Pagina 234 di 3800

Pierre paid no more attention to this occurrence than to the rest

of what went on, having made up his mind once for all that what

he saw happening around him that evening was in some way

essential.

The chanting of the service ceased, and the voice of the priest

was heard respectfully congratulating the dying man on having

received the sacrament. The dying man lay as lifeless and

immovable as before. Around him everyone began to stir: steps

were audible and whispers, among which Anna Mikhaylovna's was the

most distinct.

Pierre heard her say:

"Certainly he must be moved onto the bed; here it will be

impossible..."