‘I don’t know where she is now,’ I replied, ‘except that she was on her way to see you after the shouting started, to discuss the matter openly, in everybody’s presence. I expect somebody stopped her.’

  ‘Of course they stopped her. What mightn’t she have done there! Oh, the proud, reckless thing! Where can she go? Where? Where? And you, you’re a nice one! Why should she have turned you down? What foolishness! You ought to have attracted her. Why didn’t you attract her? Answer me, for God’s sake, don’t just stand there!’

  ‘That’s a fine question to ask! I give up, Uncle!’

  ‘That’s no way out! You must marry her, you must. Why do you think I made you come all the way from Petersburg? You’ve got to make her happy! They won’t let her stay as she is — but as your wife and my niece, nobody would be able to lay a hand on her. But where would she go now? What would become of her? Would she be a governess again? How idiotic — a governess! And how would she survive while she’s looking for a place? Her old father has nine mouths to feed; they’re starving as it is. And if this vile gossip means she’ll have to go, she’ll not accept a penny of my money, nor will her father. Anyway, how can she just pack up and leave? It’s all dreadful! There’s bound to be a scandal — I know it. All her salary’s been paid up in advance to cover the family needs: she’s the one who feeds them. Well, suppose I do recommend her for a governess, and manage to find her an honest, decent family … Damnation! Where do you start looking for these honest, decent people? Of course, don’t misunderstand me, God forbid, they’re there, plenty of them! But, my boy, it’s still a risk: how can you trust people? Besides, poverty breeds suspicion; the poor are never sure they’re not expected to demean themselves in return for the charity they receive! What if she’s insulted? She’s quick to take offence. Then what? … What then? And if on top of it all some rogue were to seduce her? … She’d spit in his face — I know she would — but all the same, the rascal would still have abused her, her good name would still have been tarnished, there’d be suspicion, and then … My head’s splitting off my shoulders! Dear God!’

  ‘Uncle! I do beg your pardon, but I must ask you one question,’ I said solemnly. ‘Don’t be angry with me — your answer may solve many problems: in a way I have the right to insist on an answer, Uncle!’

  ‘What, what? What question?’

  ‘Tell me before God, truthfully and plainly: do you not feel a little in love with Nastasya Yevgrafovna, and wouldn’t you like to marry her yourself? After all, remember that’s precisely why they’re trying to turn her out.’

  Uncle made a convulsive gesture indicating that he had reached the limit of his patience.

  ‘Me — in love? With her? Everybody’s gone stark raving mad — or is it a conspiracy against me? Why do you think I sent for you if it wasn’t to prove that they’ve all gone off their heads? Why am I asking you to propose to her? Me — in love? With her? You’re as crazy as the rest of them!’

  ‘If that’s the case, then you’d better listen to me, Uncle. I can tell you, in all sincerity, that I see absolutely nothing wrong in the idea. On the contrary, you could make her very happy if you love her so much, and — God grant it may be so! May the Good Lord send you love and good counsel!’

  ‘What things you say!’ Uncle exclaimed, visibly shocked. ‘I really am surprised you can talk about all this so coolly … and … anyway, my boy, you always seem to be in such a hurry — I notice this about you. Well, isn’t what you are saying preposterous? Tell me, how could I marry her if I regard her as my daughter pure and simple? It would be downright disgraceful to look upon her in any other way, it would be sinful. Here I am, an old man — and she a sweet little rosebud! Even Foma explained it to me in these very words. My heart is full of paternal concern for her — and you talk of marriage! Out of sheer gratitude, she might be prepared to give in to me — but wouldn’t she despise me later for taking advantage of her! I’d be the ruin of her, and lose her affection. Why, of course, I’d sacrifice my soul for her, my darling girl! I love her just as much as Sashenka, even more, you might as well know. Sashenka is my rightful, lawful daughter; but the other is my daughter by choice of love alone. I rescued her from poverty, I brought her up. My angel Katya, may her soul rest in peace, loved her too, and left her in my care as a daughter. I educated her: she can speak French, and play the piano, and read books, and everything … What a smile she has! Have you noticed, Seryozha? You’d almost think she’s mocking you, and yet nothing of the kind, she’s full of love … So I thought you’d come and make a proposal; and that they would be satisfied I’ve no designs on her, and stop spreading all those nasty rumours. She’d then stay with us here in peace and quiet, and how happy we’d all be together! You’re both my children, as good as orphans, I brought you both up … How I’d love you both, how I’d love you! I’d give my life for you, we’d always be together; always as one! Oh, how happy we could all be! Why is it people are angry, bitter, full of hatred for one another! If only — if only I could explain everything to them! If only I could lay the whole simple truth before them! Oh, my God!’

  ‘This is all very well, Uncle, but she still turned me down.’

  ‘Turned you down, did she? Hm! … You know, I had a feeling she would,’ Uncle said thoughtfully. ‘No, no!’ he exclaimed, ‘I don’t believe it! It’s impossible! Well, in that case, everything’s off! You must have been careless in your approach, you may have offended her in some way, or started overdoing the compliments … Tell me again what happened, Sergey!’

  Again I repeated everything in the minutest detail. When I reached the point where Nastenka had expressed the hope that her departure would save Uncle from marriage to Tatyana Ivanovna, he smiled wryly.

  ‘Save me indeed!’ he said, ‘Save me till tomorrow morning!’

  ‘You don’t mean to tell me, Uncle, that you’re going to marry Tatyana Ivanovna?’ I exclaimed in alarm.

  ‘Well, that’s the price I have to pay for letting Nastenka stay on! Tomorrow I propose; I’ve promised.’

  ‘And your mind’s made up, Uncle?’

  ‘What’s to be done, my boy, what’s to be done! It breaks my heart, but my mind’s made up. Tomorrow I propose; we’ve agreed the wedding will be a quiet one, just the family; it’ll be better just the family. You’ll probably be best man. I’ve already dropped the hint to them, so they won’t try to get rid of you just yet. Couldn’t be helped, my boy! They’ve been saying, “The children will be wealthy!” And, of course, what wouldn’t one do for one’s own children? I’d stand on my head if it were any use; it’s only fair, I suppose. I’ve got to do something for the family, you know. Can’t be a sponger all my life!’

  ‘But, Uncle, she’s mad!’ I cried, beside myself, and my heart tightened in pain.

  ‘What do you mean — mad! She’s not mad at all, she’s had a raw deal from life … What can I do, my boy? I suppose I’d have preferred somebody brainier … but the brainy ones can be a handful too! She has such a kind heart, if only you knew!’

  ‘Good God! He’s already reconciled to the thought!’ I said to myself in desperation.

  ‘What else could I have done? They’re trying to help me, you know, and besides, I could see it was bound to happen sooner or later — I’d never have got out of it: they’d have married me off. So why not have it over and done with and not go on quarrelling. I’ll be frank with you, Seryozha, I’m downright glad in a way. No point in shilly-shallying once your mind’s made up — might as well be done with it and have some peace. When I came here, I really imagined I’d nothing to worry about. Such is my luck! The main thing was that Nastenka was going to stay on. That was my condition … And now she wants to run away! It’s out of the question!’ He stamped his foot. ‘Listen, Sergey,’ he added in a firm tone, ‘wait here, don’t go away! I’ll be back directly.’

  ‘Where are you off to, Uncle?’

  ‘Perhaps I might be able to see her, Sergey. Everything will be cleared up, believe me, everything will be cleared up and … and … and you will marry her — I give you my word of honour!’

  Uncle quickly left the room and turned away from the house into the garden. I watched him through the window.

  12

  Catastrophe

  Iwas alone. My position was intolerable: my suit had been rejected and here was Uncle set on marrying me off by default, it would seem. I was confused and lost in a tangle of thoughts. Mizinchikov and his proposition haunted and obsessed me. Uncle had to be rescued at all costs.

  It even occurred to me to go and look for Mizinchikov and tell him everything. But where could Uncle have gone to? He had said he would look for Nastenka, but why had he gone into the garden? Thoughts of secret meetings flashed through my mind, and my heart was gripped by a most unpleasant feeling. Mizinchikov’s words about a clandestine relationship were still fresh in my memory … After a moment’s thought I indignantly thrust aside all my suspicions. Uncle was above deception: that much was clear. My disquiet was mounting rapidly. I stepped out on the porch and wandered off aimlessly into the garden, following the same path that Uncle had taken. The moon was beginning to rise. I knew the garden well and was in no fear of getting lost. Reaching the ramshackle summer-house which stood isolated on the bank of the old overgrown pond, I suddenly stopped dead: voices were issuing from inside. I can hardly describe the feeling of vexation that suddenly overcame me. I was convinced it was Uncle and Nastenka, but walked on, salving my conscience with the thought that, as I had not changed my pace, I was not trying to steal up on them. Suddenly there was the unmistakable sound of a kiss, then an animated exchange of words, followed immediately by a woman’s piercing scream. The next moment a female form in white rushed out of the summer-house and flashed past me like a swallow. I even had the impression she was shielding her face with her hands to avoid being recognized; in all probability I had been spotted from within. But what amazed me even more was that hard on the heels of the affrighted lady came Obnoskin, the self-same Obnoskin who, according to Mizinchikov, had departed long ago! On seeing me, he became terribly embarrassed; gone was all his former arrogance.

  ‘I beg your pardon, but … I never expected to meet you,’ he said, smiling and stuttering.

  ‘Nor I you,’ I replied with derision. ‘Especially as I heard you had left.’

  ‘No … that is … I just saw Mamma off to a place not far from here. But may I appeal to you as to the most honourable man in the world?’

  ‘What about?’

  ‘There are occasions — and I trust you will agree with me — when an honourable man is obliged to appeal to all that is honourable in another honourable man … I hope you understand me …’

  ‘Don’t build up your hopes — I haven’t the least idea.’

  ‘Did you see the lady who was with me in the summer-house?’

  ‘I did, but I didn’t recognize her.’

  ‘Ah, so you didn’t recognize her! … This lady I shall soon call my wife.’

  ‘Congratulations. But how can I be of service?’

  ‘In just one thing: by keeping it absolutely secret that you saw me with this lady.’

  I wondered who it could have been — surely not …

  ‘Really, I don’t know,’ I replied. ‘I hope you’ll excuse me, but I cannot make any such promises …’

  ‘For the love of God, please,’ Obnoskin implored. ‘Try to understand the position I’m in: it’s a secret! You may get married one day, then I, in my turn …’

  ‘Shh! Someone’s coming!’

  ‘Where?’

  And sure enough, a faint, shadowy figure appeared for a moment not thirty paces from where we were standing.

  ‘It’s … it’s probably Foma Fomich,’ Obnoskin whispered, trembling in every limb. ‘I recognize the way he walks. Oh my God! Someone else is coming from the other direction! Do you hear? … Good-bye! Thank you, and … I do beg you …’ Obnoskin vanished. A few seconds later Uncle appeared before me, it seemed from nowhere.

  ‘Is that you?’ he called out. ‘All is lost, Seryozha! All is lost!’

  I noticed that he too was trembling in every limb.

  ‘What is lost, Uncle?’

  ‘Come!’ he said breathlessly as he grabbed me firmly by the arm and dragged me after him. He said not a word all the way back to the extension, nor would he let me speak. I was expecting something quite out of the ordinary, and was hardly disappointed. When we entered my room he fainted; he was as pale as a corpse. I immediately threw some water over him. ‘Something really terrible must have happened,’ I thought, ‘to make a man like him faint.’

  ‘Uncle, what’s the matter with you?’ I asked at last.

  ‘Everything’s ruined, Seryozha. Foma caught me and Nastenka in the garden just as I was kissing her.’

  ‘Kissing? In the garden!’ I exclaimed, looking at him in astonishment.

  ‘Yes, in the garden, my boy. Don’t know what came over me. I simply had to go out and see her; I wanted to tell her everything and make her see reason — about you, that is. And it turned out she had been waiting for me one whole hour on that broken bench on the far side of the pond … She often goes there when we have something to discuss.’

  ‘Often, Uncle?’

  ‘Yes, my boy! Lately we’ve been meeting there nearly every night. So they must have spied on us — in fact I know they have, and it’s Anna Nilovna’s doing. We had stopped seeing each other for a while — four days we held back; but tonight we just had to meet again. You know yourself how necessary it was — how could I have spoken to her otherwise? I went there hoping to find her, and she’d been waiting a whole hour for me: she had something important to tell me too …’

  ‘My God, how careless of you! You must have known you were being watched!’

  ‘It was an emergency, Seryozha; there was such a lot to be discussed. I never dare so much as look at her during the day. We both look in different directions as though the other didn’t exist. But at night we meet and talk our hearts out …’

  ‘Well, what next, Uncle?’

  ‘I had hardly spoken two words, d’you see, my heart had begun to pound and I was on the point of tears. As soon as I began to try to persuade her to marry you, she said: “You obviously don’t love me — you obviously don’t see what’s going on,” and then she flung her arms round my neck and began to cry and sob! “You’re the only one I love,” she said, “and I shan’t marry anybody else. I’ve been in love with you a long time now, but I shan’t marry you either because I’m off to a nunnery tomorrow …”’

  ‘Well I never! Did she really say that? Then what, Uncle, then what?’

  ‘I looked up and there was Foma! No idea where he came from, he may have been hiding behind a bush waiting for his chance for all I know!’

  ‘The wretch!’

  ‘I was struck dumb. Nastenka began running, while he walked past us without saying a word and shook his finger at me. Do you realize, Sergey, what a to-do there’ll be tomorrow?’

  ‘Yes, I can imagine!’

  ‘Do you understand,’ he cried in despair, jumping to his feet, ‘do you understand they want to ruin her, disgrace her, dishonour her, they want to cast a slur upon her and then turn her out of the house? And now they’ve got an excuse! After all, they did say I was having an improper relationship with her! And the villains did say she had an affair with Vidoplyasov! It’s Anna Nilovna who started it all! What’s going to happen now? What will happen tomorrow? Will Foma really tell everyone?’

  ‘You can be sure of that, Uncle.’

  ‘He wouldn’t dare, he wouldn’t dare …’ Uncle said, biting his lips and clenching his fists. ‘No, I don’t believe it! He won’t tell anybody, he’ll understand … he’s a thorough gentleman! He will spare her!’

  ‘Whether he will or whether he won’t,’ I replied resolutely, ‘in any case it is your duty to propose to Nastasya Yevgrafovna tomorrow.’

  Uncle stared at me.

  ‘Do you understand, Uncle, that if word spreads, her reputation will be ruined? Do you understand that to prevent disaster you must act as soon as possible; that you must look everybody proudly in the eye, announce your engagement, and to hell with all their objections? As for Foma, you must grind him into the dust if he says anything against her!’

  ‘My dear boy!’ Uncle exclaimed, ‘that’s just what I was thinking on my way here!’

  ‘And have you decided?’

  ‘Absolutely! My mind was made up even before I spoke to you!’

  ‘Bravo, Uncle!’ And I embraced him warmly.

  Our conversation continued for a long time. I put before him all the arguments, all the pressing reasons for his marrying Nastenka, which I must say he appreciated even better than I did. I got carried away by my own eloquence. I was overwhelmed with joy for Uncle. I did my best to spur him on, convinced that otherwise he would never dare to stand up for himself. Duty and obligation were sacred to him. Nevertheless, I still had no idea how things would actually turn out. I knew without a shadow of doubt that Uncle would never go back on anything he considered to be his duty; but I was still not convinced he would have the strength to rise against his household. And so I did my best to inspire him and urge him on with all the youthful fervour at my command.

  ‘That’s the whole point, that’s the whole point,’ I said. ‘Everything has been settled and all your doubts resolved! Something you never expected has become clear — although everybody else has been aware of it for some time: Nastasya Yevgrafovna loves you! Surely,’ I cried, ‘you would never let this pure and innocent love bring shame and dishonour upon her?’

  ‘Never! But, my dear boy, is it really true I am going to be so happy?’ exclaimed Uncle, embracing me heartily. ‘How is it she has fallen in love with me? What does she see in me? What? I’m an old man beside her! I’m staggered! My angel, my angel! … Listen, Seryozha, you asked me a while ago if I was in love with her; did you have anything in mind when you asked me that?’