第8章

Inthesecondyearthepianowassilentinthelodge，andtheprisoneraskedonlyfortheclassics。Inthefifthyearmusicwasaudibleagain，andtheprisoneraskedforwine。Thosewhowatchedhimthroughthewindowsaidthatallthatyearhespentdoingnothingbuteatinganddrinkingandlyingonhisbed，frequentlyyawningandangrilytalkingtohimself。Hedidnotreadbooks。

Sometimesatnighthewouldsitdowntowrite；hewouldspendhourswriting，andinthemorningtearupallthathehadwritten。Morethanoncehecouldbeheardcrying。

Inthesecondhalfofthesixthyeartheprisonerbeganzealouslystudyinglanguages，philosophy，andhistory。Hethrewhimselfeagerlyintothesestudies——somuchsothatthebankerhadenoughtodotogethimthebooksheordered。Inthecourseoffouryearssomesixhundredvolumeswereprocuredathisrequest。Itwasduringthisperiodthatthebankerreceivedthefollowingletterfromhisprisoner：

"MydearJailer，Iwriteyoutheselinesinsixlanguages。Showthemtopeoplewhoknowthelanguages。Letthemreadthem。IftheyfindnotonemistakeIimploreyoutofireashotinthegarden。Thatshotwillshowmethatmyeffortshavenotbeenthrownaway。Thegeniusesofallagesandofalllandsspeakdifferentlanguages，butthesameflameburnsinthemall。Oh，ifyouonlyknewwhatunearthlyhappinessmysoulfeelsnowfrombeingabletounderstandthem！"Theprisoner’sdesirewasfulfilled。Thebankerorderedtwoshotstobefiredinthegarden。

Thenafterthetenthyear，theprisonersatimmovablyatthetableandreadnothingbuttheGospel。Itseemedstrangetothebankerthatamanwhoinfouryearshadmasteredsixhundredlearnedvolumesshouldwastenearlyayearoveronethinbookeasyofcomprehension。TheologyandhistoriesofreligionfollowedtheGospels。

Inthelasttwoyearsofhisconfinementtheprisonerreadanimmensequantityofbooksquiteindiscriminately。Atonetimehewasbusywiththenaturalsciences，thenhewouldaskforByronorShakespeare。Therewerenotesinwhichhedemandedatthesametimebooksonchemistry，andamanualofmedicine，andanovel，andsometreatiseonphilosophyortheology。Hisreadingsuggestedamanswimmingintheseaamongthewreckageofhisship，andtryingtosavehislifebygreedilyclutchingfirstatonesparandthenatanother。

II

Theoldbankerrememberedallthis，andthought：

"To-morrowattwelveo’clockhewillregainhisfreedom。ByouragreementIoughttopayhimtwomillions。IfIdopayhim，itisalloverwithme：Ishallbeutterlyruined。"

Fifteenyearsbefore，hismillionshadbeenbeyondhisreckoning；

nowhewasafraidtoaskhimselfwhichweregreater，hisdebtsorhisassets。DesperategamblingontheStockExchange，wildspeculationandtheexcitabilitywhichhecouldnotgetovereveninadvancingyears，hadbydegreesledtothedeclineofhisfortuneandtheproud，fearless，self-confidentmillionairehadbecomeabankerofmiddlingrank，tremblingateveryriseandfallinhisinvestments。"Cursedbet！"mutteredtheoldman，clutchinghisheadindespair"Whydidn’tthemandie？Heisonlyfortynow。Hewilltakemylastpennyfromme，hewillmarry，willenjoylife，willgambleontheExchange；whileIshalllookathimwithenvylikeabeggar，andhearfromhimeverydaythesamesentence：’Iamindebtedtoyouforthehappinessofmylife，letmehelpyou！’No，itistoomuch！Theonemeansofbeingsavedfrombankruptcyanddisgraceisthedeathofthatman！"

Itstruckthreeo’clock，thebankerlistened；everyonewasasleepinthehouseandnothingcouldbeheardoutsidebuttherustlingofthechilledtrees。Tryingtomakenonoise，hetookfromafireproofsafethekeyofthedoorwhichhadnotbeenopenedforfifteenyears，putonhisovercoat，andwentoutofthehouse。

Itwasdarkandcoldinthegarden。Rainwasfalling。Adampcuttingwindwasracingaboutthegarden，howlingandgivingthetreesnorest。Thebankerstrainedhiseyes，butcouldseeneithertheearthnorthewhitestatues，northelodge，northetrees。Goingtothespotwherethelodgestood，hetwicecalledthewatchman。Noanswerfollowed。Evidentlythewatchmanhadsoughtshelterfromtheweather，andwasnowasleepsomewhereeitherinthekitchenorinthegreenhouse。

"IfIhadtheplucktocarryoutmyintention，"thoughttheoldman，"Suspicionwouldfallfirstuponthewatchman。"

Hefeltinthedarknessforthestepsandthedoor，andwentintotheentryofthelodge。Thenhegropedhiswayintoalittlepassageandlightedamatch。Therewasnotasoulthere。Therewasabedsteadwithnobeddingonit，andinthecornertherewasadarkcast-ironstove。Thesealsonthedoorleadingtotheprisoner’sroomswereintact。

Whenthematchwentouttheoldman，tremblingwithemotion，peepedthroughthelittlewindow。Acandlewasburningdimlyintheprisoner’sroom。Hewassittingatthetable。Nothingcouldbeseenbuthisback，thehaironhishead，andhishands。Openbookswerelyingonthetable，onthetwoeasy-chairs，andonthecarpetnearthetable。

Fiveminutespassedandtheprisonerdidnotoncestir。Fifteenyears’imprisonmenthadtaughthimtositstill。Thebankertappedatthewindowwithhisfinger，andtheprisonermadenomovementwhateverinresponse。Thenthebankercautiouslybrokethesealsoffthedoorandputthekeyinthekeyhole。Therustylockgaveagratingsoundandthedoorcreaked。Thebankerexpectedtohearatoncefootstepsandacryofastonishment，butthreeminutespassedanditwasasquietaseverintheroom。Hemadeuphismindtogoin。

Atthetableamanunlikeordinarypeoplewassittingmotionless。

Hewasaskeletonwiththeskindrawntightoverhisbones，withlongcurlslikeawoman’sandashaggybeard。Hisfacewasyellowwithanearthytintinit，hischeekswerehollow，hisbacklongandnarrow，andthehandonwhichhisshaggyheadwasproppedwassothinanddelicatethatitwasdreadfultolookatit。Hishairwasalreadystreakedwithsilver，andseeinghisemaciated，aged-lookingface，noonewouldhavebelievedthathewasonlyforty。Hewasasleep……Infrontofhisbowedheadtherelayonthetableasheetofpaperonwhichtherewassomethingwritteninfinehandwriting。

"Poorcreature！"thoughtthebanker，"heisasleepandmostlikelydreamingofthemillions。AndIhaveonlytotakethishalf-deadman，throwhimonthebed，stiflehimalittlewiththepillow，andthemostconscientiousexpertwouldfindnosignofaviolentdeath。Butletusfirstreadwhathehaswrittenhere……"

Thebankertookthepagefromthetableandreadasfollows：

"To-morrowattwelveo’clockIregainmyfreedomandtherighttoassociatewithothermen，butbeforeIleavethisroomandseethesunshine，Ithinkitnecessarytosayafewwordstoyou。

WithaclearconscienceItellyou，asbeforeGod，whobeholdsme，thatIdespisefreedomandlifeandhealth，andallthatinyourbooksiscalledthegoodthingsoftheworld。

"ForfifteenyearsIhavebeenintentlystudyingearthlylife。ItistrueIhavenotseentheearthnormen，butinyourbooksI

havedrunkfragrantwine，Ihavesungsongs，Ihavehuntedstagsandwildboarsintheforests，havelovedwomen……

Beautiesasetherealasclouds，createdbythemagicofyourpoetsandgeniuses，havevisitedmeatnight，andhavewhisperedinmyearswonderfultalesthathavesetmybraininawhirl。InyourbooksIhaveclimbedtothepeaksofElburzandMontBlanc，andfromthereIhaveseenthesunriseandhavewatcheditateveningfloodthesky，theocean，andthemountain-topswithgoldandcrimson。Ihavewatchedfromtherethelightningflashingovermyheadandcleavingthestorm-clouds。Ihaveseengreenforests，fields，rivers，lakes，towns。Ihaveheardthesingingofthesirens，andthestrainsoftheshepherds’

pipes；IhavetouchedthewingsofcomelydevilswhoflewdowntoconversewithmeofGod……InyourbooksIhaveflungmyselfintothebottomlesspit，performedmiracles，slain，burnedtowns，preachednewreligions，conqueredwholekingdoms……

"Yourbookshavegivenmewisdom。Allthattheunrestingthoughtofmanhascreatedintheagesiscompressedintoasmallcompassinmybrain。IknowthatIamwiserthanallofyou。

"AndIdespiseyourbooks，Idespisewisdomandtheblessingsofthisworld。Itisallworthless，fleeting，illusory，anddeceptive，likeamirage。Youmaybeproud，wise，andfine，butdeathwillwipeyouoffthefaceoftheearthasthoughyouwerenomorethanmiceburrowingunderthefloor，andyourposterity，yourhistory，yourimmortalgeniuseswillburnorfreezetogetherwiththeearthlyglobe。

"Youhavelostyourreasonandtakenthewrongpath。Youhavetakenliesfortruth，andhideousnessforbeauty。Youwouldmarvelif，owingtostrangeeventsofsomesorts，frogsandlizardssuddenlygrewonappleandorangetreesinsteadoffruit，orifrosesbegantosmelllikeasweatinghorse；soImarvelatyouwhoexchangeheavenforearth。Idon’twanttounderstandyou。

"ToprovetoyouinactionhowIdespiseallthatyouliveby，I

renouncethetwomillionsofwhichIoncedreamedasofparadiseandwhichnowIdespise。TodeprivemyselfoftherighttothemoneyIshallgooutfromherefivehoursbeforethetimefixed，andsobreakthecompact……"

Whenthebankerhadreadthishelaidthepageonthetable，kissedthestrangemanonthehead，andwentoutofthelodge，weeping。Atnoothertime，evenwhenhehadlostheavilyontheStockExchange，hadhefeltsogreatacontemptforhimself。

Whenhegothomehelayonhisbed，buthistearsandemotionkepthimforhoursfromsleeping。

Nextmorningthewatchmenraninwithpalefaces，andtoldhimtheyhadseenthemanwholivedinthelodgeclimboutofthewindowintothegarden，gotothegate，anddisappear。Thebankerwentatoncewiththeservantstothelodgeandmadesureoftheflightofhisprisoner。Toavoidarousingunnecessarytalk，hetookfromthetablethewritinginwhichthemillionswererenounced，andwhenhegothomelockeditupinthefireproofsafe。

THEHEAD-GARDENER’SSTORY

ASALEofflowerswastakingplaceinCountN。’sgreenhouses。Thepurchaserswerefewinnumber——alandownerwhowasaneighborofmine，ayoungtimber-merchant，andmyself。Whiletheworkmenwerecarryingoutourmagnificentpurchasesandpackingthemintothecarts，wesatattheentryofthegreenhouseandchattedaboutonethingandanother。ItisextremelypleasanttositinagardenonastillAprilmorning，listeningtothebirds，andwatchingtheflowersbroughtoutintotheopenairandbaskinginthesunshine。

Thehead-gardener，MihailKarlovitch，avenerableoldmanwithafullshavenface，wearingafurwaistcoatandnocoat，superintendedthepackingoftheplantshimself，butatthesametimehelistenedtoourconversationinthehopeofhearingsomethingnew。Hewasanintelligent，verygood-heartedman，respectedbyeveryone。HewasforsomereasonlookeduponbyeveryoneasaGerman，thoughhewasinrealityonhisfather’ssideSwedish，onhismother’ssideRussian，andattendedtheOrthodoxchurch。HeknewRussian，Swedish，andGerman。Hehadreadagooddealinthoselanguages，andnothingonecoulddogavehimgreaterpleasurethanlendinghimsomenewbookortalkingtohim，forinstance，aboutIbsen。

Hehadhisweaknesses，buttheywereinnocentones：hecalledhimselftheheadgardener，thoughtherewerenounder-gardeners；

theexpressionofhisfacewasunusuallydignifiedandhaughty；

hecouldnotenduretobecontradicted，andlikedtobelistenedtowithrespectandattention。

"ThatyoungfellowthereIcanrecommendtoyouasanawfulrascal，"saidmyneighbor，pointingtoalaborerwithaswarthy，gipsyface，whodrovebywiththewater-barrel。"Lastweekhewastriedinthetownforburglaryandwasacquitted；theypronouncedhimmentallyderanged，andyetlookathim，heisthepictureofhealth。ScoundrelsareveryoftenacquittednowadaysinRussiaongroundsofabnormalityandaberration，yettheseacquittals，theseunmistakableproofsofanindulgentattitudetocrime，leadtonogood。Theydemoralizethemasses，thesenseofjusticeisbluntedinallastheybecomeaccustomedtoseeingviceunpunished，andyouknowinourageonemayboldlysayinthewordsofShakespearethatinourevilandcorruptagevirtuemustaskforgivenessofvice。"

"That’sverytrue，"themerchantassented。"Owingtothesefrequentacquittals，murderandarsonhavebecomemuchmorecommon。Askthepeasants。"

MihailKarlovitchturnedtowardsusandsaid：

"AsfarasIamconcerned，gentlemen，Iamalwaysdelightedtomeetwiththeseverdictsofnotguilty。Iamnotafraidformoralityandjusticewhentheysay’Notguilty，’butonthecontraryIfeelpleased。Evenwhenmyconsciencetellsmethejuryhavemadeamistakeinacquittingthecriminal，eventhenI

amtriumphant。Judgeforyourselves，gentlemen；ifthejudgesandthejuryhavemorefaithin_man_thaninevidence，materialproofs，andspeechesfortheprosecution，isnotthatfaith_inman_initselfhigherthananyordinaryconsiderations？SuchfaithisonlyattainablebythosefewwhounderstandandfeelChrist。"

"Afinethought，"Isaid。

"Butit’snotanewone。IrememberaverylongtimeagoIheardalegendonthatsubject。Averycharminglegend，"saidthegardener，andhesmiled。"Iwastolditbymygrandmother，myfather’smother，anexcellentoldlady。ShetoldmeitinSwedish，anditdoesnotsoundsofine，soclassical，inRussian。"

ButwebeggedhimtotellitandnottobeputoffbythecoarsenessoftheRussianlanguage。Muchgratified，hedeliberatelylightedhispipe，lookedangrilyatthelaborers，andbegan：

"Theresettledinacertainlittletownasolitary，plain，elderlygentlemancalledThomsonorWilson——butthatdoesnotmatter；thesurnameisnotthepoint。Hefollowedanhonorableprofession：hewasadoctor。Hewasalwaysmoroseandunsociable，andonlyspokewhenrequiredbyhisprofession。Henevervisitedanyone，neverextendedhisacquaintancebeyondasilentbow，andlivedashumblyasahermit。Thefactwas，hewasalearnedman，andinthosedayslearnedmenwerenotlikeotherpeople。Theyspenttheirdaysandnightsincontemplation，inreadingandinhealingdisease，lookeduponeverythingelseastrivial，andhadnotimetowasteaword。Theinhabitantsofthetownunderstoodthis，andtriednottoworryhimwiththeirvisitsandemptychatter。TheywereverygladthatGodhadsentthematlastamanwhocouldhealdiseases，andwereproudthatsucharemarkablemanwaslivingintheirtown。’Heknowseverything，’

theysaidabouthim。

"Butthatwasnotenough。Theyoughttohavealsosaid，’Heloveseveryone。’Inthebreastofthatlearnedmantherebeatawonderfulangelicheart。Thoughthepeopleofthattownwerestrangersandnothisownpeople，yethelovedthemlikechildren，anddidnotsparehimselfforthem。Hewashimselfillwithconsumption，hehadacough，butwhenhewassummonedtothesickheforgothisownillnesshedidnotsparehimselfand，gaspingforbreath，climbedupthehillshoweverhightheymightbe。Hedisregardedthesultryheatandthecold，despisedthirstandhunger。Hewouldacceptnomoneyandstrangetosay，whenoneofhispatientsdied，hewouldfollowthecoffinwiththerelations，weeping。

"Andsoonhebecamesonecessarytothetownthattheinhabitantswonderedhowtheycouldhavegotonbeforewithouttheman。Theirgratitudeknewnobounds。Grown-uppeopleandchildren，goodandbadalike，honestmenandcheats——allinfact，respectedhimandknewhisvalue。Inthelittletownandallthesurroundingneighborhoodtherewasnomanwhowouldallowhimselftodoanythingdisagreeabletohim；indeed，theywouldneverhavedreamedofit。Whenhecameoutofhislodging，heneverfastenedthedoorsorwindows，incompleteconfidencethattherewasnothiefwhocouldbringhimselftodohimwrong。Heoftenhadinthecourseofhismedicaldutiestowalkalongthehighroads，throughtheforestsandmountainshauntedbynumbersofhungryvagrants；buthefeltthathewasinperfectsecurity。

"Onenighthewasreturningfromapatientwhenrobbersfelluponhimintheforest，butwhentheyrecognizedhim，theytookofftheirhatsrespectfullyandofferedhimsomethingtoeat。Whenheansweredthathewasnothungry，theygavehimawarmwrapandaccompaniedhimasfarasthetown，happythatfatehadgiventhemthechanceinsomesmallwaytoshowtheirgratitudetothebenevolentman。Well，tobesure，mygrandmothertoldmethateventhehorsesandthecowsandthedogsknewhimandexpressedtheirjoywhentheymethim。

"Andthismanwhoseemedbyhissanctitytohaveguardedhimselffromeveryevil，towhomevenbrigandsandfrenziedmenwishednothingbutgood，wasonefinemorningfoundmurdered。Coveredwithblood，withhisskullbroken，hewaslyinginaravine，andhispalefaceworeanexpressionofamazement。Yes，nothorrorbutamazementwastheemotionthathadbeenfixeduponhisfacewhenhesawthemurdererbeforehim。Youcanimaginethegriefthatoverwhelmedtheinhabitantsofthetownandthesurroundingdistricts。Allwereindespair，unabletobelievetheireyes，wonderingwhocouldhavekilledtheman。Thejudgeswhoconductedtheinquiryandexaminedthedoctor’sbodysaid：’Herewehaveallthesignsofamurder，butasthereisnotamanintheworldcapableofmurderingourdoctor，obviouslyitwasnotacaseofmurder，andthecombinationofevidenceisduetosimplechance。Wemustsupposethatinthedarknesshefellintotheravineofhimselfandwasmortallyinjured。’

"Thewholetownagreedwiththisopinion。Thedoctorwasburied，andnothingmorewassaidaboutaviolentdeath。Theexistenceofamanwhocouldhavethebasenessandwickednesstokillthedoctorseemedincredible。Thereisalimiteventowickedness，isn’tthere？

"Allatonce，wouldyoubelieveit，chanceledthemtodiscoveringthemurderer。Avagrantwhohadbeenmanytimesconvicted，notoriousforhisviciouslife，wasseensellingfordrinkasnuff-boxandwatchthathadbelongedtothedoctor。Whenhewasquestionedhewasconfused，andansweredwithanobviouslie。Asearchwasmade，andinhisbedwasfoundashirtwithstainsofbloodonthesleeves，andadoctor’slancetsetingold。Whatmoreevidencewaswanted？Theyputthecriminalinprison。Theinhabitantswereindignant，andatthesametimesaid：

"’It’sincredible！Itcan’tbeso！Takecarethatamistakeisnotmade；itdoeshappen，youknow，thatevidencetellsafalsetale。’

"Athistrialthemurdererobstinatelydeniedhisguilt。

Everythingwasagainsthim，andtobeconvincedofhisguiltwasaseasyastobelievethatthisearthisblack；butthejudgesseemtohavegonemad：theyweighedeveryprooftentimes，lookeddistrustfullyatthewitnesses，flushedcrimsonandsippedwater……Thetrialbeganearlyinthemorningandwasonlyfinishedintheevening。

"’Accused！’thechiefjudgesaid，addressingthemurderer，’thecourthasfoundyouguiltyofmurderingDr。So-and-so，andhassentencedyouto……’

"Thechiefjudgemeanttosay’tothedeathpenalty，’buthedroppedfromhishandsthepaperonwhichthesentencewaswritten，wipedthecoldsweatfromhisface，andcriedout：

"’No！MayGodpunishmeifIjudgewrongly，butIswearheisnotguilty。Icannotadmitthethoughtthatthereexistsamanwhowoulddaretomurderourfriendthedoctor！Amancouldnotsinksolow！’

"’Therecannotbesuchaman！’theotherjudgesassented。

"’No，’thecrowdcried。’Lethimgo！’

"Themurdererwassetfreetogowherehechose，andnotonesoulblamedthecourtforanunjustverdict。AndmygrandmotherusedtosaythatforsuchfaithinhumanityGodforgavethesinsofalltheinhabitantsofthattown。HerejoiceswhenpeoplebelievethatmanisHisimageandsemblance，andgrievesif，forgetfulofhumandignity，theyjudgeworseofmenthanofdogs。

Thesentenceofacquittalmaybringharmtotheinhabitantsofthetown，butontheotherhand，thinkofthebeneficialinfluenceuponthemofthatfaithinman——afaithwhichdoesnotremaindead，youknow；itraisesupgenerousfeelingsinus，andalwaysimpelsustoloveandrespecteveryman。Everyman！

Andthatisimportant。"

MihailKarlovitchhadfinished。Myneighborwouldhaveurgedsomeobjection，butthehead-gardenermadeagesturethatsignifiedthathedidnotlikeobjections；thenhewalkedawaytothecarts，and，withanexpressionofdignity，wentonlookingafterthepacking。

THEBEAUTIES

I

IREMEMBER，whenIwasahighschoolboyinthefifthorsixthclass，IwasdrivingwithmygrandfatherfromthevillageofBolshoeKryepkoeintheDonregiontoRostov-on-the-Don。Itwasasultry，languidlydrearydayofAugust。Oureyesweregluedtogether，andourmouthswereparchedfromtheheatandthedryburningwindwhichdrovecloudsofdusttomeetus；onedidnotwanttolookorspeakorthink，andwhenourdrowsydriver，aLittleRussiancalledKarpo，swunghiswhipatthehorsesandlashedmeonmycap，Ididnotprotestorutterasound，butonly，rousingmyselffromhalf-slumber，gazedmildlyanddejectedlyintothedistancetoseewhethertherewasavillagevisiblethroughthedust。WestoppedtofeedthehorsesinabigArmenianvillageatarichArmenian’swhommygrandfatherknew。

NeverinmylifehaveIseenagreatercaricaturethanthatArmenian。Imaginealittleshavenheadwiththickoverhangingeyebrows，abeakofanose，longgraymustaches，andawidemouthwithalongcherry-woodchiboukstickingoutofit。Thislittleheadwasclumsilyattachedtoaleanhunch-backcarcassattiredinafantasticgarb，ashortredjacket，andfullbrightbluetrousers。Thisfigurewalkedstraddlingitslegsandshufflingwithitsslippers，spokewithouttakingthechiboukoutofitsmouth，andbehavedwithtrulyArmeniandignity，notsmiling，butstaringwithwide-openeyesandtryingtotakeaslittlenoticeaspossibleofitsguests。

TherewasneitherwindnordustintheArmenian’srooms，butitwasjustasunpleasant，stifling，anddrearyasinthesteppeandontheroad。Iremember，dustyandexhaustedbytheheat，Isatinthecorneronagreenbox。Theunpaintedwoodenwalls，thefurniture，andthefloorscoloredwithyellowochersmeltofdrywoodbakedbythesun。WhereverIlookedtherewerefliesandfliesandflies……GrandfatherandtheArmenianweretalkingaboutgrazing，aboutmanure，andaboutoats……Iknewthattheywouldbeagoodhourgettingthesamovar；

thatgrandfatherwouldbenotlessthananhourdrinkinghistea，andthenwouldliedowntosleepfortwoorthreehours；thatI

shouldwasteaquarterofthedaywaiting，afterwhichtherewouldbeagaintheheat，thedust，thejoltingcart。Iheardthemutteringofthetwovoices，anditbegantoseemtomethatI

hadbeenseeingtheArmenian，thecupboardwiththecrockery，theflies，thewindowswiththeburningsunbeatingonthem，foragesandages，andshouldonlyceasetoseetheminthefar-offfuture，andIwasseizedwithhatredforthesteppe，thesun，theflies……

ALittleRussianpeasantwomaninakerchiefbroughtinatrayoftea-things，thenthesamovar。TheArmenianwentslowlyoutintothepassageandshouted："Mashya，comeandpourouttea！Whereareyou，Mashya？"

Hurriedfootstepswereheard，andtherecameintotheroomagirlofsixteeninasimplecottondressandawhitekerchief。Asshewashedthecrockeryandpouredoutthetea，shewasstandingwithherbacktome，andallIcouldseewasthatshewasofaslenderfigure，barefooted，andthatherlittlebareheelswerecoveredbylongtrousers。

TheArmenianinvitedmetohavetea。Sittingdowntothetable，I

glancedatthegirl，whowashandingmeaglassoftea，andfeltallatonceasthoughawindwereblowingovermysoulandblowingawayalltheimpressionsofthedaywiththeirdustanddreariness。IsawthebewitchingfeaturesofthemostbeautifulfaceIhaveevermetinreallifeorinmydreams。Beforemestoodabeauty，andIrecognizedthatatthefirstglanceasI

shouldhaverecognizedlightning。

IamreadytoswearthatMasha——or，asherfathercalledher，Mashya——wasarealbeauty，butIdon’tknowhowtoproveit。Itsometimeshappensthatcloudsarehuddledtogetherindisorderonthehorizon，andthesunhidingbehindthemcolorsthemandtheskywithtintsofeverypossibleshade——crimson，orange，gold，lilac，muddypink；onecloudislikeamonk，anotherlikeafish，athirdlikeaTurkinaturban。Theglowofsunsetenvelopingathirdoftheskygleamsonthecrossonthechurch，flashesonthewindowsofthemanorhouse，isreflectedintheriverandthepuddles，quiversonthetrees；far，farawayagainstthebackgroundofthesunset，aflockofwildducksisflyinghomewards……Andtheboyherdingthecows，andthesurveyordrivinginhischaiseoverthedam，andthegentlemanoutforawalk，allgazeatthesunset，andeveryoneofthemthinksitterriblybeautiful，butnooneknowsorcansayinwhatitsbeautylies。

IwasnottheonlyonetothinktheArmeniangirlbeautiful。Mygrandfather，anoldmanofseventy，gruffandindifferenttowomenandthebeautiesofnature，lookedcaressinglyatMashaforafullminute，andasked：

"Isthatyourdaughter，AvertNazaritch？"

"Yes，sheismydaughter，"answeredtheArmenian。

"Afineyounglady，"saidmygrandfatherapprovingly。

AnartistwouldhavecalledtheArmeniangirl’sbeautyclassicalandsevere，itwasjustthatbeauty，thecontemplationofwhich——Godknowswhy！——inspiresinonetheconvictionthatoneisseeingcorrectfeatures；thathair，eyes，nose，mouth，neck，bosom，andeverymovementoftheyoungbodyallgotogetherinonecompleteharmoniousaccordinwhichnaturehasnotblunderedoverthesmallestline。YoufancyforsomereasonthattheideallybeautifulwomanmusthavesuchanoseasMasha’s，straightandslightlyaquiline，justsuchgreatdarkeyes，suchlonglashes，suchalanguidglance；youfancythatherblackcurlyhairandeyebrowsgowiththesoftwhitetintofherbrowandcheeksasthegreenreedsgowiththequietstream。Masha’swhiteneckandheryouthfulbosomwerenotfullydeveloped，butyoufancythesculptorwouldneedagreatcreativegeniustomoldthem。Yougaze，andlittlebylittlethedesirecomesoveryoutosaytoMashasomethingextraordinarilypleasant，sincere，beautiful，asbeautifulassheherselfwas。

AtfirstIfelthurtandabashedthatMashatooknonoticeofme，butwasallthetimelookingdown；itseemedtomeasthoughapeculiaratmosphere，proudandhappy，separatedherfrommeandjealouslyscreenedherfrommyeyes。

"That’sbecauseIamcoveredwithdust，"Ithought，"amsunburnt，andamstillaboy。"

ButlittlebylittleIforgotmyself，andgavemyselfupentirelytotheconsciousnessofbeauty。Ithoughtnomorenowofthedrearysteppe，ofthedust，nolongerheardthebuzzingoftheflies，nolongertastedthetea，andfeltnothingexceptthatabeautifulgirlwasstandingonlytheothersideofthetable。

Ifeltthisbeautyratherstrangely。Itwasnotdesire，norecstacy，norenjoymentthatMashaexcitedinme，butapainfulthoughpleasantsadness。Itwasasadnessvagueandundefinedasadream。ForsomereasonIfeltsorryformyself，formygrandfatherandfortheArmenian，evenforthegirlherself，andIhadafeelingasthoughweallfourhadlostsomethingimportantandessentialtolifewhichweshouldneverfindagain。

Mygrandfather，too，grewmelancholy；hetalkednomoreaboutmanureoraboutoats，butsatsilent，lookingpensivelyatMasha。

AfterteamygrandfatherlaydownforanapwhileIwentoutofthehouseintotheporch。Thehouse，likeallthehousesintheArmenianvillagestoodinthefullsun；therewasnotatree，notanawning，noshade。TheArmenian’sgreatcourtyard，overgrownwithgoosefootandwildmallows，waslivelyandfullofgaietyinspiteofthegreatheat。Threshingwasgoingonbehindoneofthelowhurdleswhichintersectedthebigyardhereandthere。Roundapoststuckintothemiddleofthethreshing-floorranadozenhorsesharnessedsidebyside，sothattheyformedonelongradius。ALittleRussianinalongwaistcoatandfulltrouserswaswalkingbesidethem，crackingawhipandshoutinginatonethatsoundedasthoughhewerejeeringatthehorsesandshowingoffhispoweroverthem。

"A——a——a，youdamnedbrutes！……A——a——a，plaguetakeyou！Areyoufrightened？"

Thehorses，sorrel，white，andpiebald，notunderstandingwhytheyweremadetorunroundinoneplaceandtocrushthewheatstraw，ranunwillinglyasthoughwitheffort，swingingtheirtailswithanoffendedair。Thewindraisedupperfectcloudsofgoldenchafffromundertheirhoofsandcarrieditawayfarbeyondthehurdle。Nearthetallfreshstackspeasantwomenwereswarmingwithrakes，andcartsweremoving，andbeyondthestacksinanotheryardanotherdozensimilarhorseswererunningroundapost，andasimilarLittleRussianwascrackinghiswhipandjeeringatthehorses。

ThestepsonwhichIwassittingwerehot；onthethinrailsandhereandthereonthewindow-framessapwasoozingoutofthewoodfromtheheat；redladybirdswerehuddlingtogetherinthestreaksofshadowunderthestepsandundertheshutters。

Thesunwasbakingmeonmyhead，onmychest，andonmyback，butIdidnotnoticeit，andwasconsciousonlyofthethudofbarefeetontheunevenfloorinthepassageandintheroomsbehindme。Afterclearingawaythetea-things，Masharandownthesteps，flutteringtheairasshepassed，andlikeabirdflewintoalittlegrimyouthouse——Isupposethekitchen——fromwhichcamethesmellofroastmuttonandthesoundofangrytalkinArmenian。Shevanishedintothedarkdoorway，andinherplacethereappearedonthethresholdanoldbent，red-facedArmenianwomanwearinggreentrousers。Theoldwomanwasangryandwasscoldingsomeone。SoonafterwardsMashaappearedinthedoorway，flushedwiththeheatofthekitchenandcarryingabigblackloafonhershoulder；swayinggracefullyundertheweightofthebread，sheranacrosstheyardtothethreshing-floor，dartedoverthehurdle，and，wraptinacloudofgoldenchaff，vanishedbehindthecarts。TheLittleRussianwhowasdrivingthehorsesloweredhiswhip，sankintosilence，andgazedforaminuteinthedirectionofthecarts。ThenwhentheArmeniangirldartedagainbythehorsesandleapedoverthehurdle，hefollowedherwithhiseyes，andshoutedtothehorsesinatoneasthoughheweregreatlydisappointed：

"Plaguetakeyou，uncleandevils！"

AndallthewhileIwasunceasinglyhearingherbarefeet，andseeinghowshewalkedacrosstheyardwithagrave，preoccupiedface。Sherannowdownthesteps，swishingtheairaboutme，nowintothekitchen，nowtothethreshing-floor，nowthroughthegate，andIcouldhardlyturnmyheadquicklyenoughtowatchher。

Andtheoftenersheflutteredbymewithherbeauty，themoreacutebecamemysadness。IfeltsorrybothforherandformyselfandfortheLittleRussian，whomournfullywatchedhereverytimesheranthroughthecloudofchafftothecarts。Whetheritwasenvyofherbeauty，orthatIwasregrettingthatthegirlwasnotmine，andneverwouldbe，orthatIwasastrangertoher；orwhetherIvaguelyfeltthatherrarebeautywasaccidental，unnecessary，and，likeeverythingonearth，ofshortduration；

orwhether，perhaps，mysadnesswasthatpeculiarfeelingwhichisexcitedinmanbythecontemplationofrealbeauty，Godonlyknows。

Thethreehoursofwaitingpassedunnoticed。ItseemedtomethatIhadnothadtimetolookproperlyatMashawhenKarpodroveuptotheriver，bathedthehorse，andbegantoputitintheshafts。Thewethorsesnortedwithpleasureandkickedhishoofsagainsttheshafts。Karposhoutedtoit："Ba——ack！"Mygrandfatherwokeup。Mashaopenedthecreakinggatesforus，wegotintothechaiseanddroveoutoftheyard。Wedroveinsilenceasthoughwewereangrywithoneanother。

When，twoorthreehourslater，RostovandNahitchevanappearedinthedistance，Karpo，whohadbeensilentthewholetime，lookedroundquickly，andsaid：

"Afinewench，thatattheArmenian’s。"

Andhelashedhishorses。

II

Anothertime，afterIhadbecomeastudent，Iwastravelingbyrailtothesouth。ItwasMay。Atoneofthestations，IbelieveitwasbetweenByelgorodandHarkov，Igotoutofthetramtowalkabouttheplatform。

Theshadesofeveningwerealreadylyingonthestationgarden，ontheplatform，andonthefields；thestationscreenedoffthesunset，butonthetopmostcloudsofsmokefromtheengine，whichweretingedwithrosylight，onecouldseethesunhadnotyetquitevanished。

AsIwalkedupanddowntheplatformInoticedthatthegreaternumberofthepassengerswerestandingorwalkingnearasecond-classcompartment，andthattheylookedasthoughsomecelebratedpersonwereinthatcompartment。AmongthecuriouswhomImetnearthiscompartmentIsaw，however，anartilleryofficerwhohadbeenmyfellow-traveler，anintelligent，cordial，andsympatheticfellow——aspeoplemostlyarewhomwemeetonourtravelsbychanceandwithwhomwearenotlongacquainted。

"Whatareyoulookingatthere？"Iasked。

Hemadenoanswer，butonlyindicatedwithhiseyesafemininefigure。Itwasayounggirlofseventeenoreighteen，wearingaRussiandress，withherheadbareandalittleshawlflungcarelesslyononeshoulder；notapassenger，butIsupposeasisterordaughterofthestation-master。Shewasstandingnearthecarriagewindow，talkingtoanelderlywomanwhowasinthetrain。BeforeIhadtimetorealizewhatIwasseeing，IwassuddenlyoverwhelmedbythefeelingIhadonceexperiencedintheArmenianvillage。

Thegirlwasremarkablybeautiful，andthatwasunmistakabletomeandtothosewhowerelookingatherasIwas。

Ifoneistodescribeherappearancefeaturebyfeature，asthepracticeis，theonlyreallylovelythingwasherthickwavyfairhair，whichhungloosewithablackribbontiedroundherhead；

alltheotherfeatureswereeitherirregularorveryordinary。

Eitherfromapeculiarformofcoquettishness，orfromshort-sightedness，hereyeswerescrewedup，hernosehadanundecidedtilt，hermouthwassmall，herprofilewasfeeblyandinsipidlydrawn，hershoulderswerenarrowandundevelopedforherage——andyetthegirlmadetheimpressionofbeingreallybeautiful，andlookingather，IwasabletofeelconvincedthattheRussianfacedoesnotneedstrictregularityinordertobelovely；whatismore，thatifinsteadofherturn-upnosethegirlhadbeengivenadifferentone，correctandplasticallyirreproachableliketheArmeniangirl’s，Ifancyherfacewouldhavelostallitscharmfromthechange。

Standingatthewindowtalking，thegirl，shruggingattheeveningdamp，continuallylookingroundatus，atonemomentputherarmsakimbo，atthenextraisedherhandstoherheadtostraightenherhair，talked，laughed，whileherfaceatonemomentworeanexpressionofwonder，thenextofhorror，andI

don’trememberamomentwhenherfaceandbodywereatrest。Thewholesecretandmagicofherbeautylayjustinthesetiny，infinitelyelegantmovements，inhersmile，intheplayofherface，inherrapidglancesatus，inthecombinationofthesubtlegraceofhermovementswithheryouth，herfreshness，thepurityofhersoulthatsoundedinherlaughandvoice，andwiththeweaknesswelovesomuchinchildren，inbirds，infawns，andinyoungtrees。

Itwasthatbutterfly’sbeautysoinkeepingwithwaltzing，dartingaboutthegarden，laughterandgaiety，andincongruouswithseriousthought，grief，andrepose；anditseemedasthoughagustofwindblowingovertheplatform，orafallofrain，wouldbeenoughtowitherthefragilebodyandscatterthecapriciousbeautylikethepollenofaflower。

"So——o！……"theofficermutteredwithasighwhen，afterthesecondbell，wewentbacktoourcompartment。

Andwhatthat"So——o"meantIwillnotundertaketodecide。

Perhapshewassad，anddidnotwanttogoawayfromthebeautyandthespringeveningintothestuffytrain；orperhapshe，likeme，wasunaccountablysorryforthebeauty，forhimself，andforme，andforallthepassengers，whowerelistlesslyandreluctantlysaunteringbacktotheircompartments。Aswepassedthestationwindow，atwhichapale，red-hairedtelegraphistwithupstandingcurlsandafaded，broad-cheekedfacewassittingbesidehisapparatus，theofficerheavedasighandsaid：

"Ibetthattelegraphistisinlovewiththatprettygirl。Toliveoutinthewildsunderoneroofwiththatetherealcreatureandnotfallinloveisbeyondthepowerofman。Andwhatacalamity，myfriend！whatanironicalfate，tobestooping，unkempt，gray，adecentfellowandnotafool，andtobeinlovewiththatpretty，stupidlittlegirlwhowouldnevertakeascrapofnoticeofyou！Orworsestill：imaginethattelegraphistisinlove，andatthesametimemarried，andthathiswifeisasstooping，asunkempt，andasdecentapersonashimself。"

Ontheplatformbetweenourcarriageandthenexttheguardwasstandingwithhiselbowsontherailing，lookinginthedirectionofthebeautifulgirl，andhisbattered，wrinkled，unpleasantlybeefyface，exhaustedbysleeplessnightsandthejoltingofthetrain，worealookoftendernessandofthedeepestsadness，asthoughinthatgirlhesawhappiness，hisownyouth，soberness，purity，wife，children；asthoughhewererepentingandfeelinginhiswholebeingthatthatgirlwasnothis，andthatforhim，withhisprematureoldage，hisuncouthness，andhisbeefyface，theordinaryhappinessofamanandapassengerwasasfarawayasheaven……

Thethirdbellrang，thewhistlessounded，andthetrainslowlymovedoff。Firsttheguard，thestation-master，thenthegarden，thebeautifulgirlwithherexquisitelyslysmile，passedbeforeourwindows……

Puttingmyheadoutandlookingback，Isawhow，lookingafterthetrain，shewalkedalongtheplatformbythewindowwherethetelegraphclerkwassitting，smoothedherhair，andranintothegarden。Thestationnolongerscreenedoffthesunset，theplainlayopenbeforeus，butthesunhadalreadysetandthesmokelayinblackcloudsoverthegreen，velvetyyoungcorn。Itwasmelancholyinthespringair，andinthedarkeningsky，andintherailwaycarriage。

Thefamiliarfigureoftheguardcameintothecarriage，andhebeganlightingthecandles。

THESHOEMAKERANDTHEDEVIL

ITwasChristmasEve。Maryahadlongbeensnoringonthestove；

alltheparaffininthelittlelamphadburntout，butFyodorNilovstillsatatwork。Hewouldlongagohaveflungasidehisworkandgoneoutintothestreet，butacustomerfromKolokolnyLane，whohadafortnightbeforeorderedsomeboots，hadbeeninthepreviousday，hadabusedhimroundly，andhadorderedhimtofinishthebootsatoncebeforethemorningservice。

"It’saconvict’slife！"Fyodorgrumbledasheworked。"Somepeoplehavebeenasleeplongago，othersareenjoyingthemselves，whileyousitherelikesomeCainandsewforthedevilknowswhom……"

Tosavehimselffromaccidentallyfallingasleep，hekepttakingabottlefromunderthetableanddrinkingoutofit，andaftereverypullatithetwistedhisheadandsaidaloud：

"Whatisthereason，kindlytellme，thatcustomersenjoythemselveswhileIamforcedtositandworkforthem？BecausetheyhavemoneyandIamabeggar？"

Hehatedallhiscustomers，especiallytheonewholivedinKolokolnyLane。Hewasagentlemanofgloomyappearance，withlonghair，ayellowface，bluespectacles，andahuskyvoice。HehadaGermannamewhichonecouldnotpronounce。Itwasimpossibletotellwhatwashiscallingandwhathedid。When，afortnightbefore，Fyodorhadgonetotakehismeasure，he，thecustomer，wassittingonthefloorpoundingsomethinginamortar。BeforeFyodorhadtimetosaygood-morningthecontentsofthemortarsuddenlyflaredupandburnedwithabrightredflame；therewasastinkofsulphurandburntfeathers，andtheroomwasfilledwithathickpinksmoke，sothatFyodorsneezedfivetimes；andashereturnedhomeafterwards，hethought："AnyonewhofearedGodwouldnothaveanythingtodowiththingslikethat。"

WhentherewasnothingleftinthebottleFyodorputthebootsonthetableandsankintothought。Heleanedhisheavyheadonhisfistandbeganthinkingofhispoverty，ofhishardlifewithnoglimmeroflightinit。Thenhethoughtoftherich，oftheirbighousesandtheircarriages，oftheirhundred-roublenotes……Howniceitwouldbeifthehousesoftheserichmen——thedevilflaythem！——weresmashed，iftheirhorsesdied，iftheirfurcoatsandsablecapsgotshabby！Howsplendiditwouldbeiftherich，littlebylittle，changedintobeggarshavingnothing，andhe，apoorshoemaker，weretobecomerich，andweretolorditoversomeotherpoorshoemakeronChristmasEve。

Dreaminglikethis，Fyodorsuddenlythoughtofhiswork，andopenedhiseyes。

"Here’sago，"hethought，lookingattheboots。"Thejobhasbeenfinishedeversolongago，andIgoonsittinghere。Imusttakethebootstothegentleman。"

Hewrappeduptheworkinaredhandkerchief，putonhisthings，andwentoutintothestreet。Afinehardsnowwasfalling，prickingthefaceasthoughwithneedles。Itwascold，slippery，dark，thegas-lampsburneddimly，andforsomereasontherewasasmellofparaffininthestreet，sothatFyodorcoughedandclearedhisthroat。Richmenweredrivingtoandfroontheroad，andeveryrichmanhadahamandabottleofvodkainhishands。

RichyoungladiespeepedatFyodoroutofthecarriagesandsledges，putouttheirtonguesandshouted，laughing：

"Beggar！Beggar！"

Students，officers，andmerchantswalkedbehindFyodor，jeeringathimandcrying：

"Drunkard！Drunkard！Infidelcobbler！Soulofaboot-leg！

Beggar！"

Allthiswasinsulting，butFyodorheldhistongueandonlyspatindisgust。ButwhenKuzmaLebyodkinfromWarsaw，amaster-bootmaker，methimandsaid："I’vemarriedarichwomanandIhavemenworkingunderme，whileyouareabeggarandhavenothingtoeat，"Fyodorcouldnotrefrainfromrunningafterhim。

HepursuedhimtillhefoundhimselfinKolokolnyLane。Hiscustomerlivedinthefourthhousefromthecornerontheverytopfloor。Toreachhimonehadtogothroughalong，darkcourtyard，andthentoclimbupaveryhighslipperystair-casewhichtotteredunderone’sfeet。WhenFyodorwentintohimhewassittingonthefloorpoundingsomethinginamortar，justashehadbeenthefortnightbefore。

"Yourhonor，Ihavebroughtyourboots，"saidFyodorsullenly。

Thecustomergotupandbegantryingonthebootsinsilence。

Desiringtohelphim，Fyodorwentdownononekneeandpulledoffhisold，boot，butatoncejumpedupandstaggeredtowardsthedoorinhorror。Thecustomerhadnotafoot，butahooflikeahorse’s。

"Aha！"thoughtFyodor；"here’sago！"

Thefirstthingshouldhavebeentocrosshimself，thentoleaveeverythingandrundownstairs；butheimmediatelyreflectedthathewasmeetingadevilforthefirstandprobablythelasttime，andnottotakeadvantageofhisserviceswouldbefoolish。Hecontrolledhimselfanddeterminedtotryhisluck。Claspinghishandsbehindhimtoavoidmakingthesignofthecross，hecoughedrespectfullyandbegan：

"Theysaythatthereisnothingonearthmoreevilandimpurethanthedevil，butIamoftheopinion，yourhonor，thatthedevilishighlyeducated。Hehas——excusemysayingit——hoofsandatailbehind，buthehasmorebrainsthanmanyastudent。"

"Ilikeyouforwhatyousay，"saidthedevil，flattered。"Thankyou，shoemaker！Whatdoyouwant？"

Andwithoutlossoftimetheshoemakerbegancomplainingofhislot。Hebeganbysayingthatfromhischildhooduphehadenviedtherich。Hehadalwaysresenteditthatallpeopledidnotlivealikeinbighousesanddrivewithgoodhorses。Why，heasked，washepoor？HowwasheworsethanKuzmaLebyodkinfromWarsaw，whohadhisownhouse，andwhosewifeworeahat？Hehadthesamesortofnose，thesamehands，feet，head，andback，astherich，andsowhywasheforcedtoworkwhenotherswereenjoyingthemselves？WhywashemarriedtoMaryaandnottoaladysmellingofscent？Hehadoftenseenbeautifulyoungladiesinthehousesofrichcustomers，buttheyeithertooknonoticeofhimwhatever，orelsesometimeslaughedandwhisperedtoeachother："Whatarednosethatshoemakerhas！"ItwastruethatMaryawasagood，kind，hard-workingwoman，butshewasnoteducated；herhandwasheavyandhithard，andifonehadoccasiontospeakofpoliticsoranythingintellectualbeforeher，shewouldputherspokeinandtalkthemostawfulnonsense。

"Whatdoyouwant，then？"hiscustomerinterruptedhim。

"Ibegyou，yourhonorSatanIvanitch，tobegraciouslypleasedtomakemearichman。"

"Certainly。Onlyforthatyoumustgivemeupyoursoul！Beforethecockscrow，goandsignonthispaperherethatyougivemeupyoursoul。"

"Yourhonor，"saidFyodorpolitely，"whenyouorderedapairofbootsfrommeIdidnotaskforthemoneyinadvance。Onehasfirsttocarryouttheorderandthenaskforpayment。"

"Oh，verywell！"thecustomerassented。

Abrightflamesuddenlyflaredupinthemortar，apinkthicksmokecamepuffingout，andtherewasasmellofburntfeathersandsulphur。Whenthesmokehadsubsided，FyodorrubbedhiseyesandsawthathewasnolongerFyodor，nolongerashoemaker，butquiteadifferentman，wearingawaistcoatandawatch-chain，inanewpairoftrousers，andthathewassittinginanarmchairatabigtable。Twofootmenwerehandinghimdishes，bowinglowandsaying：

"Kindlyeat，yourhonor，andmayitdoyougood！"

Whatwealth！Thefootmenhandedhimabigpieceofroastmuttonandadishofcucumbers，andthenbroughtinafrying-panaroastgoose，andalittleafterwardsboiledporkwithhorse-radishcream。Andhowdignified，howgenteelitallwas！Fyodorate，andbeforeeachdishdrankabigglassofexcellentvodka，likesomegeneralorsomecount。Aftertheporkhewashandedsomeboiledgrainmoistenedwithgoosefat，thenanomelettewithbaconfat，thenfriedliver，andhewentoneatingandwasdelighted。Whatmore？Theyserved，too，apiewithonionandsteamedturnipwithkvass。

"Howisitthegentrydon’tburstwithsuchmeals？"hethought。

Inconclusiontheyhandedhimabigpotofhoney。Afterdinnerthedevilappearedinbluespectaclesandaskedwithalowbow：

"Areyousatisfiedwithyourdinner，FyodorPantelyeitch？"

ButFyodorcouldnotansweroneword，hewassostuffedafterhisdinner。Thefeelingofrepletionwasunpleasant，oppressive，andtodistracthisthoughtshelookedatthebootonhisleftfoot。

"ForabootlikethatIusednottotakelessthansevenandahalfroubles。Whatshoemakermadeit？"heasked。

"KuzmaLebyodkin，"answeredthefootman。

"Sendforhim，thefool！"

KuzmaLebyodkinfromWarsawsoonmadehisappearance。Hestoppedinarespectfulattitudeatthedoorandasked：

"Whatareyourorders，yourhonor？"

"Holdyourtongue！"criedFyodor，andstampedhisfoot。"Don’tdaretoargue；rememberyourplaceasacobbler！Blockhead！Youdon’tknowhowtomakeboots！I’llbeatyouruglyphiztoajelly！Whyhaveyoucome？"

"Formoney。"

"Whatmoney？Beoff！ComeonSaturday！Boy，givehimacuff！"

Butheatoncerecalledwhatalifethecustomersusedtoleadhim，too，andhefeltheavyatheart，andtodistracthisattentionhetookafatpocketbookoutofhispocketandbegancountinghismoney。Therewasagreatdealofmoney，butFyodorwantedmorestill。Thedevilinthebluespectaclesbroughthimanothernotebookfatterstill，buthewantedevenmore；andthemorehecountedit，themorediscontentedhebecame。

Intheeveningtheevilonebroughthimafull-bosomedladyinareddress，andsaidthatthiswashisnewwife。Hespentthewholeeveningkissingherandeatinggingerbreads，andatnighthewenttobedonasoft，downyfeather-bed，turnedfromsidetoside，andcouldnotgotosleep。Hefeltuncanny。

"Wehaveagreatdealofmoney，"hesaidtohiswife；"wemustlookoutorthieveswillbebreakingin。Youhadbettergoandlookwithacandle。"

Hedidnotsleepallnight，andkeptgettinguptoseeifhisboxwasallright。Inthemorninghehadtogotochurchtomatins。

Inchurchthesamehonorisdonetorichandpooralike。WhenFyodorwaspoorheusedtoprayinchurchlikethis："God，forgiveme，asinner！"Hesaidthesamethingnowthoughhehadbecomerich。Whatdifferencewasthere？AndafterdeathFyodorrichwouldnotbeburiedingold，notindiamonds，butinthesameblackearthasthepoorestbeggar。Fyodorwouldburninthesamefireascobblers。Fyodorresentedallthis，and，too，hefeltweigheddownalloverbyhisdinner，andinsteadofprayerhehadallsortsofthoughtsinhisheadabouthisboxofmoney，aboutthieves，abouthisbartered，ruinedsoul。

Hecameoutofchurchinabadtemper。Todriveawayhisunpleasantthoughtsashehadoftendonebefore，hestruckupasongatthetopofhisvoice。Butassoonashebeganapolicemanranupandsaid，withhisfingerstothepeakofhiscap：

"Yourhonor，gentlefolkmustnotsinginthestreet！Youarenotashoemaker！"

Fyodorleanedhisbackagainstafenceandfelltothinking：whatcouldhedotoamusehimself？

"Yourhonor，"aportershoutedtohim，"don’tleanagainstthefence，youwillspoilyourfurcoat！"

Fyodorwentintoashopandboughthimselftheverybestconcertina，thenwentoutintothestreetplayingit。Everybodypointedathimandlaughed。

"Andagentleman，too，"thecabmenjeeredathim；"likesomecobbler……"

"Isittheproperthingforgentlefolktobedisorderlyinthestreet？"apolicemansaidtohim。"Youhadbettergointoatavern！"

"Yourhonor，giveusatrifle，forChrist’ssake，"thebeggarswailed，surroundingFyodoronallsides。

Inearlierdayswhenhewasashoemakerthebeggarstooknonoticeofhim，nowtheywouldn’tlethimpass。

Andathomehisnewwife，thelady，waswaitingforhim，dressedinagreenblouseandaredskirt。Hemeanttobeattentivetoher，andhadjustliftedhisarmtogiveheragoodcloutontheback，butshesaidangrily：

"Peasant！Ignorantlout！Youdon’tknowhowtobehavewithladies！Ifyoulovemeyouwillkissmyhand；Idon’tallowyoutobeatme。"

"Thisisablastedexistence！"thoughtFyodor。"Peopledoleadalife！Youmustn’tsing，youmustn’tplaytheconcertina，youmustn’thavealarkwithalady……Pfoo！"

Hehadnosoonersatdowntoteawiththeladywhentheevilspiritinthebluespectaclesappearedandsaid：

"Come，FyodorPantelyeitch，Ihaveperformedmypartofthebargain。Nowsignyourpaperandcomealongwithme！"

AndhedraggedFyodortohell，straighttothefurnace，anddevilsflewupfromalldirectionsandshouted：

"Fool！Blockhead！Ass！"

Therewasafearfulsmellofparaffininhell，enoughtosuffocateone。Andsuddenlyitallvanished。Fyodoropenedhiseyesandsawhistable，theboots，andthetinlamp。Thelamp-glasswasblack，andfromthefaintlightonthewickcamecloudsofstinkingsmokeasfromachimney。Nearthetablestoodthecustomerinthebluespectacles，shoutingangrily：

"Fool！Blockhead！Ass！I’llgiveyoualesson，youscoundrel！Youtooktheorderafortnightagoandthebootsaren’treadyyet！DoyousupposeIwanttocometrapesingroundherehalfadozentimesadayformyboots？Youwretch！youbrute！"

Fyodorshookhisheadandsettoworkontheboots。Thecustomerwentonswearingandthreateninghimforalongtime。Atlastwhenhesubsided，Fyodoraskedsullenly：

"Andwhatisyouroccupation，sir？"

"ImakeBengallightsandfireworks。Iamapyrotechnician。"

Theybeganringingformatins。Fyodorgavethecustomertheboots，tookthemoneyforthem，andwenttochurch。

Carriagesandsledgeswithbearskinrugsweredashingtoandfrointhestreet；merchants，ladies，officerswerewalkingalongthepavementtogetherwiththehumblerfolk……ButFyodordidnotenvythemnorrepineathislot。Itseemedtohimnowthatrichandpoorwereequallybadlyoff。Somewereabletodriveinacarriage，andotherstosingsongsatthetopoftheirvoiceandtoplaytheconcertina，butoneandthesamething，thesamegrave，wasawaitingallalike，andtherewasnothinginlifeforwhichonewouldgivethedevilevenatinyscrapofone’ssoul。