VIRGIN SOIL
like to die, he knew he would soon die.. . .' She did not stir, did not resist; she calmly submitted to his abrupt embrace, calmly, even caressingly, looked down at him. She laid both hands on his head, that was shaking convulsively in the folds of her dress. But her very calmness had a more powerful effect on him than if she had repulsed him. He got up, murmured: 'Forgive me, Marianna, for what has passed to-day and yesterday; tell me again that you are ready to wait till I am worthy of your love, and forgive me.'
'I have given you my word . . . and I can't change.'
'Thank you; good-bye.'
Nezhdanov went out; Marianna locked herself in her room.
135
