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'Come, mother, began Vassily, 'don't torment yourself, the trouble may yet be set right.... If Rogatchov... Olga Ivanovna shuddered, and drew herself up. 'If Rogatchov, pursued Vassily, with a meaning glance at Olga Ivanovna, 'imagines that he can disgrace an honourable family with impunity... Olga Ivanovna was overcome with horror. 'In my house, moaned Anna Pavlovna. 'Calm yourself, mother.
Vassily filled every moment of her life; she could not think of any one else. As for Rogatchov, she soon positively ceased to notice his existence.
He took young Rogatchov by the arm, went with him to look at the new buildings, talked to the carpenters, made some suggestions, with his own hands chopped a few chips off with the axe, asked to be shown Afanasey Lukitch's stud horses, himself trotted them out on a halter, and altogether so affected the good-hearted children of the steppes by his gracious affability that they both embraced him more than once.
Only you say the word, you say the word, and we'll make an end of him, the insolent fellow.... Pavel Afanasievitch, my baby-boy, for the love of God! A number of pale, excited faces showed in the door...there was even the red beard of the village elder... 'Let me go, Efimovna, let me go! muttered Rogatchov. 'I won't, my own, I won't. What are you about, sir, what are you about?
Some time before Vassily Ivanovitch's arrival, Olga Ivanovna had been betrothed to a neighbour, Pavel Afanasievitch Rogatchov, a very good-natured and straightforward fellow. Nature had forgotten to put any spice of ill-temper into his composition.
When left alone with her, he did not know what to say, and only tried all he could to follow her wishes. Two months passed by. Every trace of self-reliance, of will, disappeared at last in Olga. Rogatchov, feeble and tongue-tied, could be no support to her. She had no wish even to resist the enchantment, and with a sinking heart she surrendered unconditionally to Vassily....
Rogatchov had once taken lessons in fencing, but now he was scarcely capable of drawing a sword properly. The blades crossed. Vassily was obviously playing with Rogatchov's sword. Pavel Afanasievitch was breathless and pale, and gazed in consternation into Lutchinov's face. Meanwhile, screams were heard in the garden; a crowd of people were running to the summerhouse.
'Let's fight, if we must fight, replied Rogatchov, and hurriedly buttoned up his shirt. 'Ay, Pavel Afanasievitch, you take my advice, marry her... what is it to you... And believe me, I'll... 'No, Vassily Ivanovitch, Rogatchov interrupted him. 'You'll kill me or maim me, I know, but I'm not going to lose my honour; if I'm to die then I must die.
He took advantage of her innocence, her youth, he you wish to say something' he broke off, seeing that Olga made a movement towards him.... Olga Ivanovna sank back in her chair. 'I will go at once to Rogatchov. I will make him marry her this very day. You may be sure I will not let him make a laughing-stock of us.... 'But... Vassily Ivanovitch... you... whispered Olga.
Suddenly Rogatchov heard the heart-rending wail of old age...he recognised the voice of his father. Afanasey Lukitch, bare-headed, with dishevelled hair, was running in front of them all, frantically waving his hands.... With a violent and unexpected turn of the blade Vassily sent the sword flying out of Pavel Afanasievitch's hand. 'Marry her, my boy, he said to him: 'give over this foolery!
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