delong look at Simanovsky, "and responsive people. I
heartily beg of you to come to my aid. The deed was done by me in a
hurry--this I must confess--but done through a sincere, pure
inclination of the heart."

"And that's the main thing," put in Soloviev.

"It's absolutely all one to me what acquaintances and strangers will
begin saying about me; but from my intention to save--pardon the fool
word, which slipped out--to encourage, to sustain this girl, I will not
decline. Of course, I'm able to rent an inexpensive, small room for
her; to give her something for board at first; but what's to be done
further--that's what presents difficulties to me. The matter, of
course, isn't one of money, which I'd always find for her; but, then,
to compel her to eat, drink, and with all that to do nothing--that
would mean to condemn her to idleness, indifference, apathy; and you
know what the end will be then. Therefore, we must think of some
occupation for her. And that's the very matter which we must exert our
brains about. Make an effort, gentlemen; advise something."

"We must know what she's fitted for," said Simanovsky. "For she must
have been doing something before getting into the house."

Lichonin, with an air of hopelessness, spread out his hands.

"Almost nothing. She can sew just the least bit, just like any country
lass. Why, she wasn't fifteen when some government clerk led her
astray. She can sweep up a room, wash a little, and, if you will, cook
cabbage soup and porridge. Nothing more, it seems."

"Rather little," said Simanovsky, and clacked his tongue.

"And in addition to that, she's illiterate as well."

"But that's not at all important!" warmly defended Soloviev. "If we had
to do with a well-educated girl, or, worse still, with a half-educated
one, then only nonsense would result out of all that we're preparing to
do, a mere soap-bubble; while here before us is maiden ground,
untouched virgin soil."

"He-ee!" Nijeradze started neighing equivocally.

Soloviev, now no longer joking, but with real wrath, pounced upon him:

"Listen, prince! Every holy thought, every good deed, can be made
disgusting, obscene. There's nothing clever or worthy in that. If you
regard that which we're preparing to do so like a stallion, then
there's the door and God be with you. Go away from us!"

"Yes, but you yourself just now in the room ..." retorted the prince in
confusion.

"Yes, I too," Soloviev at once softened and c