Never before did anybody awaken in me so warm and kindred a
feeling as you have done. And you, you look at me in such an
unfriendly way. Do you believe me? Yes? No?"
He looked at her and said with a sigh:
"I don't know. I used to believe you."
"And now?" she asked hastily.
"And now--it is best for me to go! I don't understand anything, and
yet I long to understand. I do not even understand myself. On my
way to you I knew what to say, and here all is confused. You have
put me up on the rack, you have set me on edge. And then you tell
me--'I am as a mother to you'--which means--begone!"
"Understand me, I feel sorry for you!" the woman exclaimed softly.
Foma's irritation against her was growing stronger and stronger,
and as he went on speaking to her, his words became absurd. While
he spoke, he kept on moving his shoulders as though tearing
something that entangled him.
"Sorry? What for? I do not need it. Eh, I cannot speak well! It is
bad to be dumb. But--I would have told you! You did not treat me
properly--indeed, why have you so enticed a man? Am I a plaything
for you?"
"I only wanted to see you by my side," said the woman simply, in a
guilty voice.
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