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Nothing at all, my boy. Damn it all, why no schoolboy of thirteen be lieves in that now. But there So now you are in a temper with your God, you are rebelling against Him; He hasnt given promotion, He hasnt bestowed the order of merit! Eh, you are a set! Alyosha gazed a long while with his eyes half closed at Rakitin, and there was a sudden gleam in his eyes but not of anger with Rakitin. I am not rebelling against my God; I simply dont accept His world. Alyosha suddenly smiled a forced smile. How do you mean, you dont accept the world? Rakitin thought a moment over his answer. What idiocy is this? Alyosha did not answer. Come, enough nonsense, now to business. Have you had anything to eat to-day? I dont remember I think I have. You need keeping up, to judge by your face. It makes one sorry to look at you. You didnt sleep all night either, I hear, you had a meeting in there. And then all this bobbery afterwards. Most likely youve had nothing to eat but a mouthful of holy bread. Ive got some sausage in my pockets; Ive brought it from the town in case of need, only you wont eat sausage. Give me some. I say! You are going it! Why, its a regular mutiny, with barricades! Well, my boy, we must make the most of it. Come to my place I shouldnt mind a drop of vodka myself, I am tired to death. Vodka is going too far for you, I suppose or would you like some? Give me some vodka too. Hullo! You surprise me, brother! Rakitin looked at him in amazement. Well, one way or another, vodka or sausage, that is a jolly fine chance and mustnt be missed. Come along. Alyosha got up in silence and followed Rakitin. If your little brother Ivan could see thiswouldnt he be surprised! By the way, your brother Ivan set off to Moscow this morning, did you know? Yes, answered Alyosha listlessly, and suddenly the image of his brother Dmitri rose before his mind. But only for a minute, and though it reminded him of something that must not be put off for a moment, some duty, some terrible obligation, even that reminder made no impression on him, did not reach his heart and instantly faded out of his mind and was forgotten. But, a long while afterwards, Alyosha remembered this. Your brother Ivan declared once that I was a liberal booby with no talents whatever. Once you, too, could not resist letting me know I was dishonourable. Well! I should like to see what your talents and sense of honour will do for you now. This phrase Rakitin finished to himself in a whisper. Listen! he said aloud, lets go by the path beyond the monastery straight to the town. Hm! I ought to go to Madame Hohlakovs by the way. Only fancy, Ive written to tell her everything that happened, and would you believe it, she answered me instantly in pencil (the lady has a passion for writing notes) that she would never have expected such conduct from a man of such a reverend character as Father Zossima. That was her very word: conduct. She is angry too. Eh, you are a set! Stay! he cried suddenly again. He suddenly stopped and taking Alyosha by the shoulder made him stop too. |
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