How can all the people be happy and equal, since
each one wants to be above the other? Even the beggar has his
pride and always boasts of something or other before other
people. A small child, even he wants to be first among his
playmates. And one man will never yield to another; only fools
believe in it. Each man has his own soul, and his own face; only
those who love not their souls and care not for their faces can
be planed down to the same size. Eh, you! You've read much trash,
and you've devoured it!"
Bitter reproach and biting contempt were expressed on the old
man's face. He noisily pushed his chair away from the table,
jumped up, and folding his hands behind his back, began to dart
about in the room with short steps, shaking his head and saying
something to himself in an angry, hissing whisper. Lubov, pale
with emotion and anger, feeling herself stupid and powerless
before him, listening to his whisper, and her heart palpitated
wildly.
"I am left alone, alone, like Job. 0h Lord! What shall I do? Oh,
alone! Am I not wise? Am I not clever? But life has outwitted me
also.
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