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Updated: June 5, 2025
"Yes, and he left a note behind," continued Riasantzeff, unable to conceal the merry twinkle in his eyes. "I made a copy of it. In a way, it's really a human document." Taking out his pocket-book he read as follows: "Why should I live, since I do not know how I ought to live? Men such as I cannot make their fellow-creatures happy." He stopped suddenly, as if somewhat embarrassed.
Yourii, on the contrary was tall, thin and dark, though as good-looking as Lialia, and with the same regular features. And, as Yourii looked at Riasantzeff, he thought to himself: "So this is the man who in my little sister Lialia, as fresh and fair as a spring morning, loves the woman; loves her just as I myself have loved women."
"There's nothing else to be done!" sighed Riasantzeff, in droll fashion, as he followed Lialia on to the balcony. It was still raining. The monotonous sound of falling drops filled the air; but the sky seemed clearer now, and there was a break in the clouds.
This comparison was so displeasing to him that his thoughts became confused, and for a while he sat brooding over the subject, endeavouring to find a justification of some kind. "No, I am not like the others," he said to himself, feeling, in a sense, relieved, "because I think about these things. Fellows like Riasantzeff and Novikoff and Sanine would never dream of doing so.
They had to walk nearly a verst before they reached the marsh. The sun had almost set, and the soil, covered with lush grasses and reeds, felt moist beneath their feet. It looked darker, and had a damp smell, while in places water shimmered. Riasantzeff had ceased smoking, and stood with legs wide apart, looking suddenly grave as if he had to begin an important and responsible task.
"Who else shall we ask?" asked Riasantzeff, equally pleased at the prospect of a day's outing. In the woods he would be able to hold Lialia in his arms, to kiss her, and feel that the sweet body he coveted was near. "Let us see. We are six. Suppose we ask Schafroff?" "Who is he?" inquired Yourii. "Oh! he's a young student."
They all stood at the front door, in the moonlight. "What a lovely night!" exclaimed Lialia, as unconsciously she drew closer to her lover. She did not wish him to go yet. Riasantzeff with his elbow pressed her warm, round arm. "Yes, it's a wonderful night!" he replied, giving to these simple words a meaning that they two alone could seize.
Dead silence ensued. A sad spirit seemed to pass noiselessly through the room. Tears rose to Sina's eyes, and Lialia's face grew red with emotion. Yourii smiled mournfully as he turned towards the window. "That's all," said Riasantzeff meditatively. "What more would you have?" asked Sina with quivering lips. Ivanoff rose and reached across for the matches that were on the table.
Riasantzeff opened a white door and went in, the others following in awkward fashion as they pushed against each other on the threshold. The room was clean and spacious. Four of the six beds in it were empty, each one having its coarse grey coverlet folded neatly, and strangely suggestive of a coffin.
A mere trifle!" replied Yourii, with a forced laugh. "We were talking about Riasantzeff. It's all nonsense!" Nicolai Yegorovitch looked hard at him and suddenly his face wore a look of extreme displeasure. "What the devil have you been saying?" he exclaimed as, shrugging his shoulders, he turned abruptly on his heel and withdrew.
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