sounds rose the brisk tenor tones of the nearest church and a loud
shrill laugh.

"What a lot of people!" sighed Nevyrazimov, looking down into
the street, where shadows of men flitted one after another by the
illumination lamps. "They're all hurrying to the midnight service....
Our fellows have had a drink by now, you may be sure, and are strolling
about the town. What a lot of laughter, what a lot of talk! I'm the
only unlucky one, to have to sit here on such a day: And I have to do it
every year!"

"Well, nobody forces you to take the job. It's not your turn to be on
duty today, but Zastupov hired you to take his place. When other folks
are enjoying themselves you hire yourself out. It's greediness!"

"Devil a bit of it! Not much to be greedy over--two roubles is all he
gives me; a necktie as an extra.... It's poverty, not greediness.
And it would be jolly, now, you know, to be going with a party to the
service, and then to break the fast.... To drink and to have a bit
of supper and tumble off to sleep.... One sits down to the table,
there's an Easter cake and the samovar hissing, and some charming little
thing beside you.... You drink a glass and chuck her under the chin,
and it's first-rate.... You feel you're somebody.... Ech h-h!...
I've made a mess of things! Look at that hussy driving by in her
carriage, while I have to sit here and brood."

"We each have our lot in life, Ivan Danilitch. Please God, you'll be
promoted and drive about in your carriage one day."

"I? No, brother, not likely. I shan't get beyond a 'titular,' not if I
try till I burst. I'm not an educated man."

"Our General has no education either, but..."

"Well, but the General stole a hundred thousand before he got his
position. And he's got very different manners and deportment from me,
brother. With my manners and deportment one can't get far! And such a
scoundrelly surname, Nevyrazimov! It's a hopeless position, in fact. One
may go on as one is, or one may hang oneself..."

He moved away from the window and walked wearily about the rooms. The
din of the bells grew louder and louder.... There was no need to
stand by the window to hear it. And the better he could hear the bells
and the louder the roar of the carriages, the darker seemed the muddy
walls and the smutty cornice and the more the lamp smoked.

"Shall I hook it and leave the office?" thought Nevyrazimov.

But such a flight promised nothing worth having.... After coming o