His grandfather said nothing, and turned up the flame of the lantern.
“A man has died,” he said with a yawn. “His soul is lost and his children are lost. This will be a disgrace to them for the rest of their lives.”
The porter returned, and sat down near the lantern.
“He is dead!” he said. “The old women from the almshouse have been sent for.”
“Eternal peace and the kingdom of heaven be his!” whispered the coachman crossing himself.
Aliosha also crossed himself with his eyes on his grandfather.
“You mustn’t pray for souls like his,” the herring-man said.
“Why not?”
“Because it’s a sin.”
“That’s the truth,” the porter agreed. “His soul has gone straight to the Evil One in hell.”