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Some flash as of an electric spark shot from Telyanin's eyes to

Rostov's and back, and back again and again in an instant.

"Come here," said Rostov, catching hold of Telyanin's arm and

almost dragging him to the window. "That money is Denisov's; you

took it..." he whispered just above Telyanin's ear.

"What? What? How dare you? What?" said Telyanin.

But these words came like a piteous, despairing cry and an

entreaty for pardon. As soon as Rostov heard them, an enormous

load of doubt fell from him. He was glad, and at the same instant

began to pity the miserable man who stood before him, but the

task he had begun had to be completed.

"Heaven only knows what the people here may imagine," muttered

Telyanin, taking up his cap and moving toward a small empty room.

"We must have an explanation..."

"I know it and shall prove it," said Rostov.

"I..."