"Oh, no, Marfa Timofyevna."

"Don't argue, if you please, run along. Nastasya Karpovna has gone out
into the garden all by herself; you keep her company. You must treat the
old with respect."--Shurotchka departed--"But where is my cap? Where has
it got to?"

"Let me look for it," said Lisa.

"Sit down, sit down; I have still the use of my legs. It must be inside
in my bedroom."

And flinging a sidelong glance in Lavretsky's direction, Marfa
Timofyevna went out. She left the door open; but suddenly she came back
to it and shut it.

Lisa leant back against her chair and quietly covered her face with her
hands; Lavretsky remained where he was.

"This is how we were to meet again!" he brought out at last.

Lisa took her hands from her face.

"Yes," she said faintly: "we were quickly punished."

"Punished," said Lavretsky.... "What had you done to be punished?"

Lisa raised her eyes to him. There was neither sorrow or disquiet
expressed in them; they seemed smaller and dimmer. Her face was pale;
and pale too her slightly parted lips.

Lavretsky's heart shuddered for pity and love.

"You wrote to me; all is over," he whispered, "yes, all is over--before
it had begun."

"We must forget all that," Lisa brought out; "I am glad that you have
come; I wanted to write to you, but it is better so. Only we must take
advantage quickly of these minutes. It is left for both of us to do our
duty. You, Fedor Ivanitch, must be reconciled with your wife."

"Lisa!"

"I beg you to do so; by that alone can we expiate... all that has
happened. You will think about it--and will not refuse me."

"Lisa, for God's sake,--you are asking what is impossible. I am ready to
do everything you tell me; but to be reconciled to her now!... I consent
to everything, I have forgotten everything; but I cannot force my
heart.... Indeed, this is cruel!

"I do not even ask of you... what you say; do not live with her, if you
cannot; but be reconciled," replied Lisa and again she hid her eyes in
her hand.--"remember your little girl; do it for my sake."

"Very well," Lavretsky muttered between his teeth: "I will do that, I
suppose in that I shall fulfill my duty. But you-what does your duty
consist in?"

"That I know myself."

Lavretsky started suddenly.

"You cannot be making up your mind to marry Panshin?" he said.

Lisa gave an almost imperceptible smile.

"Oh, no!" she said.

"Ah, Lisa, Lisa!" cried Lavretsky, "how happy you mig