- Wow! Proud poet and humble lover! - continued Shvabrin, hour by hour more annoying me, - but listen to friendly advice: if you want to be in time, then I advise you not to act with songs.
- What is it, sir, means? Please explain.
- Eagerly. It means, what if you want, so that Masha Mironova came to you at dusk, then instead of tender rhymes, give her a pair of earrings.
My blood boiled. “Why do you think so about her??"- I asked, with difficulty restraining his indignation.
- And therefore, - he answered with a hellish grin, - that I know from experience her disposition and custom.
- You are lying, merzavec! - I cried out in a rage, - you lie in the most shameless way.
Shvabrin changed his face. “It won't work for you, - he said, shaking my hand. - You will give me satisfaction ".
- Very well; when you want to! - I answered, overjoyed. At that moment I was ready to tear him to pieces.
I immediately went to Ivan Ignatich and found him with a needle in his hands: as instructed by the commandant, he strung mushrooms for drying for the winter. "A, Petr ANDREIĆ! - he said, seeing me, - Welcome! How did God bring you? on what case, dare to ask?"I briefly explained to him, that I quarreled with Alexey Ivanovich, And his, Ivan Ignatyich, please be my second. Ivan Ignatyevich listened to me with attention, staring at me with your one eye. "Do you please speak, - he said to me,, - what do you want Alexei Ivanitch to stab, and you wish, so that I was a witness? Is not it? dare to ask ".
- Exactly.
- have mercy, Petr ANDREIĆ! What are you up to?! You and Alexey Ivanych scolded? Great misery! Hard words break no bones. He scolded you, and you scold him; he's in your snout, and you put it in your ear, to another, in the third - and disperse; and we will reconcile you. And then: is it a good thing to stab your neighbor, dare to ask? And good would you stab him: God bless him, with Alexey Ivanych; I myself am not a hunter before him. Well, and if he drills you? What it will be like? Who will be the fools, dare to ask?
The reasoning of the prudent lieutenant did not shake me. I stayed with my intention. "As you please, - said Ivan Ignatyevich;- do, as you know. Why should I be a witness here? Why on earth? People are fighting, what a nonsense, dare to ask? God bless, I went under the Swede and under the Turk: I've seen enough of everything ".
I somehow began to explain to him the position of a second, but Ivan Ignatyich could not understand me in any way. "It is your will, - he said. - If it is me and to interfere in this matter, so is it possible to go to Ivan Kuzmich and inform him on duty, that there is evil intent in the fort, contrary to government interest: would not it be pleasing for the commander to take appropriate measures ... "
I got scared and began to ask Ivan Ignatyich not to tell the commandant; forcefully persuaded him; he gave me his word, and I decided to give up on him.
I spent the evening, according to his custom, at the commandant's. I tried to appear cheerful and indifferent, in order not to give any suspicion and avoid boring questions; but I confess, I didn't have that composure, which are almost always boasted by those, who were in my position. This evening I was inclined to tenderness and tenderness. I liked Marya Ivanovna more than usual. Think, what, may be, see her for the last time, gave her something touching in my eyes. Shvabrin appeared right there. I took him aside and notified him of my conversation with Ivan Ignatich. "Why do we need seconds, - he told me dryly - we can do without them ". We agreed to fight for ricks, what were near the fortress, and appear there the next day at seven o'clock in the morning. We spoke apparently so friendly, that Ivan Ignatyich blurted out for joy. “It would be like that long ago, - he said to me with a satisfied look;- a bad world is better than a good quarrel, and dishonest, so healthy ".
- What, what, Ivan Ignatyich? - said the commandant, who was reading cards in the corner, - I didn't listen.
Ivan Ignatyich, noticing signs of displeasure in me and remembering my promise, embarrassed and did not know, what to answer. Shvabrin arrived in time to help him.
- Ivan Ignatyevich, - he said, - approves of our world.
- Who is it with, my dear, you quarreled?
- We had a fairly big argument with Pyotr Andreevich.
- Why so?
- For sheer trifle: for a song, Vasilisa Egorovna.
- Found something to quarrel about! for a song!.. how did it happen?
- Yes, that's how: Pyotr Andreevich recently composed a song and today sang it in front of me, and I tightened my beloved:
Captain's daughter *,
Don't go for a walk at midnight.
There was a mess. Pyotr Andreevich was and got angry; but then I judged, that everyone is free to sing, what to anyone. And that's the end of it.
Shvabrin's shamelessness almost infuriated me; but nobody, except me, did not understand his rough bluntness; at least, no one paid attention to them. From songs the conversation turned to the poets, and the commandant noticed, that they are all dissolute people and bitter drunkards, and friendly advised me to leave the poem, as a matter of service contrary and leading to nothing good.
Shvabrin's presence was intolerable to me. I soon said goodbye to the commandant and his family; came home, examined my sword, tried the end of it and went to bed, ordering Savelich to wake me up at the seventh hour.
The next day, at the appointed time, I was already behind the stacks, waiting for my opponent. Soon he appeared. “We may be caught, - he said to me,;- we must hurry ". We took off our uniforms, remained in the same camisoles and drew their swords. At that moment, Ivan Ignatyevich suddenly appeared from behind the rush and five people with disabilities. He demanded us to the commandant. We obeyed with vexation; soldiers surrounded us, and we went to the fortress after Ivan Ignatyich, who led us in celebration, striding with astonishing importance.
We entered the commandant's house. Ivan Ignatyich opened the doors, solemnly proclaiming: "Brought!»We were met by Vasilisa Yegorovna. “Ah, my priests! What is it like? as? what? commit murder in our fortress! Ivan Kuzmich, now they are under arrest! Petr ANDREIĆ! Alexei Ivanovich! feed your swords here, serve, serve. Stick, take these swords to the closet. Petr ANDREIĆ! I didn't expect this from you. Aren't you ashamed? Good Alexey Ivanovich: he was discharged from the guards for murder, he doesn’t believe in the Lord either; what about you? you climb there?»
Ivan Kuzmich fully agreed with his wife and sentenced: “Do you hear, Vasilisa Yegorovna tells the truth. Fights are formally prohibited in the military article * ". Meanwhile, Palashka took our swords from us and carried them to the closet. I couldn't help but laugh. Shvabrin retained its importance. “With all due respect to you, - he said to her coolly, - I can't help but notice, that in vain do you deign to worry, subjecting us to your judgment. Leave it to Ivan Kuzmich: it's his business ". «Brothers! my dear! - objected the commandant;- but are not husband and wife one spirit and one flesh?? Ivan Kuzmich! What are you yawning? Now plant them in different corners on bread and water, so that their nonsense goes away; Yes, let Father Gerasim impose an epitomy on them, to pray to God for forgiveness and repent before people ".
Ivan Kuzmich did not know, what to decide on. Marya Ivanovna was extremely pale. Gradually the storm subsided; the commandant calmed down and made us kiss each other. The stick brought us our swords. We left the commandant apparently reconciled. Ivan Ignatyich accompanied us. "Shame on you, - I told him angrily, - report us to the commandant after, how they gave me their word not to do it?"- As a holy god, I didn't tell Ivan Kuzmich, - he answered;- Vasilisa Yegorovna found out everything from me. She ordered everything without the knowledge of the commandant. However, Heavy, that it all ended this way ". With that word he turned home, and Shvabrin and I were left alone. "Our business cannot end with this", - I said to him,. "Of course, - answered Shvabrin;- you will answer me with your blood for your insolence; but behind us, probably, will look after. For a few days we will have to pretend. Bye!"- And we parted., as if nothing had happened.
Returning to the commandant, as usual I sat down with Marya Ivanovna. Ivan Kuzmich was not at home; Vasilisa Yegorovna was busy with the farm. We spoke in low voices. Marya Ivanovna tenderly reprimanded me for my concern, caused by all my quarrel with Shvabrin. “I just died, - she said, - when they told us, that you intend to fight with swords. How strange men are! For one word, which in a week they would surely have forgotten, they are ready to cut and sacrifice not only their lives, but also conscience, and the well-being of those, which ... but I'm sure, that you are not the instigator of the quarrel. Alexey Ivanych is truly to blame ".
- Why do you think so, Marya Ivanovna?
- Yes so ... he is such a mocker! I don't like Alexey Ivanovich. He is very disgusting to me; but strange: I would never want, so that he doesn't like me either. It would bother me with fear.
- And what do you think, Marya Ivanovna? Whether he likes you or not?
Marya Ivanovna stuttered and blushed.
- It seems to me, - she said, - I think, what do you like.
- Why do you think so?
- Because he wooed me.
- Wooed! He wooed you? When?
- In the past year. Two months before your arrival.
- And you didn't go?
- As you wish to see. Alexei Ivanovich, of course, smart man, and a good name, and has a state; but as I think, that it will be necessary to kiss him under the aisle in front of everyone ... No way! no welfare!
Marya Ivanovna's words opened my eyes and explained a lot to me. I understood stubborn slander, which Shvabrin pursued her. probably, he noticed our mutual inclination and tried to distract us from each other. The words, who gave rise to our quarrel, seemed to me even more vile, when, instead of rude and obscene mockery, I saw in them deliberate slander. The desire to punish the insolent evil-tongued has become even stronger in me, and I looked forward to an opportunity.
I didn't wait long. Next day, when I sat at the elegy and gnawed at my pen in anticipation of the rhyme, Shvabrin knocked under my window. I left the pen, took the sword and went out to him. “Why postpone? - Shvabrin told me, - they don't look after us. Let's go down to the river. No one will bother us there ". We set off in silence. Going down a steep path, we stopped by the river and drew our swords. Shvabrin was more skillful than me, but I am stronger and bolder, and Monsieur Bopre, former soldier, gave me some lessons in fencing, which I used. Shvabrin did not expect to find such a dangerous enemy in me. For a long time we could not do each other any harm; finally, noticing, that Shvabrin is weakening, I began to step on him with liveliness and drove him almost into the river itself. Suddenly I heard my name, loudly spoken. I looked back and saw Savelich, running towards me along the mountain path ... At this very time, I was strongly pricked in the chest below the right shoulder; I fell and fainted.
CHAPTER V LOVE
Oh you, wench, red girl!
Don't go, wench, young married;
You ask, wench, father, mother,
Father, mother, clan-tribe;
Accumulate, wench, mind-mind,
Mind-mind, dowry. *
Folk song.
You'd better find me, you will forget,
If you find worse than me, remember. *
Also.
Waking up, for some time I could not come to my senses and did not understand, what happened to me. I was lying on the bed, in an unfamiliar room, and felt great weakness. Savelich stood in front of me with a candle in his hands. Someone carefully developed sling, with which my chest and shoulder were tied. Little by little my thoughts cleared up. I remembered my fight and guessed, that was injured. At that moment the door creaked. "What? What?"- said a voice in a whisper, from which I was in awe. “Everything in one position, Savelich answered with a sigh;- everything without memory, for the fifth day already ". I wanted to turn around, but could not. "Where I am? Who is there?"- I said with an effort. Marya Ivanovna came up to my bed and leaned over to me. "What? How are you feeling?" - she said. "Thank God, - I answered in a weak voice, - It is you, Marya Ivanovna? tell me ... "- I could not continue and fell silent. Savelich gasped. Joy showed on his face. "I came to my senses! came to my senses! - he repeated. "Glory to you.", lord! Well, Father Pyotr Andreyevich! you scared me! is it easy? fifth day!..»
Marya Ivanovna interrupted his speech. “Don't talk to him much, Savelich, - she said. "He's still weak.". She went out and quietly closed the door. My thoughts were agitated. so, I was at the commandant's house, Marya Ivanovna came to me. I wanted to ask Savelich some questions, but the old man shook his head and covered his ears. I closed my eyes in annoyance and soon forgot myself.
waking up, I called Savelich and instead saw Marya Ivanovna; her angelic voice greeted me. Can't express the sweet feeling, who possessed me at this moment. I grabbed her hand and clung to her, shedding tears of affection. Masha did not tear her off ... and suddenly her lips touched my cheek, and I felt their hot and fresh kiss. The fire ran over me. "Pretty, kind Marya Ivanovna, - I said to her,, - Be my wife, agree to my happiness ". - She came to her senses. “For God's sake, calm down, - she said, taking your hand away from me. - You are still in danger: the wound may open. Take care of yourself at least for me ". With this word she left, leaving me in a rapture of delight. Happiness resurrected me. She will be mine! she loves Me! This thought filled my whole existence.
From then on I got better from hour to hour. I was treated by the regimental barber, for there was no other doctor in the fortress, and, Heavy, didn't get smart. Youth and nature hastened my recovery. The whole family of the commandant looked after me. Marya Ivanovna did not leave me. of course, at the first opportunity I took up the interrupted explanation, and Marya Ivanovna listened to me more patiently. Without any pretense, she confessed to me her heartfelt inclination and said, that her parents will of course be glad to her happiness. “But think carefully, She added;- will there be obstacles from your family?»
I was thinking. I had no doubts about my mother's tenderness; but, knowing the character and way of thinking of the father, i felt, that my love will not touch him too much and that he will look at her as a whim of a young man. I sincerely confessed that to Marya Ivanovna and, however, decided to write to the priest as eloquently as possible, asking for parental blessing. I showed the letter to Marya Ivanovna, who found him so convincing and touching, that she did not doubt his success and indulged in the feelings of her tender heart with all the trust of youth and love.
I made up with Shvabrin in the first days of my recovery. Ivan Kuzmich, reprimanding me for the fight, told me: “Eh, Petr ANDREIĆ! I should have put you under arrest, yes you are already punished. And Alexey Ivanovich still sits in my bakery under guard, and his sword under lock at Vasilisa Yegorovna. Let him think for himself and repent ". - I was too happy, to keep a feeling of hostility in my heart. I began to ask for Shvabrin, and kind commandant, with the consent of his wife, decided to free him. Shvabrin came to me; he expressed deep regret about, what happened between us; confessed, that it was all to blame, and asked me to forget about the past. Naturally not vindictive, I sincerely forgave him and our quarrel and wound, I received from him. In his slander I saw the annoyance of offended pride and rejected love and generously excused my unfortunate rival.
Soon I recovered and could move to my apartment. I was looking forward to the answer to the letter sent, not daring to hope and trying to drown out sad forebodings. With Vasilisa Egorovna and her husband, I have not yet explained; but my proposal should not have surprised them. Neither I, neither Marya Ivanovna tried to hide their feelings from them, and we were already sure of their agreement in advance.
Finally, one morning Savelich came to me, holding a letter. I grabbed it in awe. The address was written by the hand of the priest. It got me ready for something important, because usually my mother wrote letters to me, and at the end he attributed several lines. For a long time I did not open the package and reread the solemn inscription: "To my son Pyotr Andreevich Grinev, to the Orenburg province, to the Belogorsk fortress ". I tried to guess the mood of the handwriting, in which the letter was written; finally decided to print it out and from the first lines saw, that the whole thing went to hell. The content of the letter was as follows:
"My son Peter! Your letter, in which you ask us for our parental blessing and consent to marriage with Marya Ivanova, daughter of Mironova, we got the 15th of this month, and not only not my blessing, I do not intend to give you my consent, but I'm also going to get to you, but for your pranks I teach you a lesson, like a boy, despite your officer rank: for you proved, that I am not yet worthy to wear a sword, which is granted to you to defend the fatherland, and not for duels with the same tomboy, what are you like. I will immediately write to Andrey Karlovich, asking him to transfer you from the Belogorsk fortress somewhere far away, where would you go. Your mother, having learned about your fight and that, that you are hurt, she got sick with sorrow and now lies. What of you will be? I pray to god, so that you improve, although I dare not hope for his great mercy.
Your father A. G. "
Reading this letter made me feel differently. Cruel expressions, which the father did not stint on, deeply insulted me. Neglect, how he mentioned Marya Ivanovna, seemed to me just as obscene, as unjust. The thought of transferring mine from the Belogorsk fortress terrified me, but the news of my mother's illness upset me most of all. I was indignant at Savelich, no doubt, that my duel became known to my parents through him. Walking up and down my cramped room, I stopped in front of him and said, looking at him menacingly: “It seems you are not satisfied, what am I, thanks to you, wounded and was on the edge of the coffin for a month: you want to kill my mother too ". Savelich was struck like thunder. "Have mercy, sir, - he said, almost sobbing, - what do you deign to say? I am the reason, that you were hurt! God sees, I ran to shield you with my chest from Alexey Ivanitch's sword! Damned old age prevented. What have I done to your mother?" - "What did you do? - I answered. - Who asked you to write denunciations against me? are you assigned to me as a spy?" - "I? wrote denunciations against you? - Savelich answered with tears. - Lord, heavenly king! So if you please read, what the master writes to me: see, how I reported on you ". Then he took a letter from his pocket, and I read the following:
"Ashamed of you, old dog, What are you, despite my strict orders, I was not informed about my son Pyotr Andreevich and that strangers were forced to notify me of his pranks. Is this how you fulfill your office and the master's will? I love you, old dog! I will send pigs to graze for hiding the truth and indulging a young man. With this receipt, I order you to immediately write to me, what is his health now, about which they write to me, what got better; and where exactly was he wounded and was he healed well ".
It was obvious, that Savelich was right in front of me and that I needlessly insulted him with reproach and suspicion. I asked him for forgiveness; but the old man was inconsolable. "This is what I lived to see, - he repeated; - these are the favors he has served from his masters! Me and the old dog, and swineherd, yes i'm the cause of your wound? Not, Father Pyotr Andreyevich! not me, the damned monsieur is to blame for everything: he taught you to poke with iron skewers and stamp, as if by poking and stomping to save yourself from an evil person! It was necessary to hire a monsieur and spend extra money!»
But who took the trouble to notify my father of my behavior?? General? But he, it seemed, didn't care too much about me; and Ivan Kuzmich did not consider it necessary to report on my fight. I was at a loss. My suspicions settled on Shvabrin. He alone had the benefit of denunciation, of which the result could be my removal from the fortress and a break with the commandant's family. I went to announce everything to Marya Ivanovna. She met me on the porch. "What has happened to you? - she said, seeing me. - How pale you are!" - "Its end!"- I answered and gave her father's letter. She turned pale in turn. After reading, she returned the letter to me with a trembling hand and said in a trembling voice: "It is seen, I'm not destiny ... Your relatives do not want me in their family. Be the will of the Lord in everything! God knows better than we, what do we need. Nothing to do, Petr ANDREIĆ; be happy at least ... "-" This will not happen! I cried, grabbing her hand;- Do you love me; I'm ready for anything. Let's go to, let's throw ourselves at your parents' feet; they are simple people, not hard-hearted proud ... They will bless us; we will get married ... and there, with time, I'm sure, we will beg my father; mother will be for us; he will forgive me ... "-" No, Petr ANDREIĆ, - Masha answered, - I will not marry you without the blessing of your parents. Without their blessing you will not be happy. Let us submit to the will of God. When you find yourself narrowed, if you love another, God be with you, Petr ANDREIĆ; and I for both of you ... "Then she began to cry and left me; I wanted to follow her into the room, but felt, that I was unable to control myself, and went home.
I sat lost in deep thought, when suddenly Savelich interrupted my thoughts. "Here, sir, - he said, giving me a sheet of paper covered with writing;- look, Am I an informer on my master and am I trying to stir up my son and father ". I took his paper from his hand: this was Savelich's answer to the letter he received. Here it is from word to word:
