The Possessed

s and legitimate indignation was glowing in her soul, when, as she put on her shawl, she caught fixed upon her the embarrassed and mistrustful eyes o

hatov's), that she was quiet and gentle, and capable of great self-sacrifice; that she was distinguished by a power of devotion, unusual mod

she made up her mind at once to educate Dasha as though she were her own daughter. She at once set aside a sum of money for her, and sent for a governess, Miss Criggs, who lived with them until the girl was sixteen, but she was for some reason suddenly dismissed. Teac

epan Trofimovitch very funnily at home. He heard of this and once peeped in on her unawares. Liza, overcome with confusion, flung herself into his arms and shed tears; Stepan Trofimovitch wept too with delight. But Liza soon after went away, and only Dasha was left. When Dasha began to have other teachers, Stepan Trofimovitch gave up his lessons with her, and by degrees left off noticing her. Things went on like this for a long time. Once when she was seventeen he was struck by her prettiness. It happened at Varvara Petrovna's table. He began to talk to the young girl, was much pleased with her answers, and ended by offering to give her a serious and comprehensive course of lessons on the history of Russian literature. V

en looking out of the window to see whether any of his friends were coming. But nobody would come. It was drizzling. It w

m! And on foot! He was so astounded that he forgot to put on his coat, an

it's nearly twelve o'clock. It's your idea of bliss-disorder! You take pleasure in dirt. What's that torn paper on the floor? Nastasya, Nastasya! What is your Nastasya about? Open the window

astasya whined in a voice

"Shut the door properly. She'll be listening. You must have it repapered. Didn't I send a paperhanger to you with patterns? Why di

an Trofimovitch cried from th

ad flung his coat on over the dressing-jacket.) "Well, certainly

dowry. Stepan Trofimovitch sat trembling, opening his eyes wider and wider. He heard it all, but he could not realise it clearly. He tried to speak, but his voice k

and at my age ... and to such a child." He b

u; she's a modest girl, strong-willed, reasonable; besides, I shall be here too, I shan't die directly. She's fond of home, she's an angel of gentleness. This happy thought came to me in Switzerland. Do you understand if I tell you myself that she is an angel of gentleness!" she screamed with sudden fury.

I'm an

be at peace, and I shall be at peace. You have renown, a name, a loving heart. You receive a pension which I look upon as an obligation. You will save her perhaps, you will save her! In any case you will be doing her an honour. You will form h

rvara Petrovna's adroit insinuations. "I was just pre

ou are. It's j

? Have you s

course, you must ask her yourself, entreat her to do you the honour, you

oing round. There was one terrible idea underlyi

ould never have conceived that you would make up you

girls are given in marriage. You are taking

autre. Mais c'est égal." He g

uously through her teeth. "Good heavens! Why h

came to himself. Varvara Pe

use talking t

je suis i

ght. Don't write letters, I shan't read them. To-morrow I'll come again at this time alone, for a final answer, and I trust

d, and, indeed, he could do nothing