Tushin looked at him without replying, and his calm silence enraged Mark. He saw in the disappearance of the arbour and the appearance on the scene of Tushin as a mediator, the certain end of his hopes. Vera’s hesitation was over, and she was now firmly determined on separation.
He was enraged by his consciousness that Vera’s illness was really not the result of her infatuation for him, which she would not have confessed to her aunt, much less to Tushin. Mark knew her obstinacy, which resisted even the flame of passion, and on that very account he had, almost in despair, resigned himself to submit to a formal betrothal, and had communicated his decision to her, had consented to remain in the town indefinitely, that is, so long as the tie between them held. Convinced of the truth of his conception of love, he foresaw that in the course of time passion would grow cool and disappear, that they would not for ever be held by it, and then.... Then, he was convinced, Vera would herself recognise the situation, and acquiesce in the consequences.
And now his offer had become superfluous; no one was prepared to accept it, and he was simply to be dismissed.
“I do not know what to do,” he said proudly. “I cannot find any answer to your diplomatic mission. Naturally, I shall not again visit the arbour, as it has ceased to exist.”
“And you will write no more letters either,” added Tushin, “as they would not in any case reach her. Neither will you come to the house, where you would not be admitted.”
“Are you her guardian?”
“That would depend on Vera Vassilievna’s wishes. There is a mistress of the house who commands her servants. I take it that you accept the facts.”
“The devil knows,” cried Mark, “how ridiculous all this is. Mankind have forged chains for themselves, and make martyrs of themselves.” Although he still justified himself in making no reply, he felt that his position was untenable. “I am leaving the place shortly,” he said, “in about a week’s time. Can I not see Vera—Vassilievna for a minute?”
“That cannot be arranged, because she is ill.”
“Is any pressure being put upon her?”