He knows that I'm not capable of regarding a man as my possession.
I'm not going to constrain him, no."
The mother understood her, felt that she believed what she said,
that she was capable of carrying it out; and she was sorry for her.
She embraced her.
"My dear girl, it will be hard for you."
Sasha smiled softly, nestling her body up to the mother's. Her
voice sounded mild, but powerful. Red mounted to her face.
"It's a long time till then; but don't think that I--that it is
hard for me now. I'm making no sacrifices. I know what I'm doing,
I know what I may expect. I'll be happy if I can make him happy.
My aim, my desire is to increase his energy, to give him as much
happiness and love as I can--a great deal. I love him very much
and he me--I know it--what I bring to him, he will give back to me--
we will enrich each other by all in our power; and, if necessary,
we will part as friends."
Sasha remained silent for a long time, during which the mother and
the young woman sat in a corner of the room, tightly pressed against
each other, thinking of the man whom they loved. It was quiet,
melancholy, and warm.
Nikolay entered, exhausted, but brisk.
Pages:
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
577
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593