"
Saveliitch clasped his hands with a look of surprise and stupefaction
impossible to describe.
"Marry!" repeated he, "the child wants to marry. But what will your
father say? And your mother, what will she think?"
"They will doubtless consent," replied I, "when they know Marya
Ivanofna. I count on you. My father and mother have full confidence in
you. You will intercede for us, won't you?"
The old fellow was touched.
"Oh! my father, Petr' Andrejitch," said he, "although you do want to
marry too early, still Marya Ivanofna is such a good young lady it would
be a sin to let slip so good a chance. I will do as you wish. I will
take her, this angel of God, and I will tell your parents, with all due
deference, that such a betrothal needs no dowry."
I thanked Saveliitch, and went away to share Zourine's room.
In my emotion I again began to talk. At first Zourine willingly
listened, then his words became fewer and more vague, and at last he
replied to one of my questions by a vigorous snore, and I then followed
his example.
On the morrow, when I told Marya my plans, she saw how reasonable they
were, and agreed to them.
As Zourine's detachment was to leave the town that same day, and it was
no longer possible to hesitate, I parted with Marya after entrusting her
to Saveliitch, and giving him a letter for my parents.
Pages:
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163