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But Anna Sergyevna soon set their minds at rest; and it was not difficult for her she had set her own mind at rest. Bazarov's old parents were all the more overjoyed by their son's arrival, as it was quite unexpected.
Nikolai Petrovitch blushed. 'Don't mention her name aloud, please.... Well ... she is living with me now. I have installed her in the house ... there were two little rooms there. But that can all be changed. 'Goodness, daddy, what for? 'Your friend is going to stay with us ... it would be awkward ... 'Please don't be uneasy on Bazarov's account. He's above all that.
To my idea your presence here is superfluous; I cannot endure you; I despise you; and if that is not enough for you ... Pavel Petrovitch's eyes glittered ... Bazarov's too were flashing. 'Very good, he assented. 'No need of further explanations. You've a whim to try your chivalrous spirit upon me. I might refuse you this pleasure, but so be it!
But at last, on the slope of some rising ground, appeared the small hamlet where Bazarov's parents lived. Beside it, in a young birch copse, could be seen a small house with a thatched roof. Two peasants stood with their hats on at the first hut, abusing each other. 'You're a great sow, said one; 'and worse than a little sucking pig. 'And your wife's a witch, retorted the other.
He kept his promise. After installing his son as before in his study, he almost hid himself away from him, and he kept his wife from all superfluous demonstrations of tenderness. 'On Enyusha's first visit, my dear soul, he said to her, 'we bothered him a little; we must be wiser this time. Arina Vlasyevna agreed with her husband, but that was small compensation since she saw her son only at meals, and was now absolutely afraid to address him. 'Enyushenka, she would say sometimes and before he had time to look round, she was nervously fingering the tassels of her reticule and faltering, 'Never mind, never mind, I only and afterwards she would go to Vassily Ivanovitch and, her cheek in her hand, would consult him: 'If you could only find out, darling, which Enyusha would like for dinner to-day cabbage-broth or beetroot-soup? 'But why didn't you ask him yourself? 'Oh, he will get sick of me! Bazarov, however, soon ceased to shut himself up; the fever of work fell away, and was replaced by dreary boredom or vague restlessness. A strange weariness began to show itself in all his movements; even his walk, firm, bold and strenuous, was changed. He gave up walking in solitude, and began to seek society; he drank tea in the drawing-room, strolled about the kitchen-garden with Vassily Ivanovitch, and smoked with him in silence; once even asked after Father Alexey. Vassily Ivanovitch at first rejoiced at this change, but his joy was not long-lived. 'Enyusha's breaking my heart, he complained in secret to his wife; 'it's not that he's discontented or angry that would be nothing; he's sad, he's sorrowful that's what's so terrible. He's always silent. If he'd only abuse us; he's growing thin, he's lost his colour. 'Mercy on us, mercy on us! whispered the old woman; 'I would put an amulet on his neck, but, of course, he won't allow it. Vassily Ivanovitch several times attempted in the most circumspect manner to question Bazarov about his work, about his health, and about Arkady.... But Bazarov's replies were reluctant and casual; and, once noticing that his father was trying gradually to lead up to something in conversation, he said to him in a tone of vexation: 'Why do you always seem to be walking round me on tiptoe? That way's worse than the old one. 'There, there, I meant nothing! poor Vassily Ivanovitch answered hurriedly. So his diplomatic hints remained fruitless. He hoped to awaken his son's sympathy one day by beginning
'I am greatly flattered, began Sitnikov, walking sidewise, smirking, and hurriedly pulling off his really over-elegant gloves. 'I have heard so much.... I am an old acquaintance of Yevgeny Vassilyitch, and, I may say his disciple. I am indebted to him for my regeneration.... Arkady looked at Bazarov's disciple.
'And is that establishment of your governor's an expression of the highest morality too? observed Bazarov, pointing to a ginshop which they were passing at that instant. Sitnikov again went off into a shrill laugh. He was greatly ashamed of his origin, and did not know whether to feel flattered or offended at Bazarov's unexpected familiarity.
Excuse my impertinence, but you don't love me, and you never will love me, I suppose? Bazarov's eyes glittered for an instant under their dark brows. Anna Sergyevna did not answer him. 'I'm afraid of this man, flashed through her brain. 'Good-bye, then, said Bazarov, as though he guessed her thought, and he went back into the house.
But Bazarov's jeers did not in the least perturb Vassily Ivanovitch; they were positively a comfort to him. Holding his greasy dressing-gown across his stomach with two fingers, and smoking his pipe, he used to listen with enjoyment to Bazarov; and the more malicious his sallies, the more good-humouredly did his delighted father chuckle, showing every one of his black teeth.
When he heard of Bazarov's going, Pavel Petrovitch expressed a desire to see him, and shook his hand. But even then he remained as cold as ice; he realised that Pavel Petrovitch wanted to play the magnanimous. He did not succeed in saying good-bye to Fenitchka; he only exchanged glances with her at the window. Her face struck him as looking dejected.
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