"I don't know why you hate me," she declared finally.
"Not at all—on the contrary I—not at all. In fact I—why, the idea—you brought us all up—so impartially."
He spoke in jerks and gasps. A broken yet triumphant laugh made its way into his voice. His eyes sparkled. His shoulders and legs quivered.
"Perhaps I have really sinned against you, then for Christ's sake forgive me."
Arina Petrovna rose and bowed till her hand touched the floor. Pavel Vladimirych shut his eyes without replying.
"Suppose we let the question of the estate alone. You couldn't make any arrangement in your present condition. Porfiry is the lawful heir. Well, let the real estate go to him. But what about your personal property and capital?" Arina Petrovna ventured to state her point directly.
Pavel Vladimirych shuddered, but remained silent. It is very possible that at the word "capital" he gave no thought whatsoever to his mother's insinuations, but simply mused: "September is here already. I have to collect the interest."
"If you think I desire your death, you're very much mistaken, my child. If you would only live I should not need to complain in my old age. What have I to grumble about? I have food and shelter here, and should I want a little additional pleasure, I can get it. I merely wish to call your attention to the fact that there is a custom among Christians, according to which, in expectation of the life to come, we——"
Arina Petrovna paused, searching for a suitable word.
"We provide for the future of those related to us," she concluded, looking out of the window.