u see there is nothing for us
to do together; you have severed our tie with one blow."

Mariana was silent.

"Take Solomin, for instance," Nejdanov began again, "though he does not
believe--"

"What do you mean?"

"It's quite true. He does not believe... but that is not necessary for
him; he is moving steadily onwards. A man walking along a road in a town
does not question the existence of the town--he just goes his way. That
is Solomin. That is all that's needed. But I... I can't go ahead, don't
want to turn back, and am sick of staying where I am. How dare I ask
anyone to be my companion? You know the old proverb, 'With two people
to carry the pole, the burden will be easier.' But if you let go your
end--what becomes of the other?"

"Alexai," Mariana began irresolutely, "I think you exaggerate. Do we not
love each other?"

Nejdanov gave a deep sigh.

"Mariana... I bow down before you... you pity me, and each of us has
implicit faith in the other's honesty--that is our position. But there
is no love between us."

"Stop, Alexai! what are you saying? The police may come for us today...
we must go away together and not part--"

"And get Father Zosim to marry us at Solomin's suggestion. I know that
you merely look upon our marriage as a kind of passport--a means of
avoiding any difficulties with the police... but still it will bind us
to some extent; necessitate our living together and all that. Besides it
always presupposes a desire to live together."

"What do you mean, Alexai? You don't intend staying here?"

Nejdanov said hesitatingly. The word "yes" nearly escaped his lips, but
he recollected himself in time.

"Then you are going to a different place--not where I am going?"

Nejdanov pressed her hand which still lay in his own.

"It would indeed be vile to leave you without a supporter, without a
protector, but I won't do that, as bad as I may be. You shall have a
protector--rest assured."

Mariana bent down towards him and, putting her face close against his,
looked anxiously into his eyes, as though trying to penetrate to his
very soul.

"What is the matter, Alexai? What have you on your mind? Tell me ...
you frighten me. Your words are so strange and enigmatical ... And your
face! I have never seen your face like that!"

Nejdanov put her from him gently and kissed her hand tenderly. This time
she made no resistance and did not laugh, but sat still looking at him
anxiously.

"Don't be alarme