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And that money. I dont even know really whether there was any money, he added softly, as though reflecting. I took a purse off her neck, made of chamois leather a purse stuffed full of something but I didnt look in it; I suppose I hadnt time. And the thingschains and trinketsI buried under a stone with the purse next morning in a yard off the V Prospect. They are all there now. Sonia strained every nerve to listen. Then why why, you said you did it to rob, but you took nothing? she asked quickly, catching at a straw. I dont know. I havent yet decided whether to take that money or not, he said, musing again; and, seeming to wake up with a start, he gave a brief ironical smile. Ach, what silly stuff I am talking, eh? The thought flashed through Sonias mind, wasnt he mad? But she dismissed it at once. No, it was something else. She could make nothing of it, nothing. Do you know, Sonia, he said suddenly with conviction, let me tell you: if Id simply killed because I was hungry, laying stress on every word and looking enigmatically but sincerely at her, I should be happy now. You must believe that! What would it matter to you, he cried a moment later with a sort of despair, what would it matter to you if I were to confess that I did wrong? What do you gain by such a stupid triumph over me? Ah, Sonia, was it for that Ive come to you to-day? Again Sonia tried to say something, but did not speak. I asked you to go with me yesterday because you are all I have left. Go where? asked Sonia timidly. Not to steal and not to murder, dont be anxious, he smiled bitterly. We are so different. And you know, Sonia, its only now, only this moment that I understand where I asked you to go with me yesterday! Yesterday when I said it I did not know where. I asked you for one thing, I came to you for one thingnot to leave me. You wont leave me, Sonia? She squeezed his hand. And why, why did I tell her? Why did I let her know? he cried a minute later in despair, looking with infinite anguish at her. Here you expect an explanation from me, Sonia; you are sitting and waiting for it, I see that. But what can I tell you? You wont understand and will only suffer misery on my account! Well, you are crying and embracing me again. Why do you do it? Because I couldnt bear my burden and have come to throw it on another: you suffer too, and I shall feel better! And can you love such a mean wretch? But arent you suffering, too? cried Sonia. Again a wave of the same feeling surged into his heart, and again for an instant softened it. Sonia, I have a bad heart, take note of that. It may explain a great deal. I have come because I am bad. There are men who wouldnt have come. But I am a coward and a mean wretch. But never mind! Thats not the point. I must speak now, but I dont know how to begin. He paused and sank into thought. Ach, we are so different, he cried again, we are not alike. And why, why did I come? I shall never forgive myself that. No, no, it was a good thing you came, cried Sonia. Its better I should know, far better! |
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