"
"As it may please you!" replied Saveliitch. "But I am not a free man,
and I must answer for my lord's goods."
Pugatchef was apparently in a fit of high-mindedness. He turned aside
his head, and went off without another word. Chvabrine and the chiefs
followed him. All the band left the fort in order. The people escorted
it.
I remained alone in the square with Saveliitch. My follower held in his
hand the memorandum, and was contemplating it with an air of deep
regret. Seeing my friendly understanding with Pugatchef, he had thought
to turn it to some account. But his wise hope did not succeed. I was
going to scold him sharply for his misplaced zeal, and I could not help
laughing.
"Laugh, sir, laugh," said Saveliitch; "but when you are obliged to fit
up your household anew, we shall see if you still feel disposed to
laugh."
I ran to the pope's house to see Marya Ivanofna. The pope's wife came to
meet me with a sad piece of news. During the night high fever had set
in, and the poor girl was now delirious. Akoulina Pamphilovna brought me
to her room. I gently approached the bed. I was struck by the frightful
change in her face. The sick girl did not know me. Motionless before
her, it was long ere I understood the words of Father Garasim and his
wife, who apparently were trying to comfort me.
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