"Because I wish to efface, to expiate my sin. Katiousha——" he began, and was about to tell her that he would marry her, but he met her eyes in which he read something so terrible, rude and repulsive that he could not finish.
At that moment the visitors began to take leave. The inspector approached Nekhludoff and told him that the time for interviewing was ended. Maslova rose and submissively waited to be dismissed.
"Good-by. I have a great deal to tell you yet, but, as you see, I cannot do it now," said Nekhludoff, and extended his hand. "I will call again."
"I think you have said everything——"
She extended her hand, but did not press his.
"No. I will try to see you again, where we can speak together, and then I will tell you something very important," said Nekhludoff.
"Well, all right," she said, smiling as she used to do when she wished to please a man.
"You are more to me than a sister," said Nekhludoff.
"Funny," she repeated, and, shaking her head, she went behind the grating.