhimtogratitude（thedrunkennessoftheRussianisessentiallytender）。IvanprotestedhisdevotionsowarmlythatAnnouschkahesitatednolonger，and，raisingthelidofthechest，showedhimthecorpseofFoedor。AtthisterriblesightIvanremainedaninstantmotionless，buthesoonbegantocalculatehowmuchmoneyandhowmanybenefitsthepossessionofsuchasecretwouldbringhim。Hesworebythemostsolemnoathsnevertobetrayhismistress，andoffered，asAnnouschkahadhoped，todisposeofthebodyoftheunfortunateaide-decamp。
　　Thethingwaseasilydone。InsteadofreturningtodrinkwithGregoryandhiscomrades，Ivanwenttoprepareasledge，filleditwithstraw，andhidatthebottomanironcrowbar。Hebroughtthistotheoutsidegate，andassuringhimselfhewasnotbeingspiedupon，heraisedthebodyofthedeadmaninhisarms，hiditunderthestraw，andsatdownaboveit。Hehadthegateofthehotelopened，followedNiewskiStreetasfarastheZunamenieChurch，passedthroughtheshopsintheRejestwenskoidistrict，drovethesledgeoutontothefrozenNeva，andhaltedinthemiddleoftheriver，infrontofthedesertedchurchofSte。Madeleine。There，protectedbythesolitudeanddarkness，hiddenbehindtheblackmassofhissledge，hebegantobreaktheice，whichwasfifteeninchesthick，withhispick。Whenhehadmadealargeenoughhole，hesearchedthebodyofFoedor，tookallthemoneyhehadabouthim，andslippedthebodyheadforemostthroughtheopeninghehadmade。Hethenmadehiswaybacktothehotel，whiletheimprisonedcurrentoftheNevaboreawaythecorpsetowardstheGulfofFinland。Anhourafter，anewcrustoficehadformed，andnotevenatraceoftheopeningmadebyIvanremained。