his head and stopped his ears. I closed my eyes in vexation and soon fell asleep.
Upon awaking, I called Savelitch; but instead of him, I saw Maria Ivanovna before me. Her angelic voice spoke to me. I cannot express the delightful sensation which overcame me at that moment. I seized her hand, and pressed my lips to it, bathing it in my tears. Masha did not withdraw it. . . . And suddenly her lips touched my cheek, and I felt their pure and warm impress. I was all on fire.
"My dear sweet Maria Ivanovna," said I; "be my wife; consent to my happiness."
She recollected herself.
"For God's sake, be calm," she said, drawing her hand away. "You are still in danger; the wound might open afresh. Do take care of yourself, were it but for my sake."
With these words she went away, leaving me enraptured. So much happiness resuscitated me. She will be mine! She loves me! This conviction filled my whole being.
From that time I mended hourly. I was attended by the regimental barber, for there was no medical man in the fortress, and thank God, he had no pretentious to too much wisdom. Youth and nature hastened my recovery. All the commandant's family nursed me. Maria Ivanovna never quitted me. As a matter of course, I resumed my unfinished declaration at the first opportunity, and Maria Ivanovna listened to me with greater patience. Without any affectation, she confessed her sincere attachment, and
