E-Books Home

"Are you sure of it?" inquired Foma, smiling.
"I? Of course, I am!" said Shchurov, confidently, nodding his head,
and his eyes became somewhat darker. "I will also appear before the
Lord, and that not sinless. I shall bring with me a heavy burden
before His holy countenance. I have been pleasing the devil myself,
only I trust to God for His mercy, while Yashka believes in
nothing, neither in dreams, nor in the singing of birds. Yashka
does not believe in God, this I know! And for his non-belief he
will yet receive his punishment on earth."
"Are you sure of this, too?"
"Yes, I am. And don't you think I also know that you consider it
ludicrous to listen to me. What a sagacious fellow, indeed! But he
who has committed many sins is always wise. Sin is a teacher.
That's why Yashka Mayakin is extraordinarily clever."
Listening to the old man's hoarse and confident voice, Foma
thought:
"He is scenting death, it seems."
The waiter, a small man, with a face which was pale and
characterless, brought in the samovar and quickly hastened out of
the room, with short steps.


Pages:
253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277