And, last of all, he laughed out loud at the sight of them.
It was as though the Satanic world itself had foregathered there to laugh to its grave that little sprig of virtue, the dead innocence itself joining in the laughter.
The only one who did not laugh was Liuba. Trembling with agitation, she wrung her hands and shouted at them, and finally flung herself with her fists on the fat woman, who even with her beam-like arms could hardly ward off her blows.
»So be it!« he shouted in his laughter. But the others could hear nothing.
At last the noise died down a little.
»So be it!« he cried, a second time. »But, peace! Silence!—I have something to show you!«
»Leave them alone,« said Liuba, wiping her tears away with her fist. »We must get rid of them.«
Still shaking with laughter he turned round to face her.
»Are you frightened?« he asked. »Was it honour you wanted after all? You fool! It's the only thing you ever have wanted! Leave me alone!«
Without taking any more notice of her, he addressed himself to the others, rising and holding his closed hands above his head.