"Vasya, my dear boy, what is it? What's wrong?" he cried, rushing to him and squeezing him in his arms. "Explain to me, I don't understand you, and your depression. What is the matter with you, my poor, tormented boy? What is it? Tell me all about it, without hiding anything. It can't be only this——"
Vasya held him tight and could say nothing. He could scarcely breathe.
"Don't, Vasya, don't! Well, if you don't finish it, what then? I don't understand you; tell me your trouble. You see it is for your sake I.... Oh dear! oh dear!" he said, walking up and down the room and clutching at everything he came across, as though seeking at once some remedy for Vasya. "I will go to Yulian Mastakovitch instead of you to-morrow. I will ask him—entreat him—to let you have another day. I will explain it all to him, anything, if it worries you so...."
"God forbid!" cried Vasya, and turned as white as the wall. He could scarcely stand on his feet.
"Vasya! Vasya!"
Vasya pulled himself together. His lips were quivering; he tried to say something, but could only convulsively squeeze Arkady's hand in silence. His hand was cold. Arkady stood facing him, full of anxious and miserable suspense. Vasya raised his eyes again.
"Vasya, God bless you, Vasya! You wring my heart, my dear boy, my friend."
Tears gushed from Vasya's eyes; he flung himself on Arkady's bosom.
"I have deceived you, Arkady," he said. "I have deceived you. Forgive me, forgive me! I have been faithless to your friendship...."
"What is it, Vasya? What is the matter?" asked Arkady, in real alarm.