第11章

"Oh，no！"exclaimedSmolin，wardingofftheoldman\'swordswithaneasywaveofthehand。"Whywrongothers？WhatrighthaveItodoso？MyaimistoraisetheimportanceandpriceofRussianleatherabroad，andsoequippedwiththeknowledgeastothemanufacture，Iambuildingamodelfactory，andfillthemarketswithmodelgoods。Thecommercialhonourofthecountry！"

"Doesitrequiremuchcapital，didyousay？"askedMayakin，thoughtfully。

"Aboutthreehundredthousand。"

"Fatherwon\'tgivemesuchadowry，"thoughtLubov。

"Myfactorywillalsoturnoutleathergoods，suchastrunks，foot-wear，harnesses，strapsandsoforth。"

"Andofwhatpercent，areyoudreaming？"

"Iamnotdreaming，IamcalculatingwithalltheexactnesspossibleunderconditionsinRussia，"saidSmolin，impressively。

"Themanufacturershouldbeasstrictlypracticalasthemechanicwhoiscreatingamachine。Thefrictionofthetiniestscrewmustbetakenintoconsideration，ifyouwishtodoaseriousthingseriously。IcanletyoureadalittlenotewhichIhavedrawnup，baseduponmypersonalstudyofcattle-breedingandoftheconsumptionofmeatinRussia。"

"How\'sthat！"laughedMayakin。"Bringmethatnote，it\'sinteresting！ItseemsyoudidnotspendyourtimefornothinginWesternEurope。Andnow，let\'seatsomething，aftertheRussianfashion。"

"Howareyoupassingthetime，LubovYakovlevna？"askedSmolin，arminghimselfwithknifeandfork。

"Sheisratherlonesomeherewithme，"repliedMayakinforhisdaughter。"Myhousekeeper，allthehouseholdisonhershoulders，soshehasnotimetoamuseherself。"

"Andnoplace，Imustadd，"saidLubov。"Iamnotfondoftheballsandentertainmentsgivenbythemerchants。"

"Andthetheatre？"askedSmolin。

"Iseldomgothere。Ihavenoonetogowith。"

"Thetheatre！"exclaimedtheoldman。"Tellme，pray，whyhasitbecomethefashionthentorepresentthemerchantasasavageidiot？Itisveryamusing，butitisincomprehensible，becauseitisfalse！AmIafool，ifIammasterintheCityCouncil，masterincommerce，andalsoownerofthatsametheatre？Youlookatthemerchantonthestageandyousee——heisn\'tlife-life！Ofcourse，whentheypresentsomethinghistorical，suchas：\'LifefortheCzar，\'withsonganddance，or\'Hamlet，\'\'TheSorceress，\'or\'Vasilisa，\'truthfulreproductionisnotrequired，becausethey\'remattersofthepastanddon\'tconcernus。Whethertrueornot，itmatterslittlesolongasthey\'regood，butwhenyourepresentmoderntimes，thendon\'tlie！Andshowthemanashereallyis。"

Smolinlistenedtotheoldman\'swordswithacovetoussmileonhislips，andcastatLubovglanceswhichseemedtoinvitehertorefuteherfather。Somewhatembarrassed，shesaid：

"Andyet，papa，themajorityofthemerchantclassisuneducatedandsavage。"

"Yes，"remarkedSmolinwithregret，noddinghisheadaffirmatively，"thatisthesadtruth。"

"TakeFoma，forinstance，"wentonthegirl。

"0h！"exclaimedMayakin。"Well，youareyoungfolks，youcanhavebooksinyourhands。"

"Anddoyounottakeinterestinanyofthesocieties？"SmolinaskedLubov。"Youhavesomanydifferentsocietieshere。"

"Yes，"saidLubovwithasigh，"butIliveratherapartfromeverything。"

"Housekeeping！"interposedthefather。"Wehaveheresuchastoreofdifferentthings，everythinghastobekeptclean，inorder，andcompleteastonumber。"

Withaself-satisfiedairhenoddedfirstatthetable，whichwassetwithbrilliantcrystalandsilverware，andthenatthesideboard，whoseshelveswerefairlybreakingundertheweightofthearticles，andwhichremindedoneofthedisplayinastorewindow。Smolinnotedalltheseandanironicalsmilebegantoplayuponhislips。ThenheglancedatLubov\'sface：inhislookshecaughtsomethingfriendly，sympathetictoher。Afaintflushcoveredhercheeks，andshesaidtoherselfwithtimidjoy：

"ThankGod！"

Thelightoftheheavybronzelampnowseemedtoflashmorebrilliantlyonthesidesofthecrystalvases，anditbecamebrighterintheroom。

"Ilikeourdearoldtown！"saidSmolin，lookingatthegirlwithakindlysmile，"itissobeautiful，sovigorous；thereischeerfulnessaboutitthatinspiresonetowork。Itsverypicturesquenessissomewhatstimulating。Initonefeelslikeleadingadashinglife。Onefeelslikeworkingmuchandseriously。Andthen，itisanintelligenttown。Justseewhatapracticalnewspaperispublishedhere。Bytheway，weintendtopurchaseit。"

"WhomdoyoumeanbyYou？"askedMayakin。

"I，Urvantzov，Shchukin——"

"That\'spraiseworthy！"saidtheoldman，rappingthetablewithhishand。"That\'sverypractical！Itistimetostoptheirmouths，itwashightimelongago！ParticularlythatYozhov；he\'slikeasharp-toothedsaw。Justputthethumb-screwonhim！Anddoitwell！"

SmolinagaincastatLubovasmilingglance，andherhearttrembledwithjoyoncemore。Withflushingfaceshesaidtoherfather，inwardlyaddressingherselftothebridegroom：

"AsfarasIcanunderstand，AfricanDmitreivich，hewishestobuythenewspapernotatallforthesakeofstoppingitsmouthasyousay。"

"Whatthencanbedonewithit？"askedtheoldman，shrugginghisshoulders。"There\'snothinginitbutemptytalkandagitation。

Ofcourse，ifthepracticalpeople，themerchantsthemselves，taketowritingforit——"

"Thepublicationofanewspaper，"beganSmolin，instructively，interruptingtheoldman，"lookedatmerelyfromthecommercialpointofview，maybeaveryprofitableenterprise。Butasidefromthis，anewspaperhasanothermoreimportantaim——thatis，toprotecttherightoftheindividualandtheinterestsofindustryandcommerce。"

"That\'sjustwhatIsay，ifthemerchanthimselfwillmanagethenewspaper，thenitwillbeuseful。"

"Excuseme，papa，"saidLubov。

ShebegantofeeltheneedofexpressingherselfbeforeSmolin；

shewantedtoassurehimthatsheunderstoodthemeaningofhiswords，thatshewasnotanordinarymerchant-daughter，interestedindressesandballsonly。Smolinpleasedher。Thiswasthefirsttimeshehadseenamerchantwhohadlivedabroadforalongtime，whoreasonedsoimpressively，whoborehimselfsoproperly，whowassowelldressed，andwhospoketoherfather，thecleverestmanintown，withthecondescendingtoneofanadulttowardsaminor。

"AftertheweddingI\'llpersuadehimtotakemeabroad，"thoughtLubov，suddenly，and，confusedatthisthoughtsheforgotwhatshewasabouttosaytoherfather。Blushingdeeply，shewassilentforafewseconds，seizedwithfearlestSmolinmightinterpretthissilenceinawayunflatteringtoher。

"Onaccountofyourconversation，youhaveforgottentooffersomewinetoourguest，"shesaidatlast，afterafewsecondsofpainfulsilence。

"That\'syourbusiness。Youarehostess，"retortedtheoldman。

"0h，don\'tdisturbyourself！"exclaimedSmolin，withanimation。

"Ihardlydrinkatall。"

"Really？"askedMayakin。

"Iassureyou！SometimesIdrinkawineglassortwoincaseoffatigueorillness。Buttodrinkwineforpleasure\'ssakeisincomprehensibletome。Thereareotherpleasuresmoreworthyofamanofculture。"

"Youmeanladies，Isuppose？"askedtheoldmanwithawink。

Smolin\'scheeksandneckbecameredwiththecolourwhichleapedtohisface。WithapologeticeyesheglancedatLubov，andsaidtoherfatherdrily：

"Imeanthetheatre，books，music。"

Lubovbecameradiantwithjoyathiswords。

Theoldmanlookedaskanceattheworthyyoungman，smiledkeenlyandsuddenlyblurtedout：

"Eh，lifeisgoingonward！Formerlythedogusedtorelishacrust，nowthepugdogfindsthecreamtoothin；pardonmeformysourremark，butitisverymuchtothepoint。Itdoesnotexactlyrefertoyourself，butingeneral。"

LubovturnedpaleandlookedatSmolinwithfright。Hewascalm，scrutinisinganancientsaltbox，decoratedwithenamel；hetwistedhismoustacheandlookedasthoughhehadnotheardtheoldman\'swords。Buthiseyesgrewdarker，andhislipswerecompressedverytightly，andhisclean-shavenchinobstinatelyprojectedforward。

"Andso，myfutureleadingmanufacturer，"saidMayakin，asthoughnothinghadhappened，"threehundredthousandroubles，andyourbusinesswillflashuplikeafire？"

"AndwithinayearandahalfIshallsendoutthefirstlotofgoods，whichwillbeeagerlysoughtfor，"saidSmolin，simply，withunshakableconfidence，andheeyedtheoldmanwithacoldandfirmlook。

"Sobeit；thefirmofSmolinandMayakin，andthat\'sall？So。

Onlyitseemsratherlateformetostartanewbusiness，doesn\'tit？Ipresumethegravehaslongbeenpreparedforme；whatdoyouthinkofit？"

InsteadofananswerSmolinburstintoarich，butindifferentandcoldlaughter，andthensaid：

"Oh，don\'tsaythat。"

Theoldmanshudderedathislaughter，andstartedbackwithfright，withascarcelyperceptiblemovementofhisbody。AfterSmolin\'swordsallthreemaintainedsilenceforaboutaminute。

"Yes，"saidMayakin，withoutliftinghishead，whichwasbentlow。"Itisnecessarytothinkofthat。Imustthinkofit。"

Then，raisinghishead，hecloselyscrutinisedhisdaughterandthebridegroom，and，risingfromhischair，hesaidsternlyandbrusquely："Iamgoingawayforawhiletomylittlecabinet。Yousurelywon\'tfeellonesomewithoutme。"

Andhewentoutwithbentbackanddroopinghead，heavilyscrapingwithhisfeet。

Theyoungpeople，thusleftalone，exchangedafewemptyphrases，and，evidentlyconsciousthattheseonlyhelpedtoremovethemfurtherfromeachother，theymaintainedapainful，awkwardandexpectantsilence。Takinganorange，Lubovbegantopeelitwithexaggeratedattention，whileSmolin，loweringhiseyes，examinedhismoustaches，whichhecarefullystrokedwithhislefthand，toyedwithaknifeandsuddenlyaskedthegirlinaloweredvoice：

"Pardonmeformyindiscretion。Itisevidentlyreallydifficultforyou，LubovYakovlevna，tolivewithyourfather。He\'samanwithold-fashionedviewsand，pardonme，he\'sratherhard-

hearted！"

Lubovshuddered，and，castingatthered-headedmanagratefullook，said：

"Itisn\'teasy，butIhavegrownaccustomedtoit。Healsohashisgoodqualities。"

"Oh，undoubtedly！Buttoyouwhoaresoyoung，beautifulandeducated，toyouwithyourviews……Yousee，Ihaveheardsomethingaboutyou。"

Hesmiledsokindlyandsympathetically，andhisvoicewassosoft，abreathofsoul-cheeringwarmthfilledtheroom。Andintheheartofthegirlthereblazedupmoreandmorebrightlythetimidhopeoffindinghappiness，ofbeingfreedfromtheclosecaptivityofsolitude。

CHAPTERXII

ADENSE，grayishfoglayovertheriver，andasteamer，nowandthenutteringadullwhistle，wasslowlyforgingupagainstthecurrent。Dampandcoldclouds，ofamonotonepallor，envelopedthesteamerfromallsidesanddrownedallsounds，dissolvingthemintheirtroubleddampness。Thebrazenroaringofthesignalscameoutinamuffled，melancholydrone，andwasoddlybriefasitburstforthfromthewhistle。Thesoundseemedtofindnoplaceforitselfintheair，whichwassoakedwithheavydampness，andfelldownward，wetandchoked。Andthesplashingofthesteamer\'swheelssoundedsofantasticallydullthatitseemedasthoughitwerenotbegottennearby，atthesidesofthevessel，butsomewhereinthedepth，onthedarkbottomoftheriver。Fromthesteameronecouldseeneitherthewater，northeshore，northesky；aleaden-graygloominessenwrappeditonallsides；devoidofshadings，painfullymonotonous，thegloominesswasmotionless，itoppressedthesteamerwithimmeasurableweight，slackeneditsmovementsandseemedasthoughpreparingitselftoswallowitevenasitwasswallowingthesounds。Inspiteofthedullblowsofthepaddlesuponthewaterandthemeasuredshakingofthebodyofthevessel，itseemedthatthesteamerwaspainfullystrugglingononespot，suffocatinginagony，hissinglikeafairytalemonsterbreathinghislast，howlinginthepangsofdeath，howlingwithpain，andinthefearofdeath。

Lifelesswerethesteamerlights。Aboutthelanternonthemastayellowmotionlessspothadformed；devoidoflustre，ithunginthefogoverthesteamer，illuminatingnothingsavethegraymist。Theredstarboardlightlookedlikeahugeeyecrushedoutbysomeone\'scruelfist，blinded，overflowingwithblood。Paleraysoflightfellfromthesteamer\'swindowsintothefog，andonlytinteditscold，cheerlessdominionoverthevessel，whichwaspressedonallsidesbythemotionlessmassofstiflingdampness。

Thesmokefromthefunnelfelldownwards，and，togetherwithfragmentsofthefog，penetratedintoallthecracksofthedeck，wherethethird-classpassengersweresilentlymufflingthemselvesintheirrags，andforminggroups，likesheep。Fromnearthemachinerywerewafteddeep，strainedgroans，thejinglingofbells，thedullsoundsofordersandtheabruptwordsofthemachinist：

"Yes——slow！Yes——halfspeed！"

Onthestern，inacorner，blockedupbybarrelsofsaltedfish，agroupofpeoplewasassembled，illuminatedbyasmallelectriclamp。Thoseweresedate，neatlyandwarmlycladpeasants。Oneofthemlayonabench，facedown；anothersatathisfeet，stillanotherstood，leaninghisbackagainstabarrel，whiletwoothersseatedthemselvesflatonthedeck。Theirfaces，pensiveandattentive，wereturnedtowardaround-shoulderedmaninashortcassock，turnedyellow，andatornfurcap。Thatmansatonsomeboxeswithhisbackbent，andstaringathisfeet，spokeinalow，confidentvoice：

"TherewillcomeanendtothelongforbearanceoftheLord，andthenHiswrathwillburstforthuponmen。WearelikewormsbeforeHim，andhowarewethentowardoffHiswrath，withwhatwailingshallweappealtoHismercy？"

Oppressedbyhisgloominess，Fomahadcomedownonthedeckfromhiscabin，and，forsometime，hadbeenstandingintheshadowofsomewarescoveredwithtarpaulin，andlistenedtotheadmonitiveandgentlevoiceofthepreacher。Pacingthedeckhehadchanceduponthisgroup，andattractedbythefigureofthepilgrim，hadpausednearit。Therewassomethingfamiliartohiminthatlarge，strongbody，inthatstern，darkface，inthoselarge，calmeyes。Thecurly，grayishhair，fallingfromundertheskull-

cap，theunkemptbushybeard，whichfellapartinthicklocks，thelong，hookednose，thesharp-pointedears，thethicklips——

Fomahadseenallthesebefore，butcouldnotrecallwhenandwhere。

"Yes，weareverymuchinarrearsbeforetheLord！"remarkedoneofthepeasants，heavingadeepsigh。

"Wemustpray，"whisperedthepeasantwholayonthebench，inascarcelyaudiblevoice。

"Canyouscrapeyoursinfulwretchednessoffyoursoulwithwordsofprayer？"exclaimedsomeoneloudly，almostwithdespairinhisvoice。

Nooneofthosethatformedthegrouparoundthepilgrimturnedatthisvoice，onlytheirheadssanklowerontheirbreasts，andforalongtimethesepeoplesatmotionlessandspeechless：

Thepilgrimmeasuredhisaudiencewithaseriousandmeditativeglanceofhisblueeyes，andsaidsoftly：

"EphraimtheSyriansaid：\'Makethysoulthecentralpointofthythoughtsandstrengthenthyselfwiththydesiretobefreefromsin。

Andagainheloweredhishead，slowlyfingeringthebeadsoftherosary。

"Thatmeanswemustthink，"saidoneofthepeasants；"butwhenhasamantimetothinkduringhislifeonearth？"

"Confusionisallaroundus。"

"Wemustfleetothedesert，"saidthepeasantwholayonthebench。

"Noteverybodycanaffordit。"

Thepeasantsspoke，andbecamesilentagain。Ashrillwhistleresounded，alittlebellbegantojingleatthemachine。

Someone\'sloudexclamationrangout：

"Eh，there！Tothewater-measuringpoles。"

"0hLord！0hQueenofHeaven！"——adeepsighwasheard。

Andadull，half-chokedvoiceshouted：

"Nine！nine！"

Fragmentsofthefogburstforthuponthedeckandfloatedoveritlikecold，graysmoke。

"Here，kindpeople，giveearuntothewordsofKingDavid，"saidthepilgrim，andshakinghishead，begantoreaddistinctly：

"\'Leadme，OhLord，inthyrighteousnessbecauseofmineenemies；

makethywaystraightbeforemyface。Forthereisnofaithfulnessintheirmouths；theirinwardpartisverywickedness；theirthroatisanopensepulchre；theyflatterwiththeirtongue。Destroythouthem，0hGod；letthemfallbytheirowncounsels。\'"

"Eight！seven！"Likemoanstheseexclamationsresoundedinthedistance。

Thesteamerbegantohissangrily，andslackeneditsspeed。Thenoiseofthehissingofthesteamdeafenedthepilgrim\'swords，andFomasawonlythemovementofhislips。

"Getoff！"aloud，angryshoutwasheard。"It\'smyplace！"

"Yours？"

"Hereyouhaveyours！"

"I\'llrapyouonthejaw；thenyou\'llfindyourplace。Whatalord！"

"Getaway！"

Anuproarensued。Thepeasantswhowerelisteningtothepilgrimturnedtheirheadstowardthedirectionwheretherowwasgoingon，andthepilgrimheavedasighandbecamesilent。Nearthemachinealoudandlivelydisputeblazedupasthoughdrybranches，thrownuponadyingbonfire，hadcaughttheflame。

"I\'llgiveittoyou，devils！Getaway，bothofyou。"

"Takethemawaytothecaptain。"

"Ha！ha！ha！That\'safinesettlementforyou！"

"Thatwasagoodraphegavehimontheneck！"

"Thesailorsareacleverlot。"

"Eight！nine！"shoutedthemanwiththemeasuringpole。

"Yes，increasespeed！"cametheloudexclamationoftheengineer。

Swayingbecauseofthemotionofthesteamer，Fomastoodleaningagainstthetarpaulin，andattentivelylistenedtoeachandeverysoundabouthim。Andeverythingwasblendedintoonepicture，whichwasfamiliartohim。Throughfoganduncertainty，surroundedonallsidesbygloomimpenetrabletotheeye，lifeofmanismovingsomewhereslowlyandheavily。Andmenaregrievedovertheirsins，theysighheavily，andthenfightforawarmplace，andaskingeachotherforthesakeofpossessingtheplace，theyalsoreceiveblowsfromthosewhostrivefororderinlife。Theytimidlysearchforafreeroadtowardthegoal。

"Nine！eight！"

Thewailingcryissoftlywaftedoverthevessel。"Andtheholyprayerofthepilgrimisdeafenedbythetumultoflife。Andthereisnorelieffromsorrow，thereisnojoyforhimwhoreflectsonhisfate。"

Fomafeltlikespeakingtothispilgrim，inwhosesoftlyutteredwordsthererangsincerefearofGod，andallmanneroffearformenbeforeHiscountenance。Thekind，admonitivevoiceofthepilgrimpossessedapeculiarpower，whichcompelledFomatolistentoitsdeeptones。

"I\'dliketoaskhimwherehelives，"thoughtFoma，fixedlyscrutinizingthehugestoopingfigure。"AndwherehaveIseenhimbefore？Ordoesheresemblesomeacquaintanceofmine？"

SuddenlyitsomehowstruckFomawithparticularvividnessthatthehumblepreacherbeforehimwasnootherthanthesonofoldAnanyShchurov。Stunnedbythisconjecture，hewalkeduptothepilgrimandseatinghimselfbyhisside，inquiredfreely：

"AreyoufromIrgiz，father？"

Thepilgrimraisedhishead，turnedhisfacetowardFomaslowlyandheavily，scrutinizedhimandsaidinacalmandgentlevoice：

"IwasontheIrgiz，too。"

"Areyouanativeofthatplace？"

"Areyounowcomingfromthere？"

"No，IamcomingfromSaintStephen。"

Theconversationbrokeoff。FomalackedthecouragetoaskthepilgrimwhetherhewasnotShchurov。

"We\'llbelateonaccountofthefog，"saidsomeone。

"Howcanwehelpbeinglate！"

Allweresilent，lookingatFoma。Young，handsome，neatlyandrichlydressed，hearousedthecuriosityofthebystandersbyhissuddenappearanceamongthem；hewasconsciousofthiscuriosity，heunderstoodthattheywereallwaitingforhiswords，thattheywantedtounderstandwhyhehadcometothem，andallthisconfusedandangeredhim。

"ItseemstomethatI\'vemetyoubeforesomewhere，father，"saidheatlength。

Thepilgrimreplied，withoutlookingathim：

"Perhaps。"

"Iwouldliketospeaktoyou，"announcedFoma，timidly，inalowvoice。

"Well，then，speak。"

"Comewithme。"

"Whither？"

"Tomycabin。"

ThepilgrimlookedintoFoma\'sface，and，afteramoment\'ssilence，assented：

"Come。"

Onleaving，Fomafeltthelooksofthepeasantsonhisback，andnowhewaspleasedtoknowthattheywereinterestedinhim。

Inthecabinheaskedgently：

"Wouldyouperhapseatsomething？Tellme。Iwillorderit。"

"Godforbid。Whatdoyouwish？"

Thisman，dirtyandragged，inacassockturnedredwithage，andcoveredwithpatches，surveyedthecabinwithasqueamishlook，andwhenheseatedhimselfontheplush-coveredlounge，heturnedtheskirtofthecassockasthoughafraidtosoilitbytheplush。

"Whatisyourname，father？"askedFoma，noticingtheexpressionofsqueamishnessonthepilgrim\'sface。

"Miron。"

"NotMikhail？"

"WhyMikhail？"askedthepilgrim。

"TherewasinourtownthesonofacertainmerchantShchurov，healsowentofftotheIrgiz。AndhisnamewasMikhail。"

FomaspokeandfixedlylookedatFatherMiron；butthelatterwasascalmasadeaf-mute——

"Inevermetsuchaman。Idon\'tremember，Inevermethim，"saidhe，thoughtfully。"Soyouwishedtoinquireabouthim？"

"Yes。"

"No，InevermetMikhailShchurov。Well，pardonmeforChrist\'ssake！"andrisingfromthelounge，thepilgrimbowedtoFomaandwenttowardthedoor。

"Butwaitawhile，sitdown，let\'stalkalittle！"exclaimedFoma，rushingathimuneasily。Thepilgrimlookedathimsearchinglyandsankdownonthelounge。Fromthedistancecameadullsound，likeadeepgroan，andimmediatelyafteritthesignalwhistleofthesteamerdrawledoutasinafrightenedmanneroverFoma\'sandhisguest\'sheads。Fromthedistancecameamoredistantreply，andthewhistleoverheadagaingaveoutabrupt，timoroussounds。

Fomaopenedthewindow。Throughthefog，notfarfromtheirsteamer，somethingwasmovingalongwithdeepnoise；specksoffantasticlightsfloatedby，thefogwasagitatedandagainsankintodeadimmobility。

"Howterrible！"exclaimedFoma，shuttingthewindow。

"Whatistheretobeafraidof？"askedthepilgrim。"Yousee！Itisneitherdaynornight，neitherdarknessnorlight！Wecanseenothing，wearesailingweknownotwhither，wearestrayingontheriver。"

"Haveinwardfirewithinyou，havelightwithinyoursoul，andyoushallseeeverything，"saidthepilgrim，sternlyandinstructively。

Fomawasdispleasedwiththesecoldwordsandlookedatthepilgrimaskance。Thelattersatwithdroopinghead，motionless，asthoughpetrifiedinthoughtandprayer。Thebeadsofhisrosaryweresoftlyrustlinginhishands。

Thepilgrim\'sattitudegavebirthtoeasycourageinFoma\'sbreast，andhesaid：

"Tellme，FatherMiron，isitgoodtolive，havingfullfreedom，withoutwork，withoutrelatives，awanderer，likeyourself？"

FatherMironraisedhisheadandsoftlyburstintothecaressinglaughterofachild。Allhisface，tannedfromwindandsunburn，brightenedupwithinwardjoy，wasradiantwithtranquiljoy；hetouchedFoma\'skneewithhishandandsaidinasinceretone：

"Castasidefromyouallthatisworldly，forthereisnosweetnessinit。Iamtellingyoutherightword——turnawayfromevil。Doyourememberitissaid：

\'Blessedisthemanthatwalkethnotinthecounseloftheungodly，norstandethinthewayofsinners。\'Turnaway，refreshyoursoulwithsolitudeandfillyourselfwiththethoughtofGod。ForonlybythethoughtofHimcanmansavehissoulfromprofanation。"

"Thatisn\'tthething！"saidFoma。"Ihavenoneedofworkingoutmysalvation。HaveIsinnedsomuch？Lookatothers。WhatIwouldlikeistocomprehendthings。"

"Andyouwillcomprehendifyouturnawayfromtheworld。Goforthuponthefreeroad，onthefields，onthesteppes，ontheplains，onthemountains。Goforthandlookattheworldfromafar，fromyourfreedom。"

"That\'sright！"criedFoma。"That\'sjustwhatIthink。Onecanseebetterfromtheside！"

AndMiron，payingnoattentiontohiswords，spokesoftly，asthoughofsomegreatmystery，knownonlytohim，thepilgrim：

"ThethickslumberingforestsaroundyouwillstarttorustleinsweetvoicesaboutthewisdomoftheLord；God\'slittlebirdswillsingbeforeyouofHisholyglory，andthegrassesofthesteppewillburnincensetotheHolyVirgin。"

Thepilgrim\'svoicenowroseandquiveredfromexcessofemotion，nowsanktoamysteriouswhisper。Heseemedasthoughgrownyounger；hiseyesbeamedsoconfidentlyandclearly，andallhisfacewasradiantwiththehappysmileofamanwhohasfoundexpressionforhisjoyandwasdelightedwhilehepoureditforth。

"TheheartofGodthrobsineachandeverybladeofgrass；eachandeveryinsectoftheairandoftheearth，breathesHisholyspirit。God，theLord，JesusChrist，liveseverywhere！Whatbeautythereisonearth，inthefieldsandintheforests！HaveyoueverbeenontheKerzhenz？Anincomparablesilencereignstheresupreme，thetrees，thegrasstherearelikethoseofparadise。"

Fomalistened，andhisimagination，captivatedbythequiet，charmingnarrative，picturedtohimthosewidefieldsanddenseforests，fullofbeautyandsoul-pacifyingsilence。

"Youlookatthesky，asyourestsomewhereunderalittlebush，andtheskyseemstodescenduponyouasthoughlongingtoembraceyou。Yoursouliswarm，filledwithtranquiljoy，youdesirenothing，youenvynothing。AnditactuallyseemstoyouthatthereisnooneonearthsaveyouandGod。"

Thepilgrimspoke，andhisvoiceandsing-songspeechremindedFomaofthewonderfulfairy-talesofAuntAnfisa。Hefeltasthough，afteralongjourneyonahotday，hedranktheclear，coldwaterofaforestbrook，waterthathadthefragranceofthegrassesandtheflowersithasbathed。Evenwiderandwidergrewthepicturesastheyunfoldeduponhim；hereisapaththroughthethick，slumberingforest；thefinesunbeamspenetratethroughthebranchesofthetrees，andquiverintheairandunderthefeetofthewanderer。Thereisasavouryodouroffungianddecayingfoliage；thehoneyedfragranceoftheflowers，theintenseodourofthepine-treeinvisiblyriseintheairandpenetratethebreastinawarm，richstream。Allissilence：onlythebirdsaresinging，andthesilenceissowonderfulthatitseemsasthougheventhebirdsweresinginginyourbreast。Yougo，withouthaste，andyourlifegoesonlikeadream。Whilehereeverythingisenvelopedinagray，deadfog，andwearefoolishlystrugglingaboutinit，yearningforfreedomandlight。Therebelowtheyhavestartedtosingsomethinginscarcelyaudiblevoices；itwashalfsong，halfprayer。Againsomeoneisshouting，scolding。Andstilltheyseektheway：

"Sevenandahalf。Seven！"

"Andyouhavenocare，"spokethepilgrim，andhisvoicemurmuredlikeabrook。"Anybodywillgiveyouacrustofbread；andwhatelsedoyouneedinyourfreedom？Intheworld，caresfalluponthesoullikefetters。"

"Youspeakwell，"saidFomawithasigh。

"Mydearbrother！"exclaimedthepilgrim，softly，movingstillclosertowardhim。"Sincethesoulhasawakened，sinceityearnstowardfreedom，donotlullittosleepbyforce；hearkentoitsvoice。Theworldwithitscharmshasnobeautyandholinesswhatever，wherefore，then，obeyitslaws？InJohnChrysostomitissaid：\'Therealshechinahisman！\'ShechinahisaHebrewwordanditmeanstheholyofholies。Consequently——"

Aprolongedshrillsoundofthewhistledrownedhisvoice。Helistened，rosequicklyfromtheloungeandsaid：

"Wearenearingtheharbour。That\'swhatthewhistlemeant。I

mustbeoff！Well，goodbye，brother！MayGodgiveyoustrengthandfirmnesstoactaccordingtothewillofyoursoul！Goodbye，mydearboy！"

HemadealowbowtoFoma。Therewassomethingfeminine，caressingandsoftinhisfarewellwordsandbow。Fomaalsobowedlowtohim，bowedandremainedasthoughpetrified，standingwithdroopinghead，hishandleaningagainstthetable。

"Cometoseemewhenyouareintown，"heaskedthepilgrim，whowashastilyturningthehandleofthecabindoor。

"Iwill！Iwillcome！Goodbye！Christsaveyou！"

Whenthesteamer\'ssidetouchedthewharfFomacameoutonthedeckandbegantolookdownwardintothefog。Fromthesteamerpeoplewerewalkingdownthegang-planks，butFomacouldnotdiscernthepilgrimamongthosedarkfiguresenvelopedinthedensegloom。Allthosethatleftthesteamerlookedequallyindistinct，andtheyallquicklydisappearedfromsight，asthoughtheyhadmeltedinthegraydampness。Onecouldseeneithertheshorenoranythingelsesolid；thelandingbridgerockedfromthecommotioncausedbythesteamer；aboveittheyellowspotofthelanternwasswaying；thenoiseofthefootstepsandthebustleofthepeopleweredull。

Thesteamerputoffandslowlymovedalongintotheclouds。Thepilgrim，theharbour，theturmoilofpeople\'svoices——allsuddenlydisappearedlikeadream，andagainthereremainedonlythedensegloomandthesteamerheavilyturningaboutinit。Fomastaredbeforehimintothedeadseaoffogandthoughtoftheblue，cloudlessandcaressinglywarmsky——wherewasit？

Onthenextday，aboutnoon，hesatInYozhov\'ssmallroomandlistenedtothelocalnewsfromthemouthofhisfriend。Yozhovhadclimbedonthetable，whichwaspiledwithnewspapers，and，swinginghisfeet，narrated：

"Theelectioncampaignhasbegun。Themerchantsareputtingyourgodfatherupasmayor——thatolddevil！Likethedevil，heisimmortal，althoughhemustbeupwardsofahundredandfiftyyearsoldalready。HemarrieshisdaughtertoSmolin。Yourememberthatred-headedfellow。Theysaythatheisadecentman，butnowadaystheyevencallcleverscoundrelsdecentmen，becausetherearenomen。NowAfricashkaplaystheenlightenedman；hehasalreadymanagedtogetintointelligentsociety，donatedsomethingtosomeenterpriseoranotherandthusatoncecametothefront。Judgingfromhisface，heisasharperofthehighestdegree，buthewillplayaprominentpart，forheknowshowtoadapthimself。Yes，friend，Africashkaisaliberal。Andaliberalmerchantisamixtureofawolfandapigwithatoadandasnake。"

"Thedeviltakethemall！"saidFoma，wavinghishandindifferently。"WhathaveItodowiththem？Howaboutyourself——

doyoustillkeepondrinking？"

"Ido！Whyshouldn\'tIdrink？"

Half-cladanddishevelled，Yozhovlookedlikeapluckedbird，whichhadjusthadafightandhadnotyetrecoveredfromtheexcitementoftheconflict。

"Idrinkbecause，fromtimetotime，Imustquenchthefireofmywoundedheart。Andyou，youdampstump，youaresmoulderinglittlebylittle？"

"Ihavetogototheoldman，"saidFoma，wrinklinghisface。

"Chanceit！"

"Idon\'tfeellikegoing。He\'llstarttolectureme。"

"Thendon\'tgo！"

"ButImust。"

"Thengo！"

"Whydoyoualwaysplaythebuffoon？"saidFoma，withdispleasure，"asthoughyouwereindeedmerry。"

"ByGod，Ifeelmerry！"exclaimedYozhov，jumpingdownfromthetable。"WhatafineroastingIgaveacertaingentlemaninthepaperyesterday！Andthen——I\'veheardacleveranecdote：A

companywassittingonthesea-shorephilosophizingatlengthuponlife。AndaJewsaidtothem：\'Gentlemen，whydoyouemploysomanydifferentwords？I\'lltellittoyouallatonce：Ourlifeisnotworthasinglecopeck，evenasthisstormysea！\'"

"Eh，thedeviltakeyou！"saidFoma。"Good-bye。Iamgoing。"

"Goahead！Iaminafineframeofmindto-dayandIwillnotmoanwithyou。Allthemoresoconsideringyoudon\'tmoan，butgrunt。"

Fomawentaway，leavingYozhovsingingatthetopofhisvoice：

"Beatthedrumandfearnot。"

"Drum？Youareadrumyourself；"thoughtFoma，withirritation，asheslowlycameoutonthestreet。

AttheMayakinshewasmetbyLuba。Agitatedandanimated，shesuddenlyappearedbeforehim，speakingquickly：

"You？MyGod！Howpaleyouare！Howthinyou\'vegrown！Itseemsyouhavebeenleadingafinelife。"

Thenherfacebecamedistortedwithalarmandsheexclaimedalmostinawhisper：

"Ah，Foma。Youdon\'tknow。Doyouhear？Someoneisringingthebell。Perhapsitishe。"

Andsherushedoutoftheroom，leavingbehindherintheairtherustleofhersilkgown，andtheastonishedFoma，whohadnotevenhadachancetoaskherwhereherfatherwas。YakovTarasovichwasathome。Attiredinhisholidayclothes，inalongfrockcoatwithmedalsonhisbreast，hestoodonthethresholdwithhishandsoutstretched，clutchingatthedoorposts。HisgreenlittleeyesexaminedFoma，and，feelingtheirlookuponhim，Fomaraisedhisheadandmetthem。

"Howdoyoudo，myfinegentleman？"saidtheoldman，shakinghisheadreproachfully。"Wherehasitpleasedyoutocomefrom，mayI

ask？Whohassuckedoffthatfatofyours？Orisittruethatapiglooksforapuddle，andFomaforaplacewhichisworse？"

"Haveyounootherwordsforme？"askedFoma，sternly，lookingstraightintotheoldman\'sface。Andsuddenlyhenoticedthathisgodfathershuddered，hislegstrembled，hiseyesbegantoblinkrepeatedly，andhishandsclutchedthedoorpostswithaneffort。Fomaadvancedtowardhim，presumingthattheoldmanwasfeelingill，butYakovTarasovichsaidinadullandangryvoice：

"Standaside。Getoutoftheway。"

Andhisfaceassumeditsusualexpression。

Fomasteppedbackandfoundhimselfsidebysidewitharathershort，stoutman，whobowedtoMayakin，andsaidinahoarsevoice：

"Howdoyoudo，papa？"

"Howareyou，TarasYakovlich，howareyou？"saidtheoldman，bowing，smilingdistractedly，andstillclingingtothedoorposts。

Fomasteppedasideinconfusion，seatedhimselfinanarmchair，and，petrifiedwithcuriosity，wide-eyed，begantowatchthemeetingoffatherandson。

Thefather，standinginthedoorway，swayedhisfeeblebody，leaninghishandsagainstthedoorposts，and，withhisheadbentononesideandeyeshalfshut，staredathissoninsilence。Thesonstoodaboutthreestepsawayfromhim；hisheadalreadygray，wasliftedhigh；heknittedhisbrowandgazedathisfatherwithlargedarkeyes。Hissmall，black，pointedbeardandhissmallmoustachequiveredonhismeagreface，withitsgristlynose，likethatofhisfather。Andthehat，also，quiveredinhishand。

FrombehindhisshoulderFomasawthepale，frightenedandjoyousfaceofLuba——shelookedatherfatherwithbeseechingeyesanditseemedshewasonthepointofcryingout。Forafewmomentsallweresilentandmotionless，crushedastheywerebytheimmensityoftheiremotions。Thesilencewasbrokenbythelow，butdullandquiveringvoiceofYakovTarasovich：

"Youhavegrownold，Taras。"

Thesonlaughedinhisfather\'sfacesilently，and，withaswiftglance，surveyedhimfromheadtofoot。

Thefathertearinghishandsfromthedoorposts，madeasteptowardhissonandsuddenlystoppedshortwithafrown。ThenTarasMayakin，withonehugestep，cameuptohisfatherandgavehimhishand。

"Well，letuskisseachother，"suggestedthefather，softly。

Thetwooldmenconvulsivelyclaspedeachotherintheirarms，exchangedwarmkissesandthensteppedapart。Thewrinklesoftheoldermanquivered，theleanfaceoftheyoungerwasimmobile，almoststern。Thekisseshadchangednothingintheexternalsideofthisscene，onlyLubovburstintoasobofjoy，andFomaawkwardlymovedaboutinhisseat，feelingasthoughhisbreathwerefailinghim。

"Eh，children，youarewoundstotheheart——youarenotitsjoy，"

complainedYakovTarasovichinaringingvoice，andheevidentlyinvestedagreatdealinthesewords，forimmediatelyafterhehadpronouncedthemhebecameradiant，morecourageous，andhesaidbriskly，addressinghimselftohisdaughter：

"Well，haveyoumeltedwithjoy？Youhadbettergoandpreparesomethingforus——teaandsoforth。We\'llentertaintheprodigalson。Youmusthaveforgotten，mylittleoldman，whatsortofamanyourfatheris？"

TarasMayakinscrutinizedhisparentwithameditativelookofhislargeeyesandhesmiled，speechless，cladinblack，whereforethegrayhaironhisheadandinhisbeardtoldmorestrikingly。

"Well，beseated。Tellme——howhaveyoulived，whathaveyoudone？Whatareyoulookingat？Ah！That\'smygodson。IgnatGordyeeff\'sson，Foma。DoyourememberIgnat？"

"Iremembereverything，"saidTaras。

"Oh！That\'sgood，ifyouarenotbragging。Well，areyoumarried？"

"Iamawidower。"

"Haveyouanychildren？"

"Theydied。Ihadtwo。"

"That\'sapity。Iwouldhavehadgrandchildren。"

"MayIsmoke？"askedTaras。

"Goahead。Justlookathim，you\'resmokingcigars。"

"Don\'tyoulikethem？"

"I？Comeon，it\'sallthesametome。Isaythatitlooksratheraristocratictosmokecigars。"

"Andwhyshouldweconsiderourselveslowerthanthearistocrats？"saidTaras，laughing。

"Do，Iconsiderourselveslower？"exclaimedtheoldman。"I

merelysaiditbecauseitlookedridiculoustome，suchasedateoldfellow，withbeardtrimmedinforeignfashion，cigarinhismouth。Whoishe？Myson——he-he-he！"theoldmantappedTarasontheshoulderandsprangawayfromhim，asthoughfrightenedlesthewererejoicingtoosoon，lestthatmightnotbetheproperwaytotreatthathalfgrayman。Andhelookedsearchinglyandsuspiciouslyintohisson\'slargeeyes，whichweresurroundedbyyellowishswellings。

Tarassmiledinhisfather\'sfaceanaffableandwarmsmile，andsaidtohimthoughtfully：

"That\'sthewayIrememberyou——cheerfulandlively。Itlooksasthoughyouhadnotchangedabitduringalltheseyears。"

Theoldmanstraightenedhimselfproudly，and，strikinghisbreastwithhisfist，said：

"Ishallneverchange，becauselifehasnopoweroverhimwhoknowshisownvalue。Isn\'tthatso？"

"Oh！Howproudyouare！"

"Imusthavetakenaftermyson，"saidtheoldmanwithacunninggrimace。"Doyouknow，dear，mysonwassilentforseventeenyearsoutofpride。"

"That\'sbecausehisfatherwouldnotlistentohim，"Tarasremindedhim。

"It\'sallrightnow。Nevermindthepast。OnlyGodknowswhichofusistoblame。He，theuprightone，He\'lltellittoyou——wait！

Ishallkeepsilence。Thisisnotthetimeforustodiscussthatmatter。Youbettertellme——whathaveyoubeendoingalltheseyears？Howdidyoucometothatsodafactory？Howhaveyoumadeyourway？"

"That\'salongstory，"saidTaraswithasigh；andemittingfromhismouthagreatpuffofsmoke，hebeganslowly："WhenI

acquiredthepossibilitytoliveatliberty，IenteredtheofficeofthesuperintendentofthegoldminesoftheRemezovs。"

"Iknow；they\'reveryrich。Threebrothers。Iknowthemall。Oneisacripple，theotherafool，andthethirdamiser。Goon！"

"Iservedunderhimfortwoyears。AndthenImarriedhisdaughter，"narratedMayakininahoarsevoice。

"Thesuperintendent\'s？Thatwasn\'tfoolishatall。"Tarasbecamethoughtfulandwassilentawhile。Theoldmanlookedathissadfaceandunderstoodhisson。

"Andsoyoulivedwithyourwifehappily，"hesaid。"Well，whatcanyoudo？Tothedeadbelongsparadise，andthelivingmustliveon。Youarenotsoveryoldasyet。Haveyoubeenawidowerlong？"

"Thisisthethirdyear。"

"So？Andhowdidyouchanceuponthesodafactory？"

"Thatbelongstomyfather-in-law。"

"Aha！Whatisyoursalary？"

"Aboutfivethousand。"

"Mm。That\'snotastalecrust。Yes，that\'sagalleyslaveforyou！"

Tarasglancedathisfatherwithafirmlookandaskedhimdrily：

"Bytheway，whatmakesyouthinkthatIwasaconvict？"

Theoldmanglancedathissonwithastonishment，whichwasquicklychangedintojoy：

"Ah！Whatthen？Youwerenot？Thedeviltakethem！Then——howwasit？Don\'ttakeoffence！HowcouldIknow？TheysaidyouwereinSiberia！Well，andtherearethegalleys！"

"Tomakeanendofthisonceforall，"saidTaras，seriouslyandimpressively，clappinghishandonhisknee，"I\'lltellyourightnowhowitallhappened。IwasbanishedtoSiberiatosettlethereforsixyears，and，duringallthetimeofmyexile，I

livedintheminingregionoftheLena。InMoscowIwasimprisonedforaboutninemonths。That\'sall！"

"So-o！Butwhatdoesitmean？"mutteredYakovTarasovich，withconfusionandjoy。

"Andheretheycirculatedthatabsurdrumour。"

"That\'sright——itisabsurdindeed！"saidtheoldman，distressed。

"Anditdidaprettygreatdealofharmonacertainoccasion。"

"Really？Isthatpossible？"

"Yes。Iwasabouttogointobusinessformyself，andmycreditwasruinedonaccountof——"

"Pshaw！"saidYakovTarasovich，ashespatangrily。"Oh，devil！

Come，come，isthatpossible？"

Fomasatallthistimeinhiscorner，listeningtotheconversationbetweentheMayakins，and，blinkingperplexedly，hefixedlyexaminedthenewcomer。RecallingLubov\'sbearingtowardherbrother，andinfluenced，toacertaindegree，byherstoriesaboutTaras，heexpectedtoseeinhimsomethingunusual，somethingunliketheordinarypeople。HehadthoughtthatTaraswouldspeakinsomepeculiarway，woulddressinamannerpeculiartohimself；andingeneralhewouldbeunlikeotherpeople。Whilebeforehimsatasedate，stoutman，faultlesslydressed，withsterneyes，verymuchlikehisfatherinface，andtheonlydifferencebetweenthemwasthatthesonhadacigarinhismouthandablackbeard。Hespokebrieflyinabusiness-likewayofeverydaythings——wherewas，then，thatpeculiarsomethingabouthim？Nowhebegantotellhisfatheroftheprofitsinthemanufactureofsoda。Hehadnotbeenagalleyslave——Lubovhadlied！AndFomawasverymuchpleasedwhenhepicturedtohimselfhowhewouldspeaktoLubovaboutherbrother。

Nowandthensheappearedinthedoorwayduringtheconversationbetweenherfatherandherbrother。Herfacewasradiantwithhappiness，andhereyesbeamedwithjoyasshelookedattheblackfigureofTaras，cladinsuchapeculiarlythickfrockcoat，withpocketsonthesidesandwithbigbuttons。Shewalkedontiptoe，andsomehowalwaysstretchedhernecktowardherbrother。Fomalookedatherquestioningly，butshedidnotnoticehim，constantlyrunningbackandforthpastthedoor，withplatesandbottlesinherhands。

Itsohappenedthatsheglancedintotheroomjustwhenherbrotherwastellingherfatheraboutthegalleys。Shestoppedasthoughpetrified，holdingatrayinheroutstretchedhandsandlistenedtoeverythingherbrothersaidaboutthepunishmentinflicteduponhim。Shelistened，andslowlywalkedaway，withoutcatchingFoma\'sastonishedandsarcasticglance。AbsorbedinhisreflectionsonTaras，slightlyoffendedbythelackofattentionshownhim，andbythefactthatsincethehandshakeattheintroductionTarashadnotgivenhimasingleglance，FomaceasedforawhiletofollowtheconversationoftheMayakins，andsuddenlyhefeltthatsomeoneseizedhimbytheshoulder。Hetrembledandsprangtohisfeet，almostfellinghisgodfather，whostoodbeforehimwithexcitedface：

"There——look！Thatisaman！That\'swhataMayakinis！Theyhaveseventimesboiledhiminlye；theyhavesqueezedoiloutofhim，andyethelives！Understand？Withoutanyaid——alone——hemadehiswayandfoundhisplaceand——heisproud！ThatmeansMayakin！A

Mayakinmeansamanwhoholdshisfateinhisownhands。Doyouunderstand？Takealessonfromhim！Lookathim！Youcannotfindanotherlikehiminahundred；you\'dhavetolookforoneinathousand。What？Justbearthisinmind：YoucannotforgeaMayakinfrommanintoeitherdevilorangel。"

Stupefiedbythistempestuousshock，Fomabecameconfusedanddidnotknowwhattosayinreplytotheoldman\'snoisysongofpraise。HesawthatTaras，calmlysmokinghiscigar，waslookingathisfather，andthatthecornersofhislipswerequiveringwithasmile。Hisfacelookedcondescendinglycontented，andallhisfiguresomewhataristocraticandhaughty。Heseemedtobeamusedbytheoldman\'sjoy。

AndYakovTarasovichtappedFomaonthechestwithhisfingerandsaid：

"Idonotknowhim，myownson。Hehasnotopenedhissoultome。

Itmaybethatsuchadifferencehadgrownupbetweenusthatnotonlyaneagle，butthedevilhimselfcannotcrossit。Perhapshisbloodhasoverboiled；thatthereisnoteventhescentofthefather\'sbloodinit。ButheisaMayakin！AndIcanfeelitatonce！Ifeelitandsay：\'TodaythouforgivestThyservant，0hLord！\'"

Theoldmanwastremblingwiththefeverofhisexultation，andfairlyhoppedashestoodbeforeFoma。

"Calmyourself，father！"saidTaras，slowlyrisingfromhischairandwalkinguptohisfather。"Whyconfusetheyoungman？Come，letussitdown。"

HegaveFomaafleetingsmile，and，takinghisfatherbythearm，ledhimtowardthetable。

"Ibelieveinblood，"saidYakovTarasovich；"inhereditaryblood。Thereinliesallpower！Myfather，Iremember，toldme：

\'Yashka，youaremygenuineblood！\'There。ThebloodoftheMayakinsisthick——itistransferredfromfathertofatherandnowomancaneverweakenit。Letusdrinksomechampagne！Shallwe？

Verywell，then！Tellmemore——tellmeaboutyourself。HowisitthereinSiberia？"

Andagain，asthoughfrightenedandsoberedbysomethought，theoldmanfixedhissearchingeyesuponthefaceofhisson。Andafewminuteslaterthecircumstantialbutbriefrepliesofhissonagainarousedinhimanoisyjoy。Fomakeptonlisteningandwatching，ashesatquietlyinhiscorner。

"Goldmining，ofcourse，isasolidbusiness，"saidTaras，calmly，withimportance，"butitisaratherriskyoperationandonerequiringalargecapital。Theearthsaysnotawordaboutwhatitcontainswithinit。Itisveryprofitabletodealwithforeigners。Dealingswiththem，underanycircumstances，yieldanenormouspercentage。Thatisaperfectlyinfallibleenterprise。

Butawearyone，itmustbeadmitted。Itdoesnotrequiremuchbrains；thereisnoroominitforanextraordinaryman；amanwithgreatenterprisingpowercannotdevelopinit。"

Luboventeredandinvitedthemallintothedining-room。WhentheMayakinssteppedoutFomaimperceptiblytuggedLubovbythesleeve，andsheremainedwithhimalone，inquiringhastily：

"Whatisit？"

"Nothing，"saidFoma，withasmile。"Iwanttoaskyouwhetheryouareglad？"

"OfcourseIam！"exclaimedLubov。

"Andwhatabout？"

"Thatis，whatdoyoumean？"

"Justso。Whatabout？"

"You\'requeer！"saidLubov，lookingathimwithastonishment。

"Can\'tyousee？"

"What？"askedFoma，sarcastically。

"What\'sthetroublewithyou？"saidLubov，lookingathimuneasily。

"Eh，you！"drawledoutFoma，withcontemptuouspity。"Canyourfather，canthemerchantclassbegetanythinggood？Canyouexpectaradishtobringforthraspberries？Andyouliedtome。

Tarasisthis，Tarasisthat。Whatisinhim？Amerchant，liketheothermerchants，andhispaunchisalsothatoftherealmerchant。He-he！"Hewassatisfied，seeingthatthegirl，confusedbyhiswords，wasbitingherlips，nowflushing，nowturningpale。

"You——you，Foma，"shebegan，inachokingvoice，andsuddenlystampingherfoot，shecried：

"Don\'tyoudaretospeaktome！"

Onreachingthethresholdoftheroom，sheturnedherangryfacetohim，andejaculatedinalowvoice，emphatically：

"Oh，youmaliciousman！"

Fomaburstintolaughter。Hedidnotfeellikegoingtothetable，wherethreehappypeoplewereengagedinalivelyconversation。Heheardtheirmerryvoices，theircontentedlaughter，therattleofthedishes，andheunderstoodthat，withthatburdenonhisheart，therewasnoplaceforhimbesidethem。

Norwasthereaplaceforhimanywhere。Ifallpeopleonlyhatedhim，evenasLubovhatedhimnow，hewouldfeelmoreateaseintheirmidst，hethought。Thenhewouldknowhowtobehavewiththem，wouldfindsomethingtosaytothem。Whilenowhecouldnotunderstandwhethertheywerepityinghimorwhethertheywerelaughingathim，becausehehadlosthiswayandcouldnotconformhimselftoanything。Ashestoodawhilealoneinthemiddleoftheroom，heunconsciouslyresolvedtoleavethishousewherepeoplewererejoicingandwherehewassuperfluous。Onreachingthestreet，hefelthimselfoffendedbytheMayakins。

Afterall，theyweretheonlypeopleneartohimintheworld。

Beforehimarosehisgodfather\'sface，onwhichthewrinklesquiveredwithagitation，andilluminatedbythemerryglitterofhisgreeneyes，seemedtobeamwithphosphoriclight。

"Evenarottentrunkofatreestandsoutinthedark！"reflectedFoma，savagely。ThenherecalledthecalmandseriousfaceofTarasandbesideitthefigureofLubovbowingherselfhastilytowardhim。Thatarousedinhimfeelingsofenvyandsorrow。

"Whowilllookatmelikethat？Thereisnotasoultodoit。"

Hecametohimselffromhisbroodingsontheshore，atthelanding-places，arousedbythebustleoftoil。Allsortsofarticlesandwareswerecarriedandcartedineverydirection；

peoplemovedabouthastily，care-worn，spurringontheirhorsesexcitedly，shoutingatoneanother，fillingthestreetwithunintelligiblebustleanddeafeningnoiseofhurriedwork。Theybusiedthemselvesonanarrowstripofground，pavedwithstone，builtupononesidewithtallhouses，andtheothersidecutoffbyasteepravineattheriver，andtheirseethingbustlemadeuponFomaanimpressionasthoughtheyhadallpreparedthemselvestofleefromthistoilamidfilthandnarrownessandtumult——preparedthemselvestofleeandwerenowhasteningtocompletethesoonertheunfinishedworkwhichwouldnotreleasethem。Hugesteamers，standingbytheshoreandemittingcolumnsofsmokefromtheirfunnels，werealreadyawaitingthem。Thetroubledwateroftheriver，closelyobstructedwithvessels，wassoftlyandplaintivelysplashingagainsttheshore，asthoughimploringforaminuteofrestandrepose。

"YourHonour！"ahoarsecryrangoutnearFoma\'sears，"contributesomebrandyinhonourofthebuilding！"

Fomaglancedatthepetitionerindifferently；hewasahuge，beardedfellow，barefooted，withatornshirtandabruised，swollenface。

"Getaway！"mutteredFoma，andturnedawayfromhim。

"Merchant！Whenyoudieyoucan\'ttakeyourmoneywithyou。Givemeforoneglassofbrandy，orareyoutoolazytoputyourhandintoyourpocket？"

Fomaagainlookedatthepetitioner；thelatterstoodbeforehim，coveredmorewithmudthanwithclothes，and，tremblingwithintoxication，waitedobstinately，staringatFomawithblood-

shot，swolleneyes。

"Isthatthewaytoask？"inquiredFoma。

"Howelse？Wouldyouwantmetogodownonmykneesbeforeyouforaten-copeckpiece？"askedthebare-footedman，boldly。

"There！"andFomagavehimacoin。

"Thanks！Fifteencopecks。Thanks！AndifyougivemefifteenmoreI\'llcrawlonallfoursrightuptothattavern。Doyouwantmeto？"proposedthebarefootedman。

"Go，leavemealone！"saidFoma，wavinghimoffwithhishand。

"Hewhogivesnotwhenhemay，whenhefainwould，shallhavenay，"saidthebarefootedman，andsteppedaside。

Fomalookedathimashedeparted，andsaidtohimself：

"Thereisaruinedmanandyethowboldheis。Heasksalmsasthoughdemandingadebt。Wheredosuchpeoplegetsomuchboldness？"

Andheavingadeepsigh，heansweredhimself：

"Fromfreedom。Themanisnotfettered。Whatistherethatheshouldregret？Whatdoeshefear？AndwhatdoIfear？WhatistherethatIshouldregret？"

ThesetwoquestionsseemedtostrikeFoma\'sheartandcalledforthinhimadullperplexity。Helookedatthemovementoftheworkingpeopleandkeptonthinking：Whatdidheregret？Whatdidhefear？

"Alone，withmyownstrength，Ishallevidentlynevercomeoutanywhere。LikeafoolIshallkeepontrampingaboutamongpeople，mockedandoffendedbyall。Iftheywouldonlyjostlemeaside；iftheywouldonlyhateme，then——then——Iwouldgooutintothewideworld！WhetherIlikedornot，Iwouldhavetogo！"

Fromoneofthelandingwharvesthemerry"dubinushka"

["Dubinushka，"orthe"OakenCudgel，"isasongpopularwiththeRussianworkmen。]hadalreadybeensmitingtheairforalongtime。Thecarriersweredoingacertainwork，whichrequiredbriskmovements，andwereadaptingthesongandtherefraintothem。

"InthetavernsitgreatmerchantsDrinkingliquorsstrong，"

narratedtheleader，inaboldrecitative。Thecompanyjoinedinunison：

"Oh，dubinushka，heave-ho！"

Andthenthebassossmotetheairwithdeepsounds：

"Itgoes，itgoes。"

Andthetenorsrepeated：

"Itgoes，itgoes。"