صفحة 552 من 1294

"It is not true. I am not lying," cried Dounia, losing her

composure. "I would not marry him if I were not convinced that he

esteems me and thinks highly of me. I would not marry him if I

were not firmly convinced that I can respect him. Fortunately, I

can have convincing proof of it this very day... and such a

marriage is not a vileness, as you say! And even if you were

right, if I really had determined on a vile action, is it not

merciless on your part to speak to me like that? Why do you

demand of me a heroism that perhaps you have not either? It is

despotism; it is tyranny. If I ruin anyone, it is only myself....

I am not committing a murder. Why do you look at me like that?

Why are you so pale? Rodya, darling, what's the matter?"

"Good heavens! You have made him faint," cried Pulcheria

Alexandrovna.