Her kindly eyes began to smile at him: “Maybe a heavy one.”
“Let not your head ache over that. I have strength enough; I shall be able to bear it. Now at least I have something to live for.”
“And I,” answered Marynia.
“Do you know that I have been here already to-day? I sent chrysanthemums later. After yesterday’s letter to you, I said to myself, ‘That is simply an angel, and I should lack, not only heart, but common-sense to delay any longer.’”
“I was so alarmed about that duel, and so unhappy. But is it all over now?”
“I give you my word, most thoroughly.”
Marynia wanted to make further inquiries, but at that moment Plavitski came. They heard him cough a little, put away his cane, and remove his overcoat; he opened the door then, and, seeing them alone, said,—
“So you are sitting all by yourselves?”
But Marynia ran up to him, and placing her hands on his shoulders, and putting forth her forehead for a kiss, said,—
“As betrothed, papa.”