With these words, Silvio rose, threw his cap upon the floor, and began
pacing up and down the room like a tiger in his cage. I had listened to
him in silence; strange conflicting feelings agitated me.

The servant entered and announced that the horses were ready. Silvio
grasped my hand tightly, and we embraced each other. He seated himself
in his telega, in which lay two trunks, one containing his pistols, the
other his effects. We said good-bye once more, and the horses galloped
off.




CHAPTER II.


Several years passed, and family circumstances compelled me to settle in
the poor little village of M---. Occupied with agricultural pursuits, I
ceased not to sigh in secret for my former noisy and careless life. The
most difficult thing of all was having to accustom myself to passing the
spring and winter evenings in perfect solitude. Until the hour for
dinner I managed to pass away the time somehow or other, talking with
the bailiff, riding about to inspect the work, or going round to look at
the new buildings; but as soon as it began to get dark, I positively did
not know what to do with myself. The few books that I had found in the
cupboards and storerooms I already knew by heart. All the stories that
my housekeeper Kirilovna could remember I had heard over and over again.
The songs of the peasant women made me feel depressed. I tried drinking
spirits, but it made my head ache; and moreover, I confess I was afraid