Maslova again seated herself, her eyes downcast and her little hands clutching each other.
Nekhludoff stood over her, not knowing what to do.
"You do not believe me," he said.
"That you wish to marry me? That will never happen. I will sooner hang myself."
"But I will serve you anyway."
"That is your business. Only I don't want anything from you. Now, that is certain," she said. "Oh, why did I not die then!" she added, and began to cry piteously.
Nekhludoff could not speak; her tears called forth tears in his own eyes.
She raised her eyes, looked at him, as if surprised, and with her 'kerchief began to wipe the tears streaming down her cheeks.
The warden again approached them and reminded them that it was time to part. Maslova rose.
"You are excited now. If possible I will call to-morrow. Meantime, think it over," said Nekhludoff.