ched for something; then, turning her face toward the
garden, she approached the open door, and, all white, light, graceful,
paused on the threshold. A quiver ran through Lavretzky's limbs.

"Liza!"--burst from his lips, in barely audible tones.

She started, and began to stare into the darkness.

"Liza!"--repeated Lavretzky more loudly, and emerged from the shadow of
the avenue.

Liza, in alarm, stretched forth her head, and staggered backward. He
called her for the third time, and held out his arms toward her. She left
the door, and advanced into the garden.

"Is it you?"--she said.--"Are you here?"

"It is I ... I ... listen to me,"--whispered Lavretzky, and, grasping
her hand, he led her to the bench.

She followed him without resistance; her pale face, her impassive eyes,
all her movements, were expressive of unutterable amazement. Lavretzky
seated her on the bench, and himself took up his stand in front of her.

"I had no thought of coming hither,"--he began:--"I came hither by
chance.... I ... I ... I love you,"--he said, with involuntary terror.

Liza slowly glanced at him; apparently, she had only that moment
comprehended where she was, and that she was with him. She tried to rise,
but could not, and covered her face with her hands.

"Liza,"--said Lavretzky:--"Liza,"--he repeated, and bowed down at her
feet....

Her shoulders began to quiver slightly, the fingers of her pale hands
were pressed more tightly to her face.

"What is the matter with you?"--Lavretzky uttered, and caught the sound
of soft sobbing. His heart turned cold.... He understood the meaning of
those tears. "Can it be that you love me?"--he whispered, and touched her
knee.

"Rise," he heard her voice:--"rise, Feodor Ivanitch. What is this that
you and I are doing?"

He rose, and seated himself by her side on the bench. She was no longer
weeping, but was gazing attentively at him with her wet eyes.

"I am frightened: what are we doing?"--she repeated.

"I love you,"--he said again:--"I am ready to give the whole of my life
to you."

Again she shuddered, as though something had stung her, and raised her
gaze heavenward.

"All this is in God's power,"--she said.

"But do you love me, Liza? Shall we be happy?"

She dropped her eyes; he softly drew her to him, and her head sank upon
his shoulder.... He turned her head a little to one side, and touched her
pale lips.

* * * * *