ll 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. He immediately announced:

"Well, Sashenka, betake yourself away from here, as long as you are
sound. Two spies have been after me since this morning, and the
attempt at concealment is so evident that it savors of an arrest. I
feel it in my bones--somewhere something has happened. By the way,
here I have the speech of Pavel. It's been decided to publish it at
once. Take it to Liudmila. Pavel spoke well, Nilovna; and his speech
will play a part. Look out for spies, Sasha. Wait a little
while--hide these papers, too. You might give them to Ivan, for
example."

While he spoke, he vigorously rubbed his frozen hands, and quickly
pulled out the drawers of his table, picking out papers, some of which
he tore up, others he laid aside. His manner was absorbed, and his
appearance all upset.

"Do you suppose it was long ago that this place was cleared out? And
look at this mass of stuff accumulated already! The devil! You see,
Nilovna, it would be better for you, too, not to sleep here to-night.
It's a sorry spectacle to witness, and they may arrest you, too. And
you'll be needed for carrying Pavel's speech about from place to place."

"Hm, what do they want me for? Maybe you're mistaken."

Nikolay waved his forearm in front of his eyes, and said, with
conviction:

"I have a keen scent. Besides, you can be of great help to Liudmila.
Flee far from evil."

The possibility of taking a part in the printing of her son's speech
was pleasant to her, and she answered:

"If so, I'll go. But don't think I'm afraid."

"Very well.