ne went near the Avduhin pond without some urgent reason.
Natalya intentionally chose this solitary place. It was not more than
half-a-mile from Darya Mihailovna's house.

The sun had already risen some time when Rudin reached the Avduhin pond,
but it was not a bright morning. Thick clouds of the colour of milk
covered the whole sky, and were driven flying before the whistling,
shrieking wind. Rudin began to walk up and down along the bank, which
was covered with clinging burdocks and blackened nettles. He was not
easy in his mind. These interviews, these new emotions had a charm for
him, but they also troubled him, especially after the note of the
night before. He felt that the end was drawing near, and was in secret
perplexity of spirit, though none would have imagined it, seeing with
what concentrated determination he folded his arms across his chest and
looked around him. Pigasov had once said truly of him, that he was like
a Chinese idol, his head was constantly overbalancing him. But with the
head alone, however strong it may be, it is hard for a man to know even
what is passing in himself.... Rudin, the clever, penetrating Rudin, was
not capable of saying certainly whether he loved Natalya, whether he was
suffering, and whether he would suffer at parting from her. Why then,
since he had not the least disposition to play the Lovelace--one must do
him that credit--had he turned the poor girl's head? Why was he awaiting
her with a secret tremor? To this the only answer is that there are none
so easily carried away as those who are without passion.

He walked on the bank, while Natalya was hurrying to him straight across
country through the wet grass.

'Natalya Alexyevna, you'll get your feet wet!' said her maid Masha,
scarcely able to keep up with her.

Natalya did not hear and ran on without looking round.

'Ah, supposing they've seen us!' cried Masha; 'indeed it's surprising
how we got out of the house... and ma'mselle may wake up... It's a
mercy it's not far.... Ah, the gentleman's waiting already,' she
added, suddenly catching sight of Rudin's majestic figure, standing out
picturesquely on the bank; 'but what does he want to stand on that mound
for--he ought to have kept in the hollow.'

Natalya stopped.

'Wait here, Masha, by the pines,' she said, and went on to the pond.

Rudin went up to her; he stopped short in amazement. He had never seen
such an expression on her face before. Her brows were contrac