But, in particular: Will you permit me to continue to write to you?
I remain sincerely and cordially your devoted servant—
II
From Márya Alexándrovna to Alexyéi Petróvitch
Village of ... no, March 22, 1840.
Dear Sir!
Alexyéi Petróvitch!
I have received your letter, and really, I do not know what to say to you. I would even not have answered you at all had it not seemed to me that beneath your jests was concealed a decidedly-friendly sentiment. Your letter has produced an unpleasant impression on me. In reply to your “idle chatter,” as you put it, permit me also to propound to you one question: To what end? What have you to do with me, what have I to do with you? I do not assume any evil intentions on your part, ... on the contrary, I am grateful to you for your sympathy, ... but we are strangers to each other, and I now, at all events, feel not the slightest desire to become intimate with any one whomsoever.
With sincere respects I remain, and so forth,