blewabitterrainintothefacesoftheRussians；theFrenchprofitedbythiscircumstancetobeataretreat，evacuatingthevalleyofUrsern，crossingtheReuss，andtakinguptheirpositionontheheightsoftheFurkaandGrimsel。OneportionoftheRussianarmy’sdesignhadbeenachieved，theyweremastersoftheSt。
Gothard。Itistruethatassoonastheymarchedfartheron，theFrenchwouldretakeitandcutofftheirretreat；butwhatdidthismattertoSouvarow？Didhenotalwaysmarchforward？
Hemarchedon，then，withoutworryingaboutthatwhichwasbehindhim，reachedAndermatt，clearedTroud’Ury，andfoundLecourbeguardingthedefileoftheDevil’sBridgewithfifteenhundredmen。
Therethestrugglebeganagain；forthreedaysfifteenhundredFrenchmenkeptthirtythousandRussiansatbay。Souvarowragedlikealiontrappedinasnare，forhecouldnotunderstandthischangeoffortune。Atlast，onthefourthday，heheardthatGeneralKorsakoff，whohadprecededhimandwhowastorejoinhimlater，hadbeenbeatenbyMolitor，andthatMassenahadrecapturedZurichandoccupiedthecantonofGlaris。SouvarownowgaveuptheattempttoproceedupthevalleyoftheReuss，andwrotetoKorsakoffandJallachieh，"Ihastentoretrieveyourlosses；standfirmasramparts：youshallanswertomewithyourheadsforeverystepinretreatthatyoutake。"Theaide-de-campwasalsochargedtocommunicatetotheRussianandAustriangeneralsaverbalplanofbattle。GeneralsLinskenandJallachiehweretoattacktheFrenchtroopsseparatelyandthentojointheforcesinthevalleyofGlaris，intowhichSouvarowhimselfwastodescendbytheKlon-Thal，thushemmingMolitorinbetweentwowallsofiron。
Souvarowwassosurethatthisplanwouldbesuccessful，thatwhenhearrivedonthebordersofthelakeofKlon-Thal，hesentabearerwithaflagoftruce，summoningMolitortosurrender，seeingthathewassurroundedoneveryside。
Molitorreplied，tothefield-marshalthathisproposedmeetingwithhisgeneralshadfailed，ashehadbeatenthemoneaftertheother，anddriventhembackintotheGrisons，andthatmoreover，inretaliation，asMassenawasadvancingbyMuotta，itwashe，Souvarow，whowasbetweentwofires，andthereforehecalleduponhimtolaydownhisarmsinstead。
Onhearingthisstrangereply，Souvarowthoughtthathemustbedreaming，butsoonrecoveringhimselfandrealisingthedangerofhispositioninthedefiles，hethrewhimselfonGeneralMolitor，whoreceivedhimatthepointofthebayonet，andthenclosingupthepasswithtwelvehundredmen，theFrenchsucceededinholdingfifteentoeighteenthousandRussiansincheckforeighthours。Atlengthnightcame，andMolitorevacuatedtheKlonThal，andretiredtowardstheLinth，todefendthebridgesofNoefelsandMollis。
Theoldfield-marshalrushedlikeatorrentoverGlarisandMiltodi；
therehelearntthatMolitorhadtoldhimthetruth，andthatJallachiehandLinskenhadbeenbeatenanddispersed，thatMassenawasadvancingonSchwitz，andthatGeneralRosenberg，whohadbeengiventhedefenceofthebridgeofMuotta，hadbeenforcedtoretreat，sothathefoundhimselfinthepositioninwhichhehadhopedtoplaceMolitor。
Notimewastobelostinretreating。SouvarowhurriedthroughthepassesofEngi，Schwauden，andElm。Hisflightwassohurriedthathewasobligedtoabandonhiswoundedandpartofhisartillery。
ImmediatelytheFrenchrushedinpursuitamongtheprecipicesandclouds。Onesawwholearmiespassingoverplaceswherechamois-
hunterstookofftheirshoesandwalkedbarefoot，holdingonbytheirhandstopreventthemselvesfromfalling。Threenationshadcomefromthreedifferentpartstoameeting-placeinthehomeoftheeagles，asiftoallowthosenearestGodtojudgethejusticeoftheircause。Thereweretimeswhenthefrozenmountainschangedintovolcanoes，whencascadesnowfilledwithbloodfellintothevalleys，andavalanchesofhumanbeingsrolleddownthedeepestprecipices。
Deathreapedsuchaharvesttherewherehumanlifehadneverbeenbefore，thatthevultures，becomingfastidiousthroughtheabundance，pickedoutonlytheeyesofthecorpsestocarrytotheiryoung——atleastsosaysthetraditionofthepeasantsofthesemountains。
SouvarowwasabletorallyhistroopsatlengthintheneighbourhoodofLindau。HerecalledKorsakoff，whostilloccupiedBregenz；butallhistroopstogetherdidnotnumbermorethanthirtythousandmen-
allthatremainedoftheeightythousandwhomPaulhadfurnishedashiscontingentinthecoalition。InfifteendaysMassenahaddefeatedthreeseparatearmies，eachnumericallystrongerthanhisown。Souvarow，furiousathavingbeendefeatedbythesesameRepublicanswhomhehadsworntoexterminate，blamedtheAustriansforhisdefeat，anddeclaredthatheawaitedordersfromhisemperor，towhomhehadmadeknownthetreacheryoftheallies，beforeattemptinganythingfurtherwiththecoalition。
Paul’sanswerwasthatheshouldimmediatelyreturntoRussiawithhissoldiers，arrivingatSt。Petersburgassoonaspossible，whereatriumphalentryawaitedthem。
ThesameukasedeclaredthatSouvarowshouldbequarteredintheimperialpalacefortherestofhislife，andlastlythatamonumentshouldberaisedtohiminoneofthepublicplacesofSt。
Petersburg。
FoedorwasthusabouttoseeVaninkaoncemore。Throughoutthecampaign，wheretherewasachanceofdanger，whetherintheplainsofItaly，inthedefilesofTesino，orontheglaciersofMountPragal，hewasthefirsttothrowhimselfintoit，andhisnamehadfrequentlybeenmentionedasworthyofdistinction。Souvarowwastoobravehimselftobeprodigalofhonourswheretheywerenotmerited。
Foedorwasreturning，ashehadpromised，worthyofhisnobleprotector’sfriendship，andwhoknows，perhapsworthyofVaninka’slove。Field-MarshalSouvarowhadmadeafriendofhim，andnonecouldknowtowhatthisfriendshipmightnotlead；forPaulhonouredSouvarowlikeoneoftheancientheroes。
ButnoonecouldrelyuponPaul，forhischaracterwasmadeupofextremeimpulses。Withouthavingdoneanythingtooffendhismaster，andwithoutknowingthecauseofhisdisgrace，Souvarow，onarrivingatRiga，receivedaprivateletterwhichinformedhim，intheemperor’sname，that，havingtoleratedaninfractionofthelawsofdisciplineamonghissoldiers，theemperordeprivedhimofallthehonourswithwhichhehadbeeninvested，andalsoforbadehimtoappearbeforehim。
Suchtidingsfelllikeathunderboltupontheoldwarrior，alreadyembitteredbyhisreverses：hewasheart-brokenthatsuchstorm-
cloudsshouldtarnishtheendofhisgloriousday。
Inconsequenceofthisorder，heassembledallhisofficersinthemarket-placeofRiga，andtookleaveofthemsorrowfully，likeafathertakingleaveofhisfamily。Havingembracedthegeneralsandcolonels，andhavingshakenhandswiththeothers，hesaidgood-byetothemoncemore，andleftthemfreetocontinuetheirmarchtotheirdestination。
Souvarowtookasledge，and，travellingnightandday，arrivedincognitointhecapital，whichhewastohaveenteredintriumph，andwasdriventoadistantsuburb，tothehouseofoneofhisnieces，wherehediedofabrokenheartfifteendaysafterwards。
Onhisownaccount，Foedortravelledalmostasrapidlyashisgeneral，andenteredSt。Petersburgwithouthavingsentanylettertoannouncehisarrival。Ashehadnoparentinthecapital，andashisentireexistencewasconcentratedinoneperson，hedrovedirecttothegeneral’shouse，whichwassituatedintheProspectofNiewski，atanangleoftheCatherineCanal。
Havingarrivedthere，hesprangoutofhiscarriage，enteredthecourtyard，andboundedupthesteps。Heopenedtheante-chamberdoor，andprecipitatedhimselfintothemidstoftheservantsandsubordinatehouseholdofficers。Theycriedoutwithsurpriseuponseeinghim：heaskedthemwherethegeneralwas；theyrepliedbypointingtothedoorofthediningroom；hewasinthere，breakfastingwithhisdaughter。
Then，throughastrangereaction，Foedorfelthiskneesfailinghim，andhewasobligedtoleanagainstawalltopreventhimselffromfalling。Atthismoment，whenhewasabouttoseeVaninkaagain，thissoulofhissoul，forwhomalonehehaddonesomuch，hedreadedlestheshouldnotfindherthesameaswhenhehadlefther。
Suddenlythedining-roomdooropened，andVaninkaappeared。Seeingtheyoungman，sheutteredacry，and，turningtothegeneral，said，"Father，itisFoedor"；andtheexpressionofhervoiceleftnodoubtofthesentimentwhichinspiredit。
"Foedor！"criedthegeneral，springingforwardandholdingouthisarms。
FoedordidnotknowwhethertothrowhimselfatthefeetofVaninkaorintothearmsofherfather。Hefeltthathisfirstrecognitionoughttobedevotedtorespectandgratitude，andthrewhimselfintothegeneral’sarms。Hadheactedotherwise，itwouldhavebeenanavowalofhislove，andhehadnorighttoavowthislovetillheknewthatitwasreciprocated。
Foedorthenturned，andasatparting，sankonhiskneebeforeVaninka；butamomenthadsufficedforthehaughtygirltobanishthefeelingshehadshown。Theblushwhichhadsuffusedhercheekhaddisappeared，andshehadbecomeagaincoldandhaughtylikeanalabasterstatue-amasterpieceofpridebegunbynatureandfinishedbyeducation。Foedorkissedherhand；itwastremblingbutcoldhefelthisheartsink，andthoughthewasabouttodie。
"Why，Vaninka，"saidthegeneral——"whyareyousocooltoafriendwhohascausedussomuchanxietyandyetsomuchpleasure？Come，Fordor，kissmydaughter。"
Foedorroseentreatingly，butwaitedmotionless，thatanotherpermissionmightconfirmthatofthegeneral。
"Didyounothearmyfather？"saidVaninka，smiling，butneverthelesspossessingsufficientself-controltopreventtheemotionshewasfeelingfromappearinginhervoice。
FoedorstoopedtokissVaninka，andasheheldherhandsitseemedtohimthatshelightlypressedhisownwithanervous，involuntarymovement。Afeeblecryofjoynearlyescapedhim，when，suddenlylookingatVaninka，hewasastonishedatherpallor：herlipswereaswhiteasdeath。
ThegeneralmadeFoedorsitdownatthetable：Vaninkatookherplaceagain，andasbychanceshewasseatedwithherbacktothelight，thegeneralnoticednothing。
BreakfastpassedinrelatingandlisteningtoanaccountofthisstrangecampaignwhichbeganundertheburningsunofItalyandendedintheglaciersofSwitzerland。AstherearenojournalsinSt。
Petersburgwhichpublishanythingotherthanthatwhichispermittedbytheemperor，Souvarow’ssuccesseswerespreadabroad，buthisreverseswereignored。Foedordescribedtheformerwithmodestyandthelatterwithfrankness。
Onecanimagine，theimmenseinterestthegeneraltookinFoedor’sstory。Histwocaptain’sepauletsandthedecorationsonhisbreastprovedthattheyoungmanhadmodestlysuppressedhisownpartinthestoryhehadtold。Butthegeneral，toocourageoustofearthathemightshareinSouvarow’sdisgrace，hadalreadyvisitedthedyingfield-marshal，andhadheardfromhimanaccountofhisyoungprotege’sbravery。Therefore，whenFoedorhadfinishedhisstory，itwasthegeneral’sturntoenumerateallthefinethingsFoedorhaddoneinacampaignoflessthanayear。Havingfinishedthisenumeration，headdedthatheintendednextdaytoasktheemperor’spermissiontotaketheyoungcaptainforhisaide-de-camp。Foedorhearingthiswishedtothrowhimselfatthegeneral’sfeet，buthereceivedhimagaininhisarms，andtoshowFoedorhowcertainhewasthathewouldbesuccessfulinhisrequest，hefixedtheroomsthattheyoungmanwastooccupyinthehouseatonce。
ThenextdaythegeneralreturnedfromthepalaceofSt。Michelwiththepleasantnewsthathisrequesthadbeengranted。
Foedorwasoverwhelmedwithjoy：fromthistimehewastoformpartofthegeneral’sfamily。LivingunderthesameroofasVaninka，seeingherconstantly，meetingherfrequentlyintherooms，seeingherpasslikeanapparitionattheendofacorridor，findinghimselftwiceadayatthesametablewithher，allthiswasmorethanFoedorhadeverdaredhope，andhethoughtforatimethathehadattainedcompletehappiness。
Forherpart，Vaninka，althoughshewassoproud，atthebottomofherhearttookakeeninterestinFoedor。Hehadleftherwiththecertaintythathelovedher，andduringhisabsenceherwoman’spridehadbeengratifiedbythegloryhehadacquired，inthehopeofbridgingthedistancewhichseparatedthem。Sothat，whenshesawhimreturnwiththisdistancebetweenthemlessened，shefeltbythebeatingofherheartthatgratifiedpridewaschangingintoamoretendersentiment，andthatforherpartshelovedFoedorasmuchasitwaspossibleforhertoloveanyone。
Shehadneverthelessconcealedthesefeelingsunderanappearanceofhaughtyindifference，forVaninkawasmadeso：sheintendedtoletFoedorknowsomedaythatshelovedhim，butuntilthetimecamewhenitpleasedhertorevealit，shedidnotwishtheyoungmantodiscoverherlove。Thingswentoninthiswayforseveralmonths，andthecircumstanceswhichhadatfirstappearedtoFoedorastheheightofhappinesssoonbecameawfultorture。
Toloveandtofeelhishearteveronthepointofavowingitslove，tobefrommorningtillnightinthecompanyofthebelovedone，tomeetherhandatthetable，totouchherdressinanarrowcorridor，tofeelherleaningonhisarmwhentheyenteredasalonorleftaballroom，alwaystohaveceaselesslytocontroleveryword，look，ormovementwhichmightbetrayhisfeelings，nohumanpowercouldenduresuchastruggle。
VaninkasawthatFoedorcouldnotkeephissecretmuchlonger，anddeterminedtoanticipatetheavowalwhichshesaweverymomentonthepointofescapinghisheart。
Onedaywhentheywerealone，andshesawthehopelesseffortstheyoungmanwasmakingtohidehisfeelingsfromher，shewentstraightuptohim，and，lookingathimfixedly，said：
"Youloveme！"
"Forgiveme，forgiveme，"criedtheyoungman，claspinghishands。
"Whyshouldyouaskmetoforgiveyou，Foedor？Isnotyourlovegenuine？"
"Yes，yes，genuinebuthopeless。"
"Whyhopeless？Doesnotmyfatherloveyouasason？"saidVaninka。
"Oh，whatdoyoumean？"criedFoedor。"Doyoumeanthatifyourfatherwillbestowyourhanduponme，thatyouwillthenconsent——？"
"Areyounotbothnobleinheartandbybirth，Foedor？Youarenotwealthy，itistrue，butthenIamrichenoughforboth。"
"ThenIamnotindifferenttoyou？"
"IatleastpreferyoutoanyoneelseIhavemet。"
"Vaninka！"Theyounggirldrewherselfawayproudly。
"Forgiveme！"saidFoedor。"WhatamIdoing？Youhavebuttoorder：
Ihavenowishapartfromyou。IdreadlestIshalloffendyou。
Tellmewhattodo，andIwillobey。"
"Thefirstthingyoumustdo，Foedor，istoaskmyfather’sconsent。"
"Soyouwillallowmetotakethisstep？"
"Yes，butononecondition。"
"Whatisit？Tellme。"
"Myfather，whateverhisanswer，mustneverknowthatIhaveconsentedtoyourmakingthisapplicationtohim；noonemustknowthatyouarefollowingmyinstructions；theworldmustremainignorantoftheconfessionIhavejustmadetoyou；and，lastly，youmustnotaskme，whateverhappens，tohelpyouinanyotherwaythanwithmygoodwishes。"
"Whateveryouplease。Iwilldoeverythingyouwishmetodo。DoyounotgrantmeathousandtimesmorethanIdaredhope，andifyourfatherrefusesme，doInotknowmyselfthatyouaresharingmygrief？"criedFoedor。
"Yes；butthatwillnothappen，Ihope，"saidVaninka，holdingoutherhandtotheyoungofficer，whokisseditpassionately。
"Nowbehopefulandtakecourage；"andVaninkaretired，leavingtheyoungmanahundredtimesmoreagitatedandmovedthanshewasherself，womanthoughshewas。
ThesamedayFoedoraskedforaninterviewwiththegeneral。Thegeneralreceivedhisaide-de-campasusualwithagenialandsmilingcountenance，butwiththefirstwordsFoedorutteredhisfacedarkened。However，whenheheardtheyoungman’sdescriptionofthelove，sotrue，constant，andpassionate，thathefeltforVaninka，andwhenheheardthatthispassionhadbeenthemotivepowerofthosegloriousdeedshehadpraisedsooften，heheldouthishandtoFoedor，almostasmovedastheyoungsoldier。
Andthenthegeneraltoldhim，thatwhilehehadbeenaway，andignorantofhisloveforVaninka，inwhomhehadobservednotraceofitsbeingreciprocated，hehad，attheemperor’sdesire，promisedherhandtothesonofaprivycouncillor。Theonlystipulationthatthegeneralhadmadewas，thatheshouldnotbeseparatedfromhisdaughteruntilshehadattainedtheageofeighteen。Vaninkahadonlyfivemonthsmoretospendunderherfather’sroof。Nothingmorecouldbesaid：inRussiatheemperor’swishisanorder，andfromthemomentthatitisexpressed，nosubjectwouldopposeit，eveninthought。However，therefusalhadimprintedsuchdespairontheyoungman’sface，thatthegeneral，touchedbyhissilentandresignedsorrow，heldouthisarmstohim。Foedorflunghimselfintothemwithloudsobs。
Thenthegeneralquestionedhimabouthisdaughter，andFoedoranswered，ashehadpromised，thatVaninkawasignorantofeverything，andthattheproposalcamefromhimalone，withoutherknowledge。Thisassurancecalmedthegeneral：hehadfearedthathewasmakingtwopeoplewretched。
Atdinner-timeVaninkacamedownstairsandfoundherfatheralone。
Foedorhadnotenoughcouragetobepresentatthemealandtomeetheragain，justwhenhehadlostallhope：hehadtakenasleigh，anddrivenouttotheoutskirtsofthecity。
DuringthewholetimedinnerlastedVaninkaandthegeneralhardlyexchangedaword，butalthoughthissilencewassoexpressive，Vaninkacontrolledherfacewithherusualpower，andthegeneralaloneappearedsadanddejected。
Thatevening，justwhenVaninkawasgoingdownstairs，teawasbroughttoherroom，withthemessagethatthegeneralwasfatiguedandhadretired。Vaninkaaskedsomequestionsaboutthenatureofhisindisposition，andfindingthatitwasnotserious，shetoldtheservantwhohadbroughtherthemessagetoaskherfathertosendforherifhewantedanything。Thegeneralsenttosaythathethankedher，butheonlyrequiredquietandrest。Vaninkaannouncedthatshewouldretirealso，andtheservantwithdrew。
HardlyhadhelefttheroomwhenVaninkaorderedAnnouschka，herfoster-sister，whoactedashermaid，tobeonthewatchforFoedor’sreturn，andtoletherknowassoonashecamein。
Ateleveno’clockthegateofthemansionopened：Foedorgotoutofhissleigh，andimmediatelywentuptohisroom。Hethrewhimselfuponasofa，overwhelmedbyhisthoughts。Aboutmidnightheheardsomeonetappingatthedoor：muchastonished，hegotupandopenedit。ItwasAnnouschka，whocamewithamessagefromhermistress，thatVaninkawishedtoseehimimmediately。Althoughhewasastonishedatthismessage，whichhewasfarfromexpecting，Foedorobeyed。
HefoundVaninkaseated，dressedinawhiterobe，andasshewaspalerthanusualhestoppedatthedoor，foritseemedtohimthathewasgazingatamarblestatue。
"Comein，"saidVaninkacalmly。
Foedorapproached，drawnbyhervoicelikesteeltoamagnet。
Annouschkashutthedoorbehindhim。
"Well，andwhatdidmyfathersay？"saidVaninka。
Foedortoldherallthathadhappened。Theyounggirllistenedtohisstorywithanunmovedcountenance，butherlips，theonlypartofherfacewhichseemedtohaveanycolour，becameaswhiteasthedressing-gownshewaswearing。Foedor，onthecontrary，wasconsumedbyafever，andappearednearlyoutofhissenses。
"Now，whatdoyouintendtodo？"saidVaninkainthesamecoldtoneinwhichshehadaskedtheotherquestions。
"YouaskmewhatIintendtodo，Vaninka？Whatdoyouwishmetodo？
WhatcanIdo，butfleefromSt。Petersburg，andseekdeathinthefirstcornerofRussiawherewarmaybreakout，inordernottorepaymypatron’skindnessbysomeinfamousbaseness？"
"Youareafool，"saidVaninka，withamixedsmileoftriumphandcontempt；forfromthatmomentshefelthersuperiorityoverFoedor，andsawthatshewouldrulehimlikeaqueenfortherestofherlife。
"Thenorderme——amInotyourslave？"criedtheyoungsoldier。
"Youmuststayhere，"saidVaninka。
"Stayhere？"
"Yes；onlywomenandchildrenwillthusconfessthemselvesbeatenatthefirstblow：aman，ifhebeworthyofthename，fights。"
"Fight！——againstwhom？——againstyourfather？Never！"
"Whosuggestedthatyoushouldcontendagainstmyfather？Itisagainsteventsthatyoumuststrive；forthegeneralityofmendonotgovernevents，butarecarriedawaybythem。Appeartomyfatherasthoughyouwerefightingagainstyourlove，andhewillthinkthatyouhavemasteredyourself。AsIamsupposedtobeignorantofyourproposal，Ishallnotbesuspected。Iwilldemandtwoyears’morefreedom，andIshallobtainthem。Whoknowswhatmayhappeninthecourseoftwoyears？Theemperormaydie，mybetrothedmaydie，myfather——mayGodprotecthim！——myfatherhimselfmaydie——！"
"Butiftheyforceyoutomarry？"
"Forceme！"interruptedVaninka，andadeepflushrosetohercheekandimmediatelydisappearedagain。"Andwhowillforcemetodoanything？Father？Helovesmetoowell。Theemperor？Hehasenoughworriesinhisownfamily，withoutintroducingthemintoanother’s。Besides，thereisalwaysalastresourcewheneveryotherexpedientfails：theNevaonlyflowsafewpacesfromhere，anditswatersaredeep。"
Foedorutteredacry，forintheyounggirl’sknitbrowsandtightlycompressedlipstherewassomuchresolutionthatheunderstoodthattheymightbreakthischildbutthattheywouldnotbendher。ButFoedor’sheartwastoomuchinharmonywiththeplanVaninkahadproposed；hisobjectionsonceremoved，hedidnotseekfreshones。
Besides，hadhehadthecouragetodoso；Vaninka’spromisetomakeupinsecrettohimforthedissimulationshewasobligedtopractiseinpublicwouldhaveconqueredhislastscruples。
Vaninka，whosedeterminedcharacterhadbeenaccentuatedbyhereducation，hadanunboundedinfluenceoverallwhocameincontactwithher；eventhegeneral，withoutknowingwhy，obeyedher。Foedorsubmittedlikeachildtoeverythingshewished，andtheyounggirl’slovewasincreasedbythewishessheopposedandbyafeelingofgratifiedpride。
Itwassomedaysafterthisnocturnaldecisionthattheknoutinghadtakenplaceatwhichourreadershaveassisted。Itwasforsomeslightfault，andGregoryhadbeenthevictim；Vaninkahavingcomplainedtoherfatherabouthim。Foedor，whoasaide-de-camphadbeenobligedtopresideoverGregory’spunishment，hadpaidnomoreattentiontothethreatstheserfhadutteredonretiring。
Ivan，thecoachman，whoafterhavingbeenexecutionerhadbecomesurgeon，hadappliedcompressesofsaltandwatertohealupthescarredshouldersofhisvictim。Gregoryhadremainedthreedaysintheinfirmary，andduringthistimehehadturnedoverinhismindeverypossiblemeansofvengeance。Thenattheendofthreedays，beinghealed，hehadreturnedtohisduty，andsooneveryoneexcepthehadforgottenthepunishment。IfGregoryhadbeenarealRussian，hewouldsoonhaveforgottenitall；forthispunishmentistoofamiliartotheroughMuscoviteforhimtorememberitlongandwithrancour。Gregory，aswehavesaid，hadGreekbloodinhisveins；hedissembledandremembered。AlthoughGregorywasaserf，hisdutieshadlittlebylittlebroughthimintogreaterfamiliaritywiththegeneralthananyoftheotherservants。Besides，ineverycountryintheworldbarbershavegreatlicencewiththosetheyshave；thisisperhapsduetothefactthatamanisinstinctivelymoregracioustoanotherwhofortenminuteseverydayholdshislifeinhishands。
Gregoryrejoicedintheimmunityofhisprofession，anditnearlyalwayshappenedthatthebarber’sdailyoperationonthegeneral’schinpassedinconversation，ofwhichheborethechiefpart。
Onedaythegeneralhadtoattendareview：hesentforGregorybeforedaybreak，andasthebarberwaspassingtherazorasgentlyaspossibleoverhismaster’scheek，theconversationfell，ormorelikelywasled，onFoedor。Thebarberpraisedhimhighly，andthisnaturallycausedhismastertoaskhim，rememberingthecorrectiontheyoungaide-decamphadsuperintended，ifhecouldnotfindsomefaultinthismodelofperfectionthatmightcounterbalancesomanygoodqualities。GregoryrepliedthatwiththeexceptionofpridehethoughtFoedorirreproachable。
"Pride？"askedtheastonishedgeneral。"ThatisafailingfromwhichIshouldhavethoughthimmostfree。"
"PerhapsIshouldhavesaidambition，"repliedGregory。
"Ambition！"saidthegeneral。"Itdoesnotseemtomethathehasgivenmuchproofofambitioninenteringmyservice；forafterhisachievementsinthelastcampaignhemighteasilyhaveaspiredtothehonourofaplaceintheemperor’shousehold。"
"Ohyes，heisambitious，"saidGregory，smiling。"Oneman’sambitionisforhighposition，another’sanillustriousalliance：theformerwilloweeverythingtohimself，thelatterwillmakeastepping-stoneofhiswife，thentheyraisetheireyeshigherthantheyshould。"
"Whatdoyoumeantosuggest？"saidthegeneral，beginningtoseewhatGregorywasaimingat。
"Imean，yourexcellency，"repliedGregory，"therearemanymenwho，owingtothekindnessshownthembyothers，forgettheirpositionandaspiretoamoreexaltedone；havingalreadybeenplacedsohigh，theirheadsareturned。"
"Gregory，"criedthegeneral，"believeme，youaregettingintoascrape；foryouaremakinganaccusation，andifItakeanynoticeofit，youwillhavetoproveyourwords。"
"BySt。Basilius，general，itisnoscrapewhenyouhavetruthonyourside；forIhavesaidnothingIamnotreadytoprove。"
"Then，"saidthegeneral，"youpersistindeclaringthatFoedorlovesmydaughter？"
"Ah！Ihavenotsaidthat：itisyourexcellency。IhavenotnamedtheladyVaninka，"saidGregory，withtheduplicityofhisnation。
"Butyoumeantit，didyounot？Come，contrarytoyourcustom，replyfrankly。"
"Itistrue，yourexcellency；itiswhatImeant。"
"And，accordingtoyou，mydaughterreciprocatesthepassion，nodoubt？"
"Ifearso，yourexcellency。"
"Andwhatmakesyouthinkthis，say？"
"First，Mr。FoedornevermissesachanceofspeakingtotheladyVaninka。"
"Heisinthesamehousewithher，wouldyouhavehimavoidher？"
"WhentheladyVaninkareturnslate，andwhenperchanceMr。Foedorhasnotaccompaniedyou，whateverthehourMr。Foedoristhere，ready，tohelpheroutofthecarriage。"
"Foedorattendsme，itishisduty，"saidthegeneral，beginningtobelievethattheserf’ssuspicionswerefoundedonslightgrounds。
"Hewaitsforme，"he，continued，"becausewhenIreturn，atanyhourofthedayornight，Imayhaveorderstogivehim。"
"NotadaypasseswithoutMr。FoedorgoingintomyladyVaninka’sroom，althoughsuchafavourisnotusuallygrantedtoayoungmaninahouselikethatofyourexcellency。"
"UsuallyitisIwhosendhimtoher，"saidthegeneral。
"Yes，inthedaytime，"repliedGregory，"butatnight？"
"Atnight！"criedthegeneral，risingtohisfeet，andturningsopalethat，afteramoment，hewasforcedtoleanforsupportonatable。
"Yes，atnight，yourexcellency，"answeredGregoryquietly；"andsince，asyousay，Ihavebeguntomixmyselfupinabadbusiness，I
mustgoonwithit；besides，evenifthereweretoresultfromitanotherpunishmentforme，evenmoreterriblethanthatIhavealreadyendured，Ishouldnotallowsogood，amastertobedeceivedanylonger。"
"Beverycarefulaboutwhatyouaregoingtosay，slave；forIknowthemenofyournation。Takecare，iftheaccusationyouaremakingbywayofrevengeisnotsupportedbyvisible，palpable，andpositiveproofs，youshallbepunishedasaninfamousslanderer。"
"TothatIagree，"saidGregory。
"DoyouaffirmthatyouhaveseenFoedorentermydaughter’schamberatnight？"
"IdonotsaythatIhaveseenhimenterit，yourexcellency。IsaythatIhaveseenhimcomeout。"
"Whenwasthat？"
"Aquarterofanhourago，whenIwasonmywaytoyourexcellency。"
"Youlie！"saidthegeneral，raisinghisfist。
"Thisisnotouragreement，yourexcellency，"saidtheslave，drawingback。"IamonlytobepunishedifIfailtogiveproofs。"
"Butwhatareyourproofs？"
"Ihavetoldyou。"
"Anddoyouexpectmetobelieveyourwordalone？"
"No；butIexpectyoutobelieveyourowneyes。"
"How？"
"ThefirsttimethatMr。FoedorisinmyladyVaninka’sroomaftermidnight，Ishallcometofindyourexcellency，andthenyoucanjudgeforyourselfifIlie；butuptothepresent，yourexcellency，alltheconditionsoftheserviceIwishtorenderyouaretomydisadvantage。"
"Inwhatway？"
"Well，ifIfailtogiveproofs，Iamtobetreatedasaninfamousslanderer；butifIgivethem，whatadvantageshallIgain？"
"Athousandroublesandyourfreedom。"
"Thatisabargain，then，yourexcellency，"repliedGregoryquietly，replacingtherazorsonthegeneral’stoilet-table，"andIhopethatbeforeaweekhaspassedyouwillbemorejusttomethanyouarenow。"
Withthesewordstheslavelefttheroom，leavingthegeneralconvincedbyhisconfidencethatsomedreadfulmisfortunethreatenedhim。
>Fromthistimeonward，asmightbeexpected，thegeneralweighedeverywordandnoticedeverygesturewhichpassedbetweenVaninkaandFoedorinhispresence；buthesawnothingtoconfirmhissuspicionsonthepartoftheaide-de-camporofhisdaughter；onthecontrary，Vaninkaseemedcolderandmorereservedthanever。
Aweekpassedinthisway。Abouttwoo’clockinthemorningoftheninthday，someoneknockedatthegeneral’sdoor。ItwasGregory。
"Ifyourexcellencywillgointoyourdaughter’sroom，"saidGregory，"youwillfindMr。Foedorthere。"
Thegeneralturnedpale，dressedhimselfwithoututteringaword，andfollowedtheslavetothedoorofVaninka’sroom。Havingarrivedthere，withamotionofhishandhedismissedtheinformer，who，insteadofretiringinobediencetothismutecommand，hidhimselfinthecornerofthecorridor。
Whenthegeneralbelievedhimselftobealone，heknockedonce；butallwassilent。Thissilence，however，provednothing；forVaninkamightbeasleep。Heknockedasecondtime，andtheyounggirl，inaperfectlycalmvoice，asked，"Whoisthere？"
"ItisI，"saidthegeneral，inavoicetremblingwithemotion。
"Annouschka！"saidthegirltoherfoster-sister，whosleptintheadjoiningroom，"openthedoortomyfather。Forgiveme，father，"
shecontinued；"butAnnouschkaisdressing，andwillbewithyouinamoment。"
Thegeneralwaitedpatiently，forhecoulddiscovernotraceofemotioninhisdaughter’svoice，andhehopedthatGregoryhadbeenmistaken。
Inafewmomentsthedooropened，andthegeneralwentin，andcastalonglookaroundhim；therewasnooneinthisfirstapartment。
Vaninkawasinbed，palerperhapsthanusual，butquitecalm，withthelovingsmileonherlipswithwhichshealwayswelcomedherfather。
"Towhatfortunatecircumstance，"askedtheyounggirlinhersoftesttones，"doIowethepleasureofseeingyouatsolateanhour？"
"Iwishedtospeaktoyouaboutaveryimportantmatter，"saidthegeneral，"andhoweverlateitwas，Ithoughtyouwouldforgivemefordisturbingyou。"
"Myfatherwillalwaysbewelcomeinhisdaughter’sroom，atwhateverhourofthedayornighthepresentshimselfthere。"
Thegeneralcastanothersearchinglookround，andwasconvincedthatitwasimpossibleforamantobeconcealedinthefirstroom——butthesecondstillremained。
"Iamlistening，"saidVaninka，afteramomentofsilence。
"Yes，butwearenotalone，"repliedthegeneral，"anditisimportantthatnootherearsshouldhearwhatIhavetosaytoyou。"
"Annauschka，asyouknow，ismyfoster-sister，"saidVaninka。
"Thatmakesnodifference，"saidthegeneral，goingcandleinhandintothenextroom，whichwassomewhatsmallerthanhisdaughter’s。
"Annouschka，"saidhe，"watchinthecorridorandseethatnooneoverhearsus。"
Ashespokethesewords，thegeneralthrewthesamescrutinizingglanceallroundtheroom，butwiththeexceptionoftheyounggirltherewasnoonethere。
Annouschkaobeyed，andthegeneralfollowedherout，and，lookingeagerlyroundforthelasttime，re-enteredhisdaughter’sroom，andseatedhimselfonthefootofherbed。Annouschka，atasignfromhermistress，leftheralonewithherfather。ThegeneralheldouthishandtoVaninka，andshetookitwithouthesitation。
"Mychild，"saidthegeneral，"Ihavetospeaktoyouaboutaveryimportantmatter。"
"Whatisit，father？"saidVaninka。
"Youwillsoonbeeighteen，"continuedthegeneral，"andthatistheageatwhichthedaughtersoftheRussiannobilityusuallymarry。"
ThegeneralpausedforamomenttowatchtheeffectofthesewordsuponVaninka，butherhandrestedmotionlessinhis。"Forthelastyearyourhandhasbeenengagedbyme，"continuedthegeneral。
"MayIknowtowhom？"askedVaninkacoldly。
"TothesonoftheCouncillor-in-Ordinary，"repliedthegeneral。
"Whatisyouropinionofhim？"
"Heisaworthyandnobleyoungman，Iamtold，butIcanhaveformednoopinionexceptfromhearsay。HashenotbeeningarrisonatMoscowforthelastthreemonths？"
"Yes，"saidthegeneral，"butinthreemonths’timeheshouldreturn。"
Vaninkaremainedsilent。
"Haveyounothingtosayinreply？"askedthegeneral。
"Nothing，father；butIhaveafavourtoaskofyou。"
"Whatisit？"
"IdonotwishtomarryuntilIamtwentyyearsold。"
"Whynot？"
"Ihavetakenavowtothateffect。"
"Butifcircumstancesdemandedthebreakingofthisvow，andmadethecelebrationofthismarriageimperativelynecessary？"
"Whatcircumstances？"askedVaninka。
"Foedorlovesyou，"saidthegeneral，lookingsteadilyatVaninka。
"Iknowthat，"saidVaninka，withaslittleemotionasifthequestiondidnotconcernher。
"Youknowthat！"criedthegeneral。
"Yes；hehastoldmeso。"
"When？"
"Yesterday。"
"Andyoureplied——？"
"Thathemustleavehereatonce。"
"Andheconsented？"
"Yes，father。"
"Whendoeshego？"
"Hehasgone。"
"Howcanthatbe？"saidthegeneral："heonlyleftmeatteno’clock。"
"Andheleftmeatmidnight，"saidVaninka。
"Ah！"saidthegeneral，drawingadeepbreathofrelief，"youareanoblegirl，Vaninka，andIgrantyouwhatyouask-twoyearsmore。
Butrememberitistheemperorwhohasdecideduponthismarriage。"
"MyfatherwilldomethejusticetobelievethatIamtoosubmissiveadaughtertobearebellioussubject。"
"Excellent，Vaninka，excellent，"saidthegeneral。"So，then，poorFoedorhastoldyouall？"
"Yes，"saidVaninka。
"Youknewthatheaddressedhimselftomefirst？"
"Iknewit。"
"Thenitwasfromhimthatyouheardthatyourhandwasengaged？"
"Itwasfromhim。"
"Andheconsentedtoleaveyou？Heisagoodandnobleyoungman，whoshallalwaysbeundermyprotectionwhereverhegoes。Oh，ifmywordhadnotbeengiven，Ilovehimsomuchthat，supposingyoudidnotdislikehim，Ishouldhavegivenhimyourhand。"
"Andyoucannotrecallyourpromise？"askedVaninka。
"Impossible，"saidthegeneral。
"Well，then，Isubmittomyfather’swill，"saidVaninka。
"Thatisspokenlikemydaughter，"saidthegeneral，embracingher。
"Farewell，Vaninka；Idonotaskifyoulovehim。Youhavebothdoneyourduty，andIhavenothingmoretoexact。"
Withthesewords，heroseandlefttheroom。Annouschkawasinthecorridor；thegeneralsignedtoherthatshemightgoinagain，andwentonhisway。AtthedoorofhisroomhefoundGregorywaitingforhim。
"Well，yourexcellency？"heasked。
"Well，"saidthegeneral，"youarebothrightandwrong。Foedorlovesmydaughter，butmydaughterdoesnotlovehim。Hewentintomydaughter’sroomateleveno’clock，butatmidnightheleftherforever。Nomatter，cometometomorrow，andyoushallhaveyourthousandroublesandyourliberty。"
Gregorywentoff，dumbwithastonishment。
Meanwhile，Annouschkahadre-enteredhermistress’sroom，asshehadbeenordered，andclosedthedoorcarefullybehindher。
Vaninkaimmediatelysprangoutofbedandwenttothedoor，listeningtotheretreatingfootstepsofthegeneral。Whentheyhadceasedtobeheard，sherushedintoAnnouschka’sroom，andbothbegantopullasideabundleoflinen，throwndown，asifbyaccident，intotheembrasureofawindow。Underthelinenwasalargechestwithaspringlock。Annouschkapressedabutton，Vaninkaraisedthelid。
Thetwowomenutteredaloudcry：thechestwasnowacoffin；theyoungofficer，stifledforwantofair，laydeadwithin。
Foralongtimethetwowomenhopeditwasonlyaswoon。Annouschkasprinkledhisfacewithwater；Vaninkaputsaltstohisnose。Allwasinvain。Duringthelongconversationwhichthegeneralhadhadwithhisdaughter，andwhichhadlastedmorethanhalfanhour，Foedor，unabletogetoutofthechest，asthelidwasclosedbyaspring，haddiedforwantofair。Thepositionofthetwogirlsshutupwithacorpsewasfrightful。AnnouschkasawSiberiacloseathand；Vaninka，todoherjustice，thoughtofnothingbutFoedor。
Bothwereindespair。However，asthedespairofthemaidwasmoreselfishthanthatofhermistress，itwasAnnouschkawhofirstthoughtofaplanofescapingfromthesituationinwhichtheywereplaced。
"Mylady，"shecriedsuddenly，"wearesaved。"Vaninkaraisedherheadandlookedatherattendantwithhereyesbathedintears。
"Saved？"saidshe，"saved？Weare，perhaps，butFoedor！"
"Listennow，"saidAnnouschka："yourpositionisterrible，Igrantthat，andyourgriefisgreat；butyourgriefcouldbegreaterandyourpositionmoreterriblestill。Ifthegeneralknewthis。"
"Whatdifferencewoulditmaketome？"saidVaninka。"Ishallweepforhimbeforethewholeworld。"
"Yes，butyouwillbedishonouredbeforethewholeworld！To-morrowyourslaves，andthedayafterallSt。Petersburg，willknowthatamandiedofsuffocationwhileconcealedinyourchamber。Reflect，mylady：yourhonouristhehonourofyourfather，thehonourofyourfamily。"
"Youareright，"saidVaninka，shakingherhead，asiftodispersethegloomythoughtsthatburdenedherbrain，——"youareright，butwhatmustwedo？"
"DoesmyladyknowmybrotherIvan？"
"Yes。"
"Wemusttellhimall。"
"Ofwhatareyouthinking？"criedVaninka。"Toconfideinaman？A
man，doIsay？Aserf！aslave！"
"Thelowerthepositionoftheserfandslave，thesaferwilloursecretbe，sincehewillhaveeverythingtogainbykeepingfaithwithus。"
"Yourbrotherisadrunkard，"saidVaninka，withmingledfearanddisgust。
"Thatistrue，"saidAnnouschka；"butwherewillyoufindaslavewhoisnot？Mybrothergetsdrunklessthanmost，andisthereforemoretobetrustedthantheothers。Besides，inthepositioninwhichwearewemustrisksomething。"
"Youareright，"saidVaninka，recoveringherusualresolution，whichalwaysgrewinthepresenceofdanger。"Goandseekyourbrother。"
"Wecandonothingthismorning，"saidAnnouschka，drawingbackthewindowcurtains。"Look，thedawnisbreaking。"
"Butwhatcanwedowiththebodyofthisunhappyman？"criedVaninka。
"Itmustremainhiddenwhereitisallday，andthisevening，whileyouareattheCourtentertainment，mybrothershallremoveit。"
"True，"murmuredVaninkainastrangetone，"ImustgotoCourtthisevening；tostayawaywouldarousesuspicion。Oh，myGod！myGod！"
"Helpme，mylady，"saidAnnouschka；"Iamnotstrongenoughalone。"
Vaninkaturneddeadlypale，but，spurredonbythedanger，shewentresolutelyuptothebodyofherlover；then，liftingitbytheshoulders，whilehermaidraiseditbythelegs，shelaiditoncemoreinthechest。ThenAnnouschkashutdownthelid，lockedthechest，andputthekeyintoherbreast。Thenboththrewbackthelinenwhichhadhiddenitfromtheeyesofthegeneral。Daydawned，asmightbeexpected，eresleepvisitedtheeyesofVaninka。
Shewentdown，however，atthebreakfasthour；forshedidnotwishtoarousetheslightestsuspicioninherfather’smind。Onlyitmighthavebeenthoughtfromherpallorthatshehadrisenfromthegrave，butthegeneralattributedthistothenocturnaldisturbanceofwhichhehadbeenthecause。
LuckhadservedVaninkawonderfullyinpromptinghertosaythatFoedorhadalreadygone；fornotonlydidthegeneralfeelnosurprisewhenhedidnotappear，buthisveryabsencewasaproofofhisdaughter’sinnocence。Thegeneralgaveapretextforhisaide-
de-camp’sabsencebysayingthathehadsenthimonamission。AsforVaninka，sheremainedoutofherroomtillitwastimetodress。
Aweekbefore，shehadbeenattheCourtentertainmentwithFoedor。
Vaninkamighthaveexcusedherselffromaccompanyingherfatherbyfeigningsomeslightindisposition，buttwoconsiderationsmadeherfeartoactthus：thefirstwasthefearofmakingthegeneralanxious，andperhapsofmakinghimremainathomehimself，whichwouldmaketheremovalofthecorpsemoredifficult；thesecondwasthefearofmeetingIvanandhavingtoblushbeforeaslave。Shepreferred，therefore，tomakeasuperhumanefforttocontrolherself；
and，goingupagainintoherroom，accompaniedbyherfaithfulAnnouschka，shebegantodresswithasmuchcareasifherheartwerefullofjoy。Whenthiscruelbusinesswasfinished，sheorderedAnnouschkatoshutthedoor；forshewishedtoseeFoedoroncemore，andtobidalastfarewelltohimwhohadbeenherlover。Annouschkaobeyed；andVaninka，withflowersinherhairandherbreastcoveredwithjewels，glidedlikeaphantomintoherservant’sroom。
Annouschkaagainopenedthechest，andVaninka，withoutsheddingatear，withoutbreathingasigh，withtheprofoundanddeath-likecalmofdespair，leantdowntowardsFoedorandtookoffaplainringwhichtheyoungmanhadonhisfinger，placeditonherown，betweentwomagnificentrings，thenkissinghimonthebrow，shesaid，"Goodbye，mybetrothed。"
Atthismomentsheheardstepsapproaching。Itwasagroomofthechamberscomingfromthegeneraltoaskifshewereready。
Annouschkaletthelidofthechestfall，andVaninkagoingherselftoopenthedoor，followedthemessenger，whowalkedbeforeher，lightingtheway。
Suchwashertrustinherfoster-sisterthatshelefthertoaccomplishthedarkandterribletaskwithwhichshehadburdenedherself。
Aminutelater，Annouschkasawthecarriagecontainingthegeneralandhisdaughterleavebythemaingateofthehotel。
Shelethalfanhourgoby，andthenwentdowntolookforIvan。ShefoundhimdrinkingwithGregory，withwhomthegeneralhadkepthisword，andwhohadreceivedthesamedayonethousandroublesandhisliberty。Fortunately，therevellerswereonlybeginningtheirrejoicings，andIvaninconsequencewassoberenoughforhissistertoentrusthersecrettohimwithouthesitation。
IvanfollowedAnnouschkaintothechamberofhermistress。TheresheremindedhimofallthatVaninka，haughtybutgenerous，hadallowedhissistertodoforhim。The，fewglassesofbrandyIvanhadalreadyswallowedhadpredisposedhimtogratitude（thedrunkennessoftheRussianisessentiallytender）。IvanprotestedhisdevotionsowarmlythatAnnouschkahesitatednolonger，and，raisingthelidofthechest，showedhimthecorpseofFoedor。AtthisterriblesightIvanremainedaninstantmotionless，buthesoonbegantocalculatehowmuchmoneyandhowmanybenefitsthepossessionofsuchasecretwouldbringhim。Hesworebythemostsolemnoathsnevertobetrayhismistress，andoffered，asAnnouschkahadhoped，todisposeofthebodyoftheunfortunateaide-decamp。
Thethingwaseasilydone。InsteadofreturningtodrinkwithGregoryandhiscomrades，Ivanwenttoprepareasledge，filleditwithstraw，andhidatthebottomanironcrowbar。Hebroughtthistotheoutsidegate，andassuringhimselfhewasnotbeingspiedupon，heraisedthebodyofthedeadmaninhisarms，hiditunderthestraw，andsatdownaboveit。Hehadthegateofthehotelopened，followedNiewskiStreetasfarastheZunamenieChurch，passedthroughtheshopsintheRejestwenskoidistrict，drovethesledgeoutontothefrozenNeva，andhaltedinthemiddleoftheriver，infrontofthedesertedchurchofSte。Madeleine。There，protectedbythesolitudeanddarkness，hiddenbehindtheblackmassofhissledge，hebegantobreaktheice，whichwasfifteeninchesthick，withhispick。Whenhehadmadealargeenoughhole，hesearchedthebodyofFoedor，tookallthemoneyhehadabouthim，andslippedthebodyheadforemostthroughtheopeninghehadmade。Hethenmadehiswaybacktothehotel，whiletheimprisonedcurrentoftheNevaboreawaythecorpsetowardstheGulfofFinland。Anhourafter，anewcrustoficehadformed，andnotevenatraceoftheopeningmadebyIvanremained。