|
||||||||
Raskolnikov went into the room and sank exhausted on a chair. I feel weak, Dounia, I am very tired; and I should have liked at this moment to be able to control myself. He glanced at her mistrustfully. Where were you all night? I dont remember clearly. You see, sister, I wanted to make up my mind once for all, and several times I walked by the Neva, I remember that I wanted to end it all there, but I couldnt make up my mind, he whispered, looking at her mistrustfully again. Thank God! That was just what we were afraid of, Sofya Semyonovna and I. Then you still have faith in life? Thank God, thank God! Raskolnikov smiled bitterly. I havent faith, but I have just been weeping in mothers arms; I havent faith, but I have just asked her to pray for me. I dont know how it is, Dounia, I dont understand it. Have you been at mothers? Have you told her? cried Dounia, horror-stricken. Surely you havent done that? No, I didnt tell her in words; but she understood a great deal. She heard you talking in your sleep. I am sure she half understands it already. Perhaps I did wrong in going to see her. I dont know why I did go. I am a contemptible person, Dounia. A contemptible person, but ready to face suffering! You are, arent you? Yes, I am going. At once. Yes, to escape the disgrace I thought of drowning myself, Dounia, but as I looked into the water, I thought that if I had considered myself strong till now Id better not be afraid of disgrace, he said, hurrying on. Its pride, Dounia. Pride, Rodya. There was a gleam of fire in his lustreless eyes; he seemed to be glad to think that he was still proud. You dont think, sister, that I was simply afraid of the water? he asked, looking into her face with a sinister smile. Oh, Rodya, hush! cried Dounia bitterly. Silence lasted for two minutes. He sat with his eyes fixed on the floor; Dounia stood at the other end of the table and looked at him with anguish. Suddenly he got up. Its late, its time to go! I am going at once to give myself up. But I dont know why I am going to give myself up. Big tears fell down her cheeks. You are crying, sister, but can you hold out your hand to me? You doubted it? She threw her arms round him. Arent you half expiating your crime by facing the suffering? she cried, holding him close and kissing him. |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Copyright: All texts on Bibliomania are © Bibliomania.com Ltd, and may not be reproduced in any form without our written permission. See our FAQ for more details. | ||||||||