Page 717 sur 1294

"You seem to think we are completely under your authority, Pyotr

Petrovitch. Dounia has told you the reason your desire was

disregarded, she had the best intentions. And indeed you write as

though you were laying commands upon me. Are we to consider every

desire of yours as a command? Let me tell you on the contrary

that you ought to show particular delicacy and consideration for

us now, because we have thrown up everything, and have come here

relying on you, and so we are in any case in a sense in your

hands."

"That is not quite true, Pulcheria Alexandrovna, especially at

the present moment, when the news has come of Marfa Petrovna's

legacy, which seems indeed very apropos, judging from the new

tone you take to me," he added sarcastically.

"Judging from that remark, we may certainly presume that you were

reckoning on our helplessness," Dounia observed irritably.