h you as I used to live; not because I am angry with you, but because
I have become a different man. I told you that on the day after your
return, and you yourself, at that moment, acquiesced with me in your own
soul. But you wish to reinstate yourself in public opinion; it is not
enough for you to live in my house, you want to live under one roof with
me,--is not that the truth?"

"I want you to forgive me,"--said Varvara Pavlovna, without raising her
eyes.

"She wants you to forgive her,"--repeated Marya Dmitrievna.

"And not for my own sake, but for Ada's,"--whispered Varvara Pavlovna.

"Not for her sake, but for Ada's,"--repeated Marya Dmitrievna.

"Very good. You wish that?"--ejaculated Lavretzky, with an effort. "As
you like, I agree to that."

Varvara Pavlovna cast a swift glance at him, and Marya Dmitrievna
cried out:--"Well, God be praised"--and again tugged at Varvara
Pavlovna's hand. "Now receive from me...."

"Wait, I tell you,"--Lavretzky interrupted her. "I consent to live with
you, Varvara Pavlovna,"--he continued:--"That is to say, I will take
you to Lavriki, and I will live with you as long as my strength holds
out, and then I shall go away,--and return now and then. You see, I do
not wish to deceive you; but do not demand anything more. You yourself
would smile, were I to comply with the desire of your respected relative,
and press you to my heart, and assure you that ... there had been no
past, that the felled tree could burst into blossom once more. But I
perceive that I must submit. You will not understand that word; ... it
matters not. I repeat, I will live with you ... or, no, I cannot promise
that ... I will join you, I will regard you again as my wife...."

"But give her your hand on that, at least,"--said Marya Dmitrievna,
whose tears were long since dried up.

"Up to the present moment, I have not deceived Varvara
Pavlovna,"--returned Lavretzky;--"she will believe me as it is. I will
take her to Lavriki;--and recollect, Varvara Pavlovna: our compact
will be regarded as broken just as soon as you leave that place. And now,
permit me to withdraw."

He bowed to both ladies, and hastily quitted the room.

"You are not taking her with you,"--called Marya Dmitrievna after
him.... "Let him alone,"--Varvara Pavlovna whispered to her, and
immediately threw her arms round her, began to utter thanks, to kiss her
hands, and to call her her saviour.

Marya Dmitrievna accepted her caresses wit