it so touching and convincing that she did not doubt of success, and
abandoned herself, with all the confidence of youth and love, to the
feelings of her heart.

I made peace with Alexis in the first days of my convalescence. Ivan
Mironoff said, reproaching me for the duel: "You see, Peter, I ought
to put you under arrest, but indeed you have been well punished without
that. Alexis is, by my orders, under guard in the barn, and his sword is
under lock and key in Basilia's keeping."

I was too happy to harbor spite, so I entreated for Alexis, and the kind
Commandant, with his wife's permission, consented to set him at liberty.
Alexis came at once to see me. He expressed regret for all that had
happened, confessing that the fault was all his, and begged me to
forget the past. Being naturally incapable of revenge, I pardoned him,
forgiving both our quarrel and my wound. In his calumny I now saw the
irritation of wounded vanity and despised love. I generously forgave my
unfortunate rival. As soon as completely cured I returned to my lodging.
I awaited impatiently the reply to my letter, not daring to hope, yet
trying to stifle all sad presentiments. I had not yet had an explanation
with Basilia and her husband, but my suit could not surprise them.
Neither Marie nor I had concealed our feelings, and we were sure in
advance of their consent.

At last, one pleasant day Saveliitch came to my room, letter in hand.
The address was written in my father's hand. This sight prepared me for
something grave, for usually my mother wrote me, and he only added a few
lines at the end. Long I hesitated to break the seal. I read again and
again the solemn superscription:

"To my Son,
Peter Grineff,
Principality of Orenbourg,
Fortress of Belogorsk."

I tried to discover by my father's writing his mood of mind when he
wrote that letter. At last I broke that seal. I saw from the first lines
that our hopes were crushed! Here is the letter:

"MY SON PETER: We received the 15th of this month the letter in which
you ask our paternal benediction and consent to your marriage with
Mironoff's daughter. Not only have I no intention of giving either my
consent or benediction, but I have a great mind to go to you and punish
you for your childish follies, notwithstanding your officer's rank,
because you have proved that you are not worthy to bear the sword which
was