Inthesecondyearthepianowassilentinthelodge，andtheprisoneraskedonlyfortheclassics。Inthefifthyearmusicwasaudibleagain，andtheprisoneraskedforwine。Thosewhowatchedhimthroughthewindowsaidthatallthatyearhespentdoingnothingbuteatinganddrinkingandlyingonhisbed，frequentlyyawningandangrilytalkingtohimself。Hedidnotreadbooks。
Sometimesatnighthewouldsitdowntowrite；hewouldspendhourswriting，andinthemorningtearupallthathehadwritten。Morethanoncehecouldbeheardcrying。
Inthesecondhalfofthesixthyeartheprisonerbeganzealouslystudyinglanguages，philosophy，andhistory。Hethrewhimselfeagerlyintothesestudies——somuchsothatthebankerhadenoughtodotogethimthebooksheordered。Inthecourseoffouryearssomesixhundredvolumeswereprocuredathisrequest。Itwasduringthisperiodthatthebankerreceivedthefollowingletterfromhisprisoner：
"MydearJailer，Iwriteyoutheselinesinsixlanguages。Showthemtopeoplewhoknowthelanguages。Letthemreadthem。IftheyfindnotonemistakeIimploreyoutofireashotinthegarden。Thatshotwillshowmethatmyeffortshavenotbeenthrownaway。Thegeniusesofallagesandofalllandsspeakdifferentlanguages，butthesameflameburnsinthemall。Oh，ifyouonlyknewwhatunearthlyhappinessmysoulfeelsnowfrombeingabletounderstandthem！"Theprisoner’sdesirewasfulfilled。Thebankerorderedtwoshotstobefiredinthegarden。
Thenafterthetenthyear，theprisonersatimmovablyatthetableandreadnothingbuttheGospel。Itseemedstrangetothebankerthatamanwhoinfouryearshadmasteredsixhundredlearnedvolumesshouldwastenearlyayearoveronethinbookeasyofcomprehension。TheologyandhistoriesofreligionfollowedtheGospels。
Inthelasttwoyearsofhisconfinementtheprisonerreadanimmensequantityofbooksquiteindiscriminately。Atonetimehewasbusywiththenaturalsciences，thenhewouldaskforByronorShakespeare。Therewerenotesinwhichhedemandedatthesametimebooksonchemistry，andamanualofmedicine，andanovel，andsometreatiseonphilosophyortheology。Hisreadingsuggestedamanswimmingintheseaamongthewreckageofhisship，andtryingtosavehislifebygreedilyclutchingfirstatonesparandthenatanother。
II
Theoldbankerrememberedallthis，andthought：
"To-morrowattwelveo’clockhewillregainhisfreedom。ByouragreementIoughttopayhimtwomillions。IfIdopayhim，itisalloverwithme：Ishallbeutterlyruined。"
Fifteenyearsbefore，hismillionshadbeenbeyondhisreckoning；
nowhewasafraidtoaskhimselfwhichweregreater，hisdebtsorhisassets。DesperategamblingontheStockExchange，wildspeculationandtheexcitabilitywhichhecouldnotgetovereveninadvancingyears，hadbydegreesledtothedeclineofhisfortuneandtheproud，fearless，self-confidentmillionairehadbecomeabankerofmiddlingrank，tremblingateveryriseandfallinhisinvestments。"Cursedbet！"mutteredtheoldman，clutchinghisheadindespair"Whydidn’tthemandie？Heisonlyfortynow。Hewilltakemylastpennyfromme，hewillmarry，willenjoylife，willgambleontheExchange；whileIshalllookathimwithenvylikeabeggar，andhearfromhimeverydaythesamesentence：’Iamindebtedtoyouforthehappinessofmylife，letmehelpyou！’No，itistoomuch！Theonemeansofbeingsavedfrombankruptcyanddisgraceisthedeathofthatman！"
Itstruckthreeo’clock，thebankerlistened；everyonewasasleepinthehouseandnothingcouldbeheardoutsidebuttherustlingofthechilledtrees。Tryingtomakenonoise，hetookfromafireproofsafethekeyofthedoorwhichhadnotbeenopenedforfifteenyears，putonhisovercoat，andwentoutofthehouse。
Itwasdarkandcoldinthegarden。Rainwasfalling。Adampcuttingwindwasracingaboutthegarden，howlingandgivingthetreesnorest。Thebankerstrainedhiseyes，butcouldseeneithertheearthnorthewhitestatues，northelodge，northetrees。Goingtothespotwherethelodgestood，hetwicecalledthewatchman。Noanswerfollowed。Evidentlythewatchmanhadsoughtshelterfromtheweather，andwasnowasleepsomewhereeitherinthekitchenorinthegreenhouse。
"IfIhadtheplucktocarryoutmyintention，"thoughttheoldman，"Suspicionwouldfallfirstuponthewatchman。"
Hefeltinthedarknessforthestepsandthedoor，andwentintotheentryofthelodge。Thenhegropedhiswayintoalittlepassageandlightedamatch。Therewasnotasoulthere。Therewasabedsteadwithnobeddingonit，andinthecornertherewasadarkcast-ironstove。Thesealsonthedoorleadingtotheprisoner’sroomswereintact。
Whenthematchwentouttheoldman，tremblingwithemotion，peepedthroughthelittlewindow。Acandlewasburningdimlyintheprisoner’sroom。Hewassittingatthetable。Nothingcouldbeseenbuthisback，thehaironhishead，andhishands。Openbookswerelyingonthetable，onthetwoeasy-chairs，andonthecarpetnearthetable。
Fiveminutespassedandtheprisonerdidnotoncestir。Fifteenyears’imprisonmenthadtaughthimtositstill。Thebankertappedatthewindowwithhisfinger，andtheprisonermadenomovementwhateverinresponse。Thenthebankercautiouslybrokethesealsoffthedoorandputthekeyinthekeyhole。Therustylockgaveagratingsoundandthedoorcreaked。Thebankerexpectedtohearatoncefootstepsandacryofastonishment，butthreeminutespassedanditwasasquietaseverintheroom。Hemadeuphismindtogoin。
Atthetableamanunlikeordinarypeoplewassittingmotionless。
Hewasaskeletonwiththeskindrawntightoverhisbones，withlongcurlslikeawoman’sandashaggybeard。Hisfacewasyellowwithanearthytintinit，hischeekswerehollow，hisbacklongandnarrow，andthehandonwhichhisshaggyheadwasproppedwassothinanddelicatethatitwasdreadfultolookatit。Hishairwasalreadystreakedwithsilver，andseeinghisemaciated，aged-lookingface，noonewouldhavebelievedthathewasonlyforty。Hewasasleep……Infrontofhisbowedheadtherelayonthetableasheetofpaperonwhichtherewassomethingwritteninfinehandwriting。
"Poorcreature！"thoughtthebanker，"heisasleepandmostlikelydreamingofthemillions。AndIhaveonlytotakethishalf-deadman，throwhimonthebed，stiflehimalittlewiththepillow，andthemostconscientiousexpertwouldfindnosignofaviolentdeath。Butletusfirstreadwhathehaswrittenhere……"
Thebankertookthepagefromthetableandreadasfollows：
"To-morrowattwelveo’clockIregainmyfreedomandtherighttoassociatewithothermen，butbeforeIleavethisroomandseethesunshine，Ithinkitnecessarytosayafewwordstoyou。
WithaclearconscienceItellyou，asbeforeGod，whobeholdsme，thatIdespisefreedomandlifeandhealth，andallthatinyourbooksiscalledthegoodthingsoftheworld。
"ForfifteenyearsIhavebeenintentlystudyingearthlylife。ItistrueIhavenotseentheearthnormen，butinyourbooksI
havedrunkfragrantwine，Ihavesungsongs，Ihavehuntedstagsandwildboarsintheforests，havelovedwomen……
Beautiesasetherealasclouds，createdbythemagicofyourpoetsandgeniuses，havevisitedmeatnight，andhavewhisperedinmyearswonderfultalesthathavesetmybraininawhirl。InyourbooksIhaveclimbedtothepeaksofElburzandMontBlanc，andfromthereIhaveseenthesunriseandhavewatcheditateveningfloodthesky，theocean，andthemountain-topswithgoldandcrimson。Ihavewatchedfromtherethelightningflashingovermyheadandcleavingthestorm-clouds。Ihaveseengreenforests，fields，rivers，lakes，towns。Ihaveheardthesingingofthesirens，andthestrainsoftheshepherds’
pipes；IhavetouchedthewingsofcomelydevilswhoflewdowntoconversewithmeofGod……InyourbooksIhaveflungmyselfintothebottomlesspit，performedmiracles，slain，burnedtowns，preachednewreligions，conqueredwholekingdoms……
"Yourbookshavegivenmewisdom。Allthattheunrestingthoughtofmanhascreatedintheagesiscompressedintoasmallcompassinmybrain。IknowthatIamwiserthanallofyou。
"AndIdespiseyourbooks，Idespisewisdomandtheblessingsofthisworld。Itisallworthless，fleeting，illusory，anddeceptive，likeamirage。Youmaybeproud，wise，andfine，butdeathwillwipeyouoffthefaceoftheearthasthoughyouwerenomorethanmiceburrowingunderthefloor，andyourposterity，yourhistory，yourimmortalgeniuseswillburnorfreezetogetherwiththeearthlyglobe。
"Youhavelostyourreasonandtakenthewrongpath。Youhavetakenliesfortruth，andhideousnessforbeauty。Youwouldmarvelif，owingtostrangeeventsofsomesorts，frogsandlizardssuddenlygrewonappleandorangetreesinsteadoffruit，orifrosesbegantosmelllikeasweatinghorse；soImarvelatyouwhoexchangeheavenforearth。Idon’twanttounderstandyou。
"ToprovetoyouinactionhowIdespiseallthatyouliveby，I
renouncethetwomillionsofwhichIoncedreamedasofparadiseandwhichnowIdespise。TodeprivemyselfoftherighttothemoneyIshallgooutfromherefivehoursbeforethetimefixed，andsobreakthecompact……"
Whenthebankerhadreadthishelaidthepageonthetable，kissedthestrangemanonthehead，andwentoutofthelodge，weeping。Atnoothertime，evenwhenhehadlostheavilyontheStockExchange，hadhefeltsogreatacontemptforhimself。
Whenhegothomehelayonhisbed，buthistearsandemotionkepthimforhoursfromsleeping。
Nextmorningthewatchmenraninwithpalefaces，andtoldhimtheyhadseenthemanwholivedinthelodgeclimboutofthewindowintothegarden，gotothegate，anddisappear。Thebankerwentatoncewiththeservantstothelodgeandmadesureoftheflightofhisprisoner。Toavoidarousingunnecessarytalk，hetookfromthetablethewritinginwhichthemillionswererenounced，andwhenhegothomelockeditupinthefireproofsafe。
THEHEAD-GARDENER’SSTORY
ASALEofflowerswastakingplaceinCountN。’sgreenhouses。Thepurchaserswerefewinnumber——alandownerwhowasaneighborofmine，ayoungtimber-merchant，andmyself。Whiletheworkmenwerecarryingoutourmagnificentpurchasesandpackingthemintothecarts，wesatattheentryofthegreenhouseandchattedaboutonethingandanother。ItisextremelypleasanttositinagardenonastillAprilmorning，listeningtothebirds，andwatchingtheflowersbroughtoutintotheopenairandbaskinginthesunshine。
Thehead-gardener，MihailKarlovitch，avenerableoldmanwithafullshavenface，wearingafurwaistcoatandnocoat，superintendedthepackingoftheplantshimself，butatthesametimehelistenedtoourconversationinthehopeofhearingsomethingnew。Hewasanintelligent，verygood-heartedman，respectedbyeveryone。HewasforsomereasonlookeduponbyeveryoneasaGerman，thoughhewasinrealityonhisfather’ssideSwedish，onhismother’ssideRussian，andattendedtheOrthodoxchurch。HeknewRussian，Swedish，andGerman。Hehadreadagooddealinthoselanguages，andnothingonecoulddogavehimgreaterpleasurethanlendinghimsomenewbookortalkingtohim，forinstance，aboutIbsen。
Hehadhisweaknesses，buttheywereinnocentones：hecalledhimselftheheadgardener，thoughtherewerenounder-gardeners；
theexpressionofhisfacewasunusuallydignifiedandhaughty；
hecouldnotenduretobecontradicted，andlikedtobelistenedtowithrespectandattention。
"ThatyoungfellowthereIcanrecommendtoyouasanawfulrascal，"saidmyneighbor，pointingtoalaborerwithaswarthy，gipsyface，whodrovebywiththewater-barrel。"Lastweekhewastriedinthetownforburglaryandwasacquitted；theypronouncedhimmentallyderanged，andyetlookathim，heisthepictureofhealth。ScoundrelsareveryoftenacquittednowadaysinRussiaongroundsofabnormalityandaberration，yettheseacquittals，theseunmistakableproofsofanindulgentattitudetocrime，leadtonogood。Theydemoralizethemasses，thesenseofjusticeisbluntedinallastheybecomeaccustomedtoseeingviceunpunished，andyouknowinourageonemayboldlysayinthewordsofShakespearethatinourevilandcorruptagevirtuemustaskforgivenessofvice。"
"That’sverytrue，"themerchantassented。"Owingtothesefrequentacquittals，murderandarsonhavebecomemuchmorecommon。Askthepeasants。"
MihailKarlovitchturnedtowardsusandsaid：
"AsfarasIamconcerned，gentlemen，Iamalwaysdelightedtomeetwiththeseverdictsofnotguilty。Iamnotafraidformoralityandjusticewhentheysay’Notguilty，’butonthecontraryIfeelpleased。Evenwhenmyconsciencetellsmethejuryhavemadeamistakeinacquittingthecriminal，eventhenI
amtriumphant。Judgeforyourselves，gentlemen；ifthejudgesandthejuryhavemorefaithin_man_thaninevidence，materialproofs，andspeechesfortheprosecution，isnotthatfaith_inman_initselfhigherthananyordinaryconsiderations？SuchfaithisonlyattainablebythosefewwhounderstandandfeelChrist。"
"Afinethought，"Isaid。
"Butit’snotanewone。IrememberaverylongtimeagoIheardalegendonthatsubject。Averycharminglegend，"saidthegardener，andhesmiled。"Iwastolditbymygrandmother，myfather’smother，anexcellentoldlady。ShetoldmeitinSwedish，anditdoesnotsoundsofine，soclassical，inRussian。"
ButwebeggedhimtotellitandnottobeputoffbythecoarsenessoftheRussianlanguage。Muchgratified，hedeliberatelylightedhispipe，lookedangrilyatthelaborers，andbegan：
"Theresettledinacertainlittletownasolitary，plain，elderlygentlemancalledThomsonorWilson——butthatdoesnotmatter；thesurnameisnotthepoint。Hefollowedanhonorableprofession：hewasadoctor。Hewasalwaysmoroseandunsociable，andonlyspokewhenrequiredbyhisprofession。Henevervisitedanyone，neverextendedhisacquaintancebeyondasilentbow，andlivedashumblyasahermit。Thefactwas，hewasalearnedman，andinthosedayslearnedmenwerenotlikeotherpeople。Theyspenttheirdaysandnightsincontemplation，inreadingandinhealingdisease，lookeduponeverythingelseastrivial，andhadnotimetowasteaword。Theinhabitantsofthetownunderstoodthis，andtriednottoworryhimwiththeirvisitsandemptychatter。TheywereverygladthatGodhadsentthematlastamanwhocouldhealdiseases，andwereproudthatsucharemarkablemanwaslivingintheirtown。’Heknowseverything，’
theysaidabouthim。
"Butthatwasnotenough。Theyoughttohavealsosaid，’Heloveseveryone。’Inthebreastofthatlearnedmantherebeatawonderfulangelicheart。Thoughthepeopleofthattownwerestrangersandnothisownpeople，yethelovedthemlikechildren，anddidnotsparehimselfforthem。Hewashimselfillwithconsumption，hehadacough，butwhenhewassummonedtothesickheforgothisownillnesshedidnotsparehimselfand，gaspingforbreath，climbedupthehillshoweverhightheymightbe。Hedisregardedthesultryheatandthecold，despisedthirstandhunger。Hewouldacceptnomoneyandstrangetosay，whenoneofhispatientsdied，hewouldfollowthecoffinwiththerelations，weeping。
"Andsoonhebecamesonecessarytothetownthattheinhabitantswonderedhowtheycouldhavegotonbeforewithouttheman。Theirgratitudeknewnobounds。Grown-uppeopleandchildren，goodandbadalike，honestmenandcheats——allinfact，respectedhimandknewhisvalue。Inthelittletownandallthesurroundingneighborhoodtherewasnomanwhowouldallowhimselftodoanythingdisagreeabletohim；indeed，theywouldneverhavedreamedofit。Whenhecameoutofhislodging，heneverfastenedthedoorsorwindows，incompleteconfidencethattherewasnothiefwhocouldbringhimselftodohimwrong。Heoftenhadinthecourseofhismedicaldutiestowalkalongthehighroads，throughtheforestsandmountainshauntedbynumbersofhungryvagrants；buthefeltthathewasinperfectsecurity。
"Onenighthewasreturningfromapatientwhenrobbersfelluponhimintheforest，butwhentheyrecognizedhim，theytookofftheirhatsrespectfullyandofferedhimsomethingtoeat。Whenheansweredthathewasnothungry，theygavehimawarmwrapandaccompaniedhimasfarasthetown，happythatfatehadgiventhemthechanceinsomesmallwaytoshowtheirgratitudetothebenevolentman。Well，tobesure，mygrandmothertoldmethateventhehorsesandthecowsandthedogsknewhimandexpressedtheirjoywhentheymethim。
"Andthismanwhoseemedbyhissanctitytohaveguardedhimselffromeveryevil，towhomevenbrigandsandfrenziedmenwishednothingbutgood，wasonefinemorningfoundmurdered。Coveredwithblood，withhisskullbroken，hewaslyinginaravine，andhispalefaceworeanexpressionofamazement。Yes，nothorrorbutamazementwastheemotionthathadbeenfixeduponhisfacewhenhesawthemurdererbeforehim。Youcanimaginethegriefthatoverwhelmedtheinhabitantsofthetownandthesurroundingdistricts。Allwereindespair，unabletobelievetheireyes，wonderingwhocouldhavekilledtheman。Thejudgeswhoconductedtheinquiryandexaminedthedoctor’sbodysaid：’Herewehaveallthesignsofamurder，butasthereisnotamanintheworldcapableofmurderingourdoctor，obviouslyitwasnotacaseofmurder，andthecombinationofevidenceisduetosimplechance。Wemustsupposethatinthedarknesshefellintotheravineofhimselfandwasmortallyinjured。’
"Thewholetownagreedwiththisopinion。Thedoctorwasburied，andnothingmorewassaidaboutaviolentdeath。Theexistenceofamanwhocouldhavethebasenessandwickednesstokillthedoctorseemedincredible。Thereisalimiteventowickedness，isn’tthere？
"Allatonce，wouldyoubelieveit，chanceledthemtodiscoveringthemurderer。Avagrantwhohadbeenmanytimesconvicted，notoriousforhisviciouslife，wasseensellingfordrinkasnuff-boxandwatchthathadbelongedtothedoctor。Whenhewasquestionedhewasconfused，andansweredwithanobviouslie。Asearchwasmade，andinhisbedwasfoundashirtwithstainsofbloodonthesleeves，andadoctor’slancetsetingold。Whatmoreevidencewaswanted？Theyputthecriminalinprison。Theinhabitantswereindignant，andatthesametimesaid：
"’It’sincredible！Itcan’tbeso！Takecarethatamistakeisnotmade；itdoeshappen，youknow，thatevidencetellsafalsetale。’
"Athistrialthemurdererobstinatelydeniedhisguilt。
Everythingwasagainsthim，andtobeconvincedofhisguiltwasaseasyastobelievethatthisearthisblack；butthejudgesseemtohavegonemad：theyweighedeveryprooftentimes，lookeddistrustfullyatthewitnesses，flushedcrimsonandsippedwater……Thetrialbeganearlyinthemorningandwasonlyfinishedintheevening。
"’Accused！’thechiefjudgesaid，addressingthemurderer，’thecourthasfoundyouguiltyofmurderingDr。So-and-so，andhassentencedyouto……’
"Thechiefjudgemeanttosay’tothedeathpenalty，’buthedroppedfromhishandsthepaperonwhichthesentencewaswritten，wipedthecoldsweatfromhisface，andcriedout：
"’No！MayGodpunishmeifIjudgewrongly，butIswearheisnotguilty。Icannotadmitthethoughtthatthereexistsamanwhowoulddaretomurderourfriendthedoctor！Amancouldnotsinksolow！’
"’Therecannotbesuchaman！’theotherjudgesassented。
"’No，’thecrowdcried。’Lethimgo！’
"Themurdererwassetfreetogowherehechose，andnotonesoulblamedthecourtforanunjustverdict。AndmygrandmotherusedtosaythatforsuchfaithinhumanityGodforgavethesinsofalltheinhabitantsofthattown。HerejoiceswhenpeoplebelievethatmanisHisimageandsemblance，andgrievesif，forgetfulofhumandignity，theyjudgeworseofmenthanofdogs。
Thesentenceofacquittalmaybringharmtotheinhabitantsofthetown，butontheotherhand，thinkofthebeneficialinfluenceuponthemofthatfaithinman——afaithwhichdoesnotremaindead，youknow；itraisesupgenerousfeelingsinus，andalwaysimpelsustoloveandrespecteveryman。Everyman！
Andthatisimportant。"
MihailKarlovitchhadfinished。Myneighborwouldhaveurgedsomeobjection，butthehead-gardenermadeagesturethatsignifiedthathedidnotlikeobjections；thenhewalkedawaytothecarts，and，withanexpressionofdignity，wentonlookingafterthepacking。
THEBEAUTIES
I
IREMEMBER，whenIwasahighschoolboyinthefifthorsixthclass，IwasdrivingwithmygrandfatherfromthevillageofBolshoeKryepkoeintheDonregiontoRostov-on-the-Don。Itwasasultry，languidlydrearydayofAugust。Oureyesweregluedtogether，andourmouthswereparchedfromtheheatandthedryburningwindwhichdrovecloudsofdusttomeetus；onedidnotwanttolookorspeakorthink，andwhenourdrowsydriver，aLittleRussiancalledKarpo，swunghiswhipatthehorsesandlashedmeonmycap，Ididnotprotestorutterasound，butonly，rousingmyselffromhalf-slumber，gazedmildlyanddejectedlyintothedistancetoseewhethertherewasavillagevisiblethroughthedust。WestoppedtofeedthehorsesinabigArmenianvillageatarichArmenian’swhommygrandfatherknew。
NeverinmylifehaveIseenagreatercaricaturethanthatArmenian。Imaginealittleshavenheadwiththickoverhangingeyebrows，abeakofanose，longgraymustaches，andawidemouthwithalongcherry-woodchiboukstickingoutofit。Thislittleheadwasclumsilyattachedtoaleanhunch-backcarcassattiredinafantasticgarb，ashortredjacket，andfullbrightbluetrousers。Thisfigurewalkedstraddlingitslegsandshufflingwithitsslippers，spokewithouttakingthechiboukoutofitsmouth，andbehavedwithtrulyArmeniandignity，notsmiling，butstaringwithwide-openeyesandtryingtotakeaslittlenoticeaspossibleofitsguests。
TherewasneitherwindnordustintheArmenian’srooms，butitwasjustasunpleasant，stifling，anddrearyasinthesteppeandontheroad。Iremember，dustyandexhaustedbytheheat，Isatinthecorneronagreenbox。Theunpaintedwoodenwalls，thefurniture，andthefloorscoloredwithyellowochersmeltofdrywoodbakedbythesun。WhereverIlookedtherewerefliesandfliesandflies……GrandfatherandtheArmenianweretalkingaboutgrazing，aboutmanure，andaboutoats……Iknewthattheywouldbeagoodhourgettingthesamovar；
thatgrandfatherwouldbenotlessthananhourdrinkinghistea，andthenwouldliedowntosleepfortwoorthreehours；thatI
shouldwasteaquarterofthedaywaiting，afterwhichtherewouldbeagaintheheat，thedust，thejoltingcart。Iheardthemutteringofthetwovoices，anditbegantoseemtomethatI
hadbeenseeingtheArmenian，thecupboardwiththecrockery，theflies，thewindowswiththeburningsunbeatingonthem，foragesandages，andshouldonlyceasetoseetheminthefar-offfuture，andIwasseizedwithhatredforthesteppe，thesun，theflies……
ALittleRussianpeasantwomaninakerchiefbroughtinatrayoftea-things，thenthesamovar。TheArmenianwentslowlyoutintothepassageandshouted："Mashya，comeandpourouttea！Whereareyou，Mashya？"
Hurriedfootstepswereheard，andtherecameintotheroomagirlofsixteeninasimplecottondressandawhitekerchief。Asshewashedthecrockeryandpouredoutthetea，shewasstandingwithherbacktome，andallIcouldseewasthatshewasofaslenderfigure，barefooted，andthatherlittlebareheelswerecoveredbylongtrousers。
TheArmenianinvitedmetohavetea。Sittingdowntothetable，I
glancedatthegirl，whowashandingmeaglassoftea，andfeltallatonceasthoughawindwereblowingovermysoulandblowingawayalltheimpressionsofthedaywiththeirdustanddreariness。IsawthebewitchingfeaturesofthemostbeautifulfaceIhaveevermetinreallifeorinmydreams。Beforemestoodabeauty，andIrecognizedthatatthefirstglanceasI
shouldhaverecognizedlightning。
IamreadytoswearthatMasha——or，asherfathercalledher，Mashya——wasarealbeauty，butIdon’tknowhowtoproveit。Itsometimeshappensthatcloudsarehuddledtogetherindisorderonthehorizon，andthesunhidingbehindthemcolorsthemandtheskywithtintsofeverypossibleshade——crimson，orange，gold，lilac，muddypink；onecloudislikeamonk，anotherlikeafish，athirdlikeaTurkinaturban。Theglowofsunsetenvelopingathirdoftheskygleamsonthecrossonthechurch，flashesonthewindowsofthemanorhouse，isreflectedintheriverandthepuddles，quiversonthetrees；far，farawayagainstthebackgroundofthesunset，aflockofwildducksisflyinghomewards……Andtheboyherdingthecows，andthesurveyordrivinginhischaiseoverthedam，andthegentlemanoutforawalk，allgazeatthesunset，andeveryoneofthemthinksitterriblybeautiful，butnooneknowsorcansayinwhatitsbeautylies。
IwasnottheonlyonetothinktheArmeniangirlbeautiful。Mygrandfather，anoldmanofseventy，gruffandindifferenttowomenandthebeautiesofnature，lookedcaressinglyatMashaforafullminute，andasked：
"Isthatyourdaughter，AvertNazaritch？"
"Yes，sheismydaughter，"answeredtheArmenian。
"Afineyounglady，"saidmygrandfatherapprovingly。
AnartistwouldhavecalledtheArmeniangirl’sbeautyclassicalandsevere，itwasjustthatbeauty，thecontemplationofwhich——Godknowswhy！——inspiresinonetheconvictionthatoneisseeingcorrectfeatures；thathair，eyes，nose，mouth，neck，bosom，andeverymovementoftheyoungbodyallgotogetherinonecompleteharmoniousaccordinwhichnaturehasnotblunderedoverthesmallestline。YoufancyforsomereasonthattheideallybeautifulwomanmusthavesuchanoseasMasha’s，straightandslightlyaquiline，justsuchgreatdarkeyes，suchlonglashes，suchalanguidglance；youfancythatherblackcurlyhairandeyebrowsgowiththesoftwhitetintofherbrowandcheeksasthegreenreedsgowiththequietstream。Masha’swhiteneckandheryouthfulbosomwerenotfullydeveloped，butyoufancythesculptorwouldneedagreatcreativegeniustomoldthem。Yougaze，andlittlebylittlethedesirecomesoveryoutosaytoMashasomethingextraordinarilypleasant，sincere，beautiful，asbeautifulassheherselfwas。
AtfirstIfelthurtandabashedthatMashatooknonoticeofme，butwasallthetimelookingdown；itseemedtomeasthoughapeculiaratmosphere，proudandhappy，separatedherfrommeandjealouslyscreenedherfrommyeyes。
"That’sbecauseIamcoveredwithdust，"Ithought，"amsunburnt，andamstillaboy。"
ButlittlebylittleIforgotmyself，andgavemyselfupentirelytotheconsciousnessofbeauty。Ithoughtnomorenowofthedrearysteppe，ofthedust，nolongerheardthebuzzingoftheflies，nolongertastedthetea，andfeltnothingexceptthatabeautifulgirlwasstandingonlytheothersideofthetable。
Ifeltthisbeautyratherstrangely。Itwasnotdesire，norecstacy，norenjoymentthatMashaexcitedinme，butapainfulthoughpleasantsadness。Itwasasadnessvagueandundefinedasadream。ForsomereasonIfeltsorryformyself，formygrandfatherandfortheArmenian，evenforthegirlherself，andIhadafeelingasthoughweallfourhadlostsomethingimportantandessentialtolifewhichweshouldneverfindagain。
Mygrandfather，too，grewmelancholy；hetalkednomoreaboutmanureoraboutoats，butsatsilent，lookingpensivelyatMasha。
AfterteamygrandfatherlaydownforanapwhileIwentoutofthehouseintotheporch。Thehouse，likeallthehousesintheArmenianvillagestoodinthefullsun；therewasnotatree，notanawning，noshade。TheArmenian’sgreatcourtyard，overgrownwithgoosefootandwildmallows，waslivelyandfullofgaietyinspiteofthegreatheat。Threshingwasgoingonbehindoneofthelowhurdleswhichintersectedthebigyardhereandthere。Roundapoststuckintothemiddleofthethreshing-floorranadozenhorsesharnessedsidebyside，sothattheyformedonelongradius。ALittleRussianinalongwaistcoatandfulltrouserswaswalkingbesidethem，crackingawhipandshoutinginatonethatsoundedasthoughhewerejeeringatthehorsesandshowingoffhispoweroverthem。
"A——a——a，youdamnedbrutes！……A——a——a，plaguetakeyou！Areyoufrightened？"
Thehorses，sorrel，white，andpiebald，notunderstandingwhytheyweremadetorunroundinoneplaceandtocrushthewheatstraw，ranunwillinglyasthoughwitheffort，swingingtheirtailswithanoffendedair。Thewindraisedupperfectcloudsofgoldenchafffromundertheirhoofsandcarrieditawayfarbeyondthehurdle。Nearthetallfreshstackspeasantwomenwereswarmingwithrakes，andcartsweremoving，andbeyondthestacksinanotheryardanotherdozensimilarhorseswererunningroundapost，andasimilarLittleRussianwascrackinghiswhipandjeeringatthehorses。
ThestepsonwhichIwassittingwerehot；onthethinrailsandhereandthereonthewindow-framessapwasoozingoutofthewoodfromtheheat；redladybirdswerehuddlingtogetherinthestreaksofshadowunderthestepsandundertheshutters。
Thesunwasbakingmeonmyhead，onmychest，andonmyback，butIdidnotnoticeit，andwasconsciousonlyofthethudofbarefeetontheunevenfloorinthepassageandintheroomsbehindme。Afterclearingawaythetea-things，Masharandownthesteps，flutteringtheairasshepassed，andlikeabirdflewintoalittlegrimyouthouse——Isupposethekitchen——fromwhichcamethesmellofroastmuttonandthesoundofangrytalkinArmenian。Shevanishedintothedarkdoorway，andinherplacethereappearedonthethresholdanoldbent，red-facedArmenianwomanwearinggreentrousers。Theoldwomanwasangryandwasscoldingsomeone。SoonafterwardsMashaappearedinthedoorway，flushedwiththeheatofthekitchenandcarryingabigblackloafonhershoulder；swayinggracefullyundertheweightofthebread，sheranacrosstheyardtothethreshing-floor，dartedoverthehurdle，and，wraptinacloudofgoldenchaff，vanishedbehindthecarts。TheLittleRussianwhowasdrivingthehorsesloweredhiswhip，sankintosilence，andgazedforaminuteinthedirectionofthecarts。ThenwhentheArmeniangirldartedagainbythehorsesandleapedoverthehurdle，hefollowedherwithhiseyes，andshoutedtothehorsesinatoneasthoughheweregreatlydisappointed：
"Plaguetakeyou，uncleandevils！"
AndallthewhileIwasunceasinglyhearingherbarefeet，andseeinghowshewalkedacrosstheyardwithagrave，preoccupiedface。Sherannowdownthesteps，swishingtheairaboutme，nowintothekitchen，nowtothethreshing-floor，nowthroughthegate，andIcouldhardlyturnmyheadquicklyenoughtowatchher。
Andtheoftenersheflutteredbymewithherbeauty，themoreacutebecamemysadness。IfeltsorrybothforherandformyselfandfortheLittleRussian，whomournfullywatchedhereverytimesheranthroughthecloudofchafftothecarts。Whetheritwasenvyofherbeauty，orthatIwasregrettingthatthegirlwasnotmine，andneverwouldbe，orthatIwasastrangertoher；orwhetherIvaguelyfeltthatherrarebeautywasaccidental，unnecessary，and，likeeverythingonearth，ofshortduration；
orwhether，perhaps，mysadnesswasthatpeculiarfeelingwhichisexcitedinmanbythecontemplationofrealbeauty，Godonlyknows。
Thethreehoursofwaitingpassedunnoticed。ItseemedtomethatIhadnothadtimetolookproperlyatMashawhenKarpodroveuptotheriver，bathedthehorse，andbegantoputitintheshafts。Thewethorsesnortedwithpleasureandkickedhishoofsagainsttheshafts。Karposhoutedtoit："Ba——ack！"Mygrandfatherwokeup。Mashaopenedthecreakinggatesforus，wegotintothechaiseanddroveoutoftheyard。Wedroveinsilenceasthoughwewereangrywithoneanother。
When，twoorthreehourslater，RostovandNahitchevanappearedinthedistance，Karpo，whohadbeensilentthewholetime，lookedroundquickly，andsaid：
"Afinewench，thatattheArmenian’s。"
Andhelashedhishorses。
II
Anothertime，afterIhadbecomeastudent，Iwastravelingbyrailtothesouth。ItwasMay。Atoneofthestations，IbelieveitwasbetweenByelgorodandHarkov，Igotoutofthetramtowalkabouttheplatform。
Theshadesofeveningwerealreadylyingonthestationgarden，ontheplatform，andonthefields；thestationscreenedoffthesunset，butonthetopmostcloudsofsmokefromtheengine，whichweretingedwithrosylight，onecouldseethesunhadnotyetquitevanished。
AsIwalkedupanddowntheplatformInoticedthatthegreaternumberofthepassengerswerestandingorwalkingnearasecond-classcompartment，andthattheylookedasthoughsomecelebratedpersonwereinthatcompartment。AmongthecuriouswhomImetnearthiscompartmentIsaw，however，anartilleryofficerwhohadbeenmyfellow-traveler，anintelligent，cordial，andsympatheticfellow——aspeoplemostlyarewhomwemeetonourtravelsbychanceandwithwhomwearenotlongacquainted。
"Whatareyoulookingatthere？"Iasked。
Hemadenoanswer，butonlyindicatedwithhiseyesafemininefigure。Itwasayounggirlofseventeenoreighteen，wearingaRussiandress，withherheadbareandalittleshawlflungcarelesslyononeshoulder；notapassenger，butIsupposeasisterordaughterofthestation-master。Shewasstandingnearthecarriagewindow，talkingtoanelderlywomanwhowasinthetrain。BeforeIhadtimetorealizewhatIwasseeing，IwassuddenlyoverwhelmedbythefeelingIhadonceexperiencedintheArmenianvillage。
Thegirlwasremarkablybeautiful，andthatwasunmistakabletomeandtothosewhowerelookingatherasIwas。
Ifoneistodescribeherappearancefeaturebyfeature，asthepracticeis，theonlyreallylovelythingwasherthickwavyfairhair，whichhungloosewithablackribbontiedroundherhead；
alltheotherfeatureswereeitherirregularorveryordinary。
Eitherfromapeculiarformofcoquettishness，orfromshort-sightedness，hereyeswerescrewedup，hernosehadanundecidedtilt，hermouthwassmall，herprofilewasfeeblyandinsipidlydrawn，hershoulderswerenarrowandundevelopedforherage——andyetthegirlmadetheimpressionofbeingreallybeautiful，andlookingather，IwasabletofeelconvincedthattheRussianfacedoesnotneedstrictregularityinordertobelovely；whatismore，thatifinsteadofherturn-upnosethegirlhadbeengivenadifferentone，correctandplasticallyirreproachableliketheArmeniangirl’s，Ifancyherfacewouldhavelostallitscharmfromthechange。
Standingatthewindowtalking，thegirl，shruggingattheeveningdamp，continuallylookingroundatus，atonemomentputherarmsakimbo，atthenextraisedherhandstoherheadtostraightenherhair，talked，laughed，whileherfaceatonemomentworeanexpressionofwonder，thenextofhorror，andI
don’trememberamomentwhenherfaceandbodywereatrest。Thewholesecretandmagicofherbeautylayjustinthesetiny，infinitelyelegantmovements，inhersmile，intheplayofherface，inherrapidglancesatus，inthecombinationofthesubtlegraceofhermovementswithheryouth，herfreshness，thepurityofhersoulthatsoundedinherlaughandvoice，andwiththeweaknesswelovesomuchinchildren，inbirds，infawns，andinyoungtrees。
Itwasthatbutterfly’sbeautysoinkeepingwithwaltzing，dartingaboutthegarden，laughterandgaiety，andincongruouswithseriousthought，grief，andrepose；anditseemedasthoughagustofwindblowingovertheplatform，orafallofrain，wouldbeenoughtowitherthefragilebodyandscatterthecapriciousbeautylikethepollenofaflower。
"So——o！……"theofficermutteredwithasighwhen，afterthesecondbell，wewentbacktoourcompartment。
Andwhatthat"So——o"meantIwillnotundertaketodecide。
Perhapshewassad，anddidnotwanttogoawayfromthebeautyandthespringeveningintothestuffytrain；orperhapshe，likeme，wasunaccountablysorryforthebeauty，forhimself，andforme，andforallthepassengers，whowerelistlesslyandreluctantlysaunteringbacktotheircompartments。Aswepassedthestationwindow，atwhichapale，red-hairedtelegraphistwithupstandingcurlsandafaded，broad-cheekedfacewassittingbesidehisapparatus，theofficerheavedasighandsaid：
"Ibetthattelegraphistisinlovewiththatprettygirl。Toliveoutinthewildsunderoneroofwiththatetherealcreatureandnotfallinloveisbeyondthepowerofman。Andwhatacalamity，myfriend！whatanironicalfate，tobestooping，unkempt，gray，adecentfellowandnotafool，andtobeinlovewiththatpretty，stupidlittlegirlwhowouldnevertakeascrapofnoticeofyou！Orworsestill：imaginethattelegraphistisinlove，andatthesametimemarried，andthathiswifeisasstooping，asunkempt，andasdecentapersonashimself。"
Ontheplatformbetweenourcarriageandthenexttheguardwasstandingwithhiselbowsontherailing，lookinginthedirectionofthebeautifulgirl，andhisbattered，wrinkled，unpleasantlybeefyface，exhaustedbysleeplessnightsandthejoltingofthetrain，worealookoftendernessandofthedeepestsadness，asthoughinthatgirlhesawhappiness，hisownyouth，soberness，purity，wife，children；asthoughhewererepentingandfeelinginhiswholebeingthatthatgirlwasnothis，andthatforhim，withhisprematureoldage，hisuncouthness，andhisbeefyface，theordinaryhappinessofamanandapassengerwasasfarawayasheaven……
Thethirdbellrang，thewhistlessounded，andthetrainslowlymovedoff。Firsttheguard，thestation-master，thenthegarden，thebeautifulgirlwithherexquisitelyslysmile，passedbeforeourwindows……
Puttingmyheadoutandlookingback，Isawhow，lookingafterthetrain，shewalkedalongtheplatformbythewindowwherethetelegraphclerkwassitting，smoothedherhair，andranintothegarden。Thestationnolongerscreenedoffthesunset，theplainlayopenbeforeus，butthesunhadalreadysetandthesmokelayinblackcloudsoverthegreen，velvetyyoungcorn。Itwasmelancholyinthespringair，andinthedarkeningsky，andintherailwaycarriage。
Thefamiliarfigureoftheguardcameintothecarriage，andhebeganlightingthecandles。
THESHOEMAKERANDTHEDEVIL
ITwasChristmasEve。Maryahadlongbeensnoringonthestove；
alltheparaffininthelittlelamphadburntout，butFyodorNilovstillsatatwork。Hewouldlongagohaveflungasidehisworkandgoneoutintothestreet，butacustomerfromKolokolnyLane，whohadafortnightbeforeorderedsomeboots，hadbeeninthepreviousday，hadabusedhimroundly，andhadorderedhimtofinishthebootsatoncebeforethemorningservice。
"It’saconvict’slife！"Fyodorgrumbledasheworked。"Somepeoplehavebeenasleeplongago，othersareenjoyingthemselves，whileyousitherelikesomeCainandsewforthedevilknowswhom……"
Tosavehimselffromaccidentallyfallingasleep，hekepttakingabottlefromunderthetableanddrinkingoutofit，andaftereverypullatithetwistedhisheadandsaidaloud：
"Whatisthereason，kindlytellme，thatcustomersenjoythemselveswhileIamforcedtositandworkforthem？BecausetheyhavemoneyandIamabeggar？"
Hehatedallhiscustomers，especiallytheonewholivedinKolokolnyLane。Hewasagentlemanofgloomyappearance，withlonghair，ayellowface，bluespectacles，andahuskyvoice。HehadaGermannamewhichonecouldnotpronounce。Itwasimpossibletotellwhatwashiscallingandwhathedid。When，afortnightbefore，Fyodorhadgonetotakehismeasure，he，thecustomer，wassittingonthefloorpoundingsomethinginamortar。BeforeFyodorhadtimetosaygood-morningthecontentsofthemortarsuddenlyflaredupandburnedwithabrightredflame；therewasastinkofsulphurandburntfeathers，andtheroomwasfilledwithathickpinksmoke，sothatFyodorsneezedfivetimes；andashereturnedhomeafterwards，hethought："AnyonewhofearedGodwouldnothaveanythingtodowiththingslikethat。"
WhentherewasnothingleftinthebottleFyodorputthebootsonthetableandsankintothought。Heleanedhisheavyheadonhisfistandbeganthinkingofhispoverty，ofhishardlifewithnoglimmeroflightinit。Thenhethoughtoftherich，oftheirbighousesandtheircarriages，oftheirhundred-roublenotes……Howniceitwouldbeifthehousesoftheserichmen——thedevilflaythem！——weresmashed，iftheirhorsesdied，iftheirfurcoatsandsablecapsgotshabby！Howsplendiditwouldbeiftherich，littlebylittle，changedintobeggarshavingnothing，andhe，apoorshoemaker，weretobecomerich，andweretolorditoversomeotherpoorshoemakeronChristmasEve。
Dreaminglikethis，Fyodorsuddenlythoughtofhiswork，andopenedhiseyes。
"Here’sago，"hethought，lookingattheboots。"Thejobhasbeenfinishedeversolongago，andIgoonsittinghere。Imusttakethebootstothegentleman。"
Hewrappeduptheworkinaredhandkerchief，putonhisthings，andwentoutintothestreet。Afinehardsnowwasfalling，prickingthefaceasthoughwithneedles。Itwascold，slippery，dark，thegas-lampsburneddimly，andforsomereasontherewasasmellofparaffininthestreet，sothatFyodorcoughedandclearedhisthroat。Richmenweredrivingtoandfroontheroad，andeveryrichmanhadahamandabottleofvodkainhishands。
RichyoungladiespeepedatFyodoroutofthecarriagesandsledges，putouttheirtonguesandshouted，laughing：
"Beggar！Beggar！"
Students，officers，andmerchantswalkedbehindFyodor，jeeringathimandcrying：
"Drunkard！Drunkard！Infidelcobbler！Soulofaboot-leg！
Beggar！"
Allthiswasinsulting，butFyodorheldhistongueandonlyspatindisgust。ButwhenKuzmaLebyodkinfromWarsaw，amaster-bootmaker，methimandsaid："I’vemarriedarichwomanandIhavemenworkingunderme，whileyouareabeggarandhavenothingtoeat，"Fyodorcouldnotrefrainfromrunningafterhim。
HepursuedhimtillhefoundhimselfinKolokolnyLane。Hiscustomerlivedinthefourthhousefromthecornerontheverytopfloor。Toreachhimonehadtogothroughalong，darkcourtyard，andthentoclimbupaveryhighslipperystair-casewhichtotteredunderone’sfeet。WhenFyodorwentintohimhewassittingonthefloorpoundingsomethinginamortar，justashehadbeenthefortnightbefore。
"Yourhonor，Ihavebroughtyourboots，"saidFyodorsullenly。
Thecustomergotupandbegantryingonthebootsinsilence。
Desiringtohelphim，Fyodorwentdownononekneeandpulledoffhisold，boot，butatoncejumpedupandstaggeredtowardsthedoorinhorror。Thecustomerhadnotafoot，butahooflikeahorse’s。
"Aha！"thoughtFyodor；"here’sago！"
Thefirstthingshouldhavebeentocrosshimself，thentoleaveeverythingandrundownstairs；butheimmediatelyreflectedthathewasmeetingadevilforthefirstandprobablythelasttime，andnottotakeadvantageofhisserviceswouldbefoolish。Hecontrolledhimselfanddeterminedtotryhisluck。Claspinghishandsbehindhimtoavoidmakingthesignofthecross，hecoughedrespectfullyandbegan：
"Theysaythatthereisnothingonearthmoreevilandimpurethanthedevil，butIamoftheopinion，yourhonor，thatthedevilishighlyeducated。Hehas——excusemysayingit——hoofsandatailbehind，buthehasmorebrainsthanmanyastudent。"
"Ilikeyouforwhatyousay，"saidthedevil，flattered。"Thankyou，shoemaker！Whatdoyouwant？"
Andwithoutlossoftimetheshoemakerbegancomplainingofhislot。Hebeganbysayingthatfromhischildhooduphehadenviedtherich。Hehadalwaysresenteditthatallpeopledidnotlivealikeinbighousesanddrivewithgoodhorses。Why，heasked，washepoor？HowwasheworsethanKuzmaLebyodkinfromWarsaw，whohadhisownhouse，andwhosewifeworeahat？Hehadthesamesortofnose，thesamehands，feet，head，andback，astherich，andsowhywasheforcedtoworkwhenotherswereenjoyingthemselves？WhywashemarriedtoMaryaandnottoaladysmellingofscent？Hehadoftenseenbeautifulyoungladiesinthehousesofrichcustomers，buttheyeithertooknonoticeofhimwhatever，orelsesometimeslaughedandwhisperedtoeachother："Whatarednosethatshoemakerhas！"ItwastruethatMaryawasagood，kind，hard-workingwoman，butshewasnoteducated；herhandwasheavyandhithard，andifonehadoccasiontospeakofpoliticsoranythingintellectualbeforeher，shewouldputherspokeinandtalkthemostawfulnonsense。
"Whatdoyouwant，then？"hiscustomerinterruptedhim。
"Ibegyou，yourhonorSatanIvanitch，tobegraciouslypleasedtomakemearichman。"
"Certainly。Onlyforthatyoumustgivemeupyoursoul！Beforethecockscrow，goandsignonthispaperherethatyougivemeupyoursoul。"
"Yourhonor，"saidFyodorpolitely，"whenyouorderedapairofbootsfrommeIdidnotaskforthemoneyinadvance。Onehasfirsttocarryouttheorderandthenaskforpayment。"
"Oh，verywell！"thecustomerassented。
Abrightflamesuddenlyflaredupinthemortar，apinkthicksmokecamepuffingout，andtherewasasmellofburntfeathersandsulphur。Whenthesmokehadsubsided，FyodorrubbedhiseyesandsawthathewasnolongerFyodor，nolongerashoemaker，butquiteadifferentman，wearingawaistcoatandawatch-chain，inanewpairoftrousers，andthathewassittinginanarmchairatabigtable。Twofootmenwerehandinghimdishes，bowinglowandsaying：
"Kindlyeat，yourhonor，andmayitdoyougood！"
Whatwealth！Thefootmenhandedhimabigpieceofroastmuttonandadishofcucumbers，andthenbroughtinafrying-panaroastgoose，andalittleafterwardsboiledporkwithhorse-radishcream。Andhowdignified，howgenteelitallwas！Fyodorate，andbeforeeachdishdrankabigglassofexcellentvodka，likesomegeneralorsomecount。Aftertheporkhewashandedsomeboiledgrainmoistenedwithgoosefat，thenanomelettewithbaconfat，thenfriedliver，andhewentoneatingandwasdelighted。Whatmore？Theyserved，too，apiewithonionandsteamedturnipwithkvass。
"Howisitthegentrydon’tburstwithsuchmeals？"hethought。
Inconclusiontheyhandedhimabigpotofhoney。Afterdinnerthedevilappearedinbluespectaclesandaskedwithalowbow：
"Areyousatisfiedwithyourdinner，FyodorPantelyeitch？"
ButFyodorcouldnotansweroneword，hewassostuffedafterhisdinner。Thefeelingofrepletionwasunpleasant，oppressive，andtodistracthisthoughtshelookedatthebootonhisleftfoot。
"ForabootlikethatIusednottotakelessthansevenandahalfroubles。Whatshoemakermadeit？"heasked。
"KuzmaLebyodkin，"answeredthefootman。
"Sendforhim，thefool！"
KuzmaLebyodkinfromWarsawsoonmadehisappearance。Hestoppedinarespectfulattitudeatthedoorandasked：
"Whatareyourorders，yourhonor？"
"Holdyourtongue！"criedFyodor，andstampedhisfoot。"Don’tdaretoargue；rememberyourplaceasacobbler！Blockhead！Youdon’tknowhowtomakeboots！I’llbeatyouruglyphiztoajelly！Whyhaveyoucome？"
"Formoney。"
"Whatmoney？Beoff！ComeonSaturday！Boy，givehimacuff！"
Butheatoncerecalledwhatalifethecustomersusedtoleadhim，too，andhefeltheavyatheart，andtodistracthisattentionhetookafatpocketbookoutofhispocketandbegancountinghismoney。Therewasagreatdealofmoney，butFyodorwantedmorestill。Thedevilinthebluespectaclesbroughthimanothernotebookfatterstill，buthewantedevenmore；andthemorehecountedit，themorediscontentedhebecame。
Intheeveningtheevilonebroughthimafull-bosomedladyinareddress，andsaidthatthiswashisnewwife。Hespentthewholeeveningkissingherandeatinggingerbreads，andatnighthewenttobedonasoft，downyfeather-bed，turnedfromsidetoside，andcouldnotgotosleep。Hefeltuncanny。
"Wehaveagreatdealofmoney，"hesaidtohiswife；"wemustlookoutorthieveswillbebreakingin。Youhadbettergoandlookwithacandle。"
Hedidnotsleepallnight，andkeptgettinguptoseeifhisboxwasallright。Inthemorninghehadtogotochurchtomatins。
Inchurchthesamehonorisdonetorichandpooralike。WhenFyodorwaspoorheusedtoprayinchurchlikethis："God，forgiveme，asinner！"Hesaidthesamethingnowthoughhehadbecomerich。Whatdifferencewasthere？AndafterdeathFyodorrichwouldnotbeburiedingold，notindiamonds，butinthesameblackearthasthepoorestbeggar。Fyodorwouldburninthesamefireascobblers。Fyodorresentedallthis，and，too，hefeltweigheddownalloverbyhisdinner，andinsteadofprayerhehadallsortsofthoughtsinhisheadabouthisboxofmoney，aboutthieves，abouthisbartered，ruinedsoul。
Hecameoutofchurchinabadtemper。Todriveawayhisunpleasantthoughtsashehadoftendonebefore，hestruckupasongatthetopofhisvoice。Butassoonashebeganapolicemanranupandsaid，withhisfingerstothepeakofhiscap：
"Yourhonor，gentlefolkmustnotsinginthestreet！Youarenotashoemaker！"
Fyodorleanedhisbackagainstafenceandfelltothinking：whatcouldhedotoamusehimself？
"Yourhonor，"aportershoutedtohim，"don’tleanagainstthefence，youwillspoilyourfurcoat！"
Fyodorwentintoashopandboughthimselftheverybestconcertina，thenwentoutintothestreetplayingit。Everybodypointedathimandlaughed。
"Andagentleman，too，"thecabmenjeeredathim；"likesomecobbler……"
"Isittheproperthingforgentlefolktobedisorderlyinthestreet？"apolicemansaidtohim。"Youhadbettergointoatavern！"
"Yourhonor，giveusatrifle，forChrist’ssake，"thebeggarswailed，surroundingFyodoronallsides。
Inearlierdayswhenhewasashoemakerthebeggarstooknonoticeofhim，nowtheywouldn’tlethimpass。
Andathomehisnewwife，thelady，waswaitingforhim，dressedinagreenblouseandaredskirt。Hemeanttobeattentivetoher，andhadjustliftedhisarmtogiveheragoodcloutontheback，butshesaidangrily：
"Peasant！Ignorantlout！Youdon’tknowhowtobehavewithladies！Ifyoulovemeyouwillkissmyhand；Idon’tallowyoutobeatme。"
"Thisisablastedexistence！"thoughtFyodor。"Peopledoleadalife！Youmustn’tsing，youmustn’tplaytheconcertina，youmustn’thavealarkwithalady……Pfoo！"
Hehadnosoonersatdowntoteawiththeladywhentheevilspiritinthebluespectaclesappearedandsaid：
"Come，FyodorPantelyeitch，Ihaveperformedmypartofthebargain。Nowsignyourpaperandcomealongwithme！"
AndhedraggedFyodortohell，straighttothefurnace，anddevilsflewupfromalldirectionsandshouted：
"Fool！Blockhead！Ass！"
Therewasafearfulsmellofparaffininhell，enoughtosuffocateone。Andsuddenlyitallvanished。Fyodoropenedhiseyesandsawhistable，theboots，andthetinlamp。Thelamp-glasswasblack，andfromthefaintlightonthewickcamecloudsofstinkingsmokeasfromachimney。Nearthetablestoodthecustomerinthebluespectacles，shoutingangrily：
"Fool！Blockhead！Ass！I’llgiveyoualesson，youscoundrel！Youtooktheorderafortnightagoandthebootsaren’treadyyet！DoyousupposeIwanttocometrapesingroundherehalfadozentimesadayformyboots？Youwretch！youbrute！"
Fyodorshookhisheadandsettoworkontheboots。Thecustomerwentonswearingandthreateninghimforalongtime。Atlastwhenhesubsided，Fyodoraskedsullenly：
"Andwhatisyouroccupation，sir？"
"ImakeBengallightsandfireworks。Iamapyrotechnician。"
Theybeganringingformatins。Fyodorgavethecustomertheboots，tookthemoneyforthem，andwenttochurch。
Carriagesandsledgeswithbearskinrugsweredashingtoandfrointhestreet；merchants，ladies，officerswerewalkingalongthepavementtogetherwiththehumblerfolk……ButFyodordidnotenvythemnorrepineathislot。Itseemedtohimnowthatrichandpoorwereequallybadlyoff。Somewereabletodriveinacarriage，andotherstosingsongsatthetopoftheirvoiceandtoplaytheconcertina，butoneandthesamething，thesamegrave，wasawaitingallalike，andtherewasnothinginlifeforwhichonewouldgivethedevilevenatinyscrapofone’ssoul。