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Heres the champagne! cried Rakitin. Youre excited, Agrafena Alexandrovna, and not yourself. When youve had a glass of champagne, youll be ready to dance. Eh, they cant even do that properly, he added, looking at the bottle. The old womans poured it out in the kitchen, and the bottles been brought in warm and without a cork. Well, let me have some, anyway. He went up to the table, took a glass, emptied it at one gulp and poured himself out another. One doesnt often stumble upon champagne, he said, licking his lips. Now, Alyosha, take a glass, show what you can do! What shall we drink to? The gates of paradise? Take a glass, Grushenka, you drink to the gates of paradise, too. What gates of paradise? She took a glass, Alyosha took his, tasted it and put it back. No, Id better not, he smiled gently. And you bragged! cried Rakitin. Well, if so, I wont either, chimed in Grushenka, I really dont want any. You can drink the whole bottle alone, Rakitin. If Alyosha has some, I will. What touching sentimentality! said Rakitin tauntingly, and shes sitting on his knee, too! Hes got something to grieve over, but whats the matter with you? He is rebelling against his God and ready to eat sausage How so? His elder died to-day, Father Zossima, the saint. So Father Zossima is dead, cried Grushenka. Good God, I did not know! She crossed herself devoutly. Goodness, what have I been doing, sitting on his knee like this at such a moment! She started up as though in dismay, instantly slipped off his knee and sat down on the sofa. Alyosha bent a long wondering look upon her and a light seemed to dawn in his face. Rakitin, he said suddenly, in a firm and loud voice; dont taunt me with having rebelled against God. I dont want to feel angry with you, so you must be kinder, too. Ive lost a treasure such as you have never had, and you cannot judge me now. You had much better look at herdo you see how she has pity on me? I came here to find a wicked soulI felt drawn to evil because I was base and evil myself, and Ive found a true sister, I have found a treasurea loving heart. She had pity on me just now. Agrafena Alexandrovna, I am speaking of you. Youve raised my soul from the depths. Alyoshas lips were quivering and he caught his breath. She has saved you, it seems, laughed Rakitin spitefully. And she meant to get you in her clutches, do you realise that? Stay, Rakitin. Grushenka jumped up. Hush, both of you. Now Ill tell you all about it. Hush, Alyosha, your words make me ashamed, for I am bad and not goodthats what I am. And you hush, Rakitin, because you are telling lies. I had the low idea of trying to get him in my clutches, but now you are lying, now its all different. And dont let me hear anything more from you, Rakitin. All this Grushenka said with extreme emotion. |
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