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 "Take back these terrible papers, take them back!" she said, pushing away the sheets lying on the table. "Why did you give them to me? However, perhaps it was for the best," she added, seized with pity at the sight of Levin's despairing face. "But it is terrible, terrible!"

He hung his head, and had nothing to say.

"You will not forgive me!" he murmured.

"Yes, I have forgiven you; but it is terrible!"

However, his happiness was so immense that this confession did not diminish it, but only served to add a shade more to it. She forgave him. From that time he counted himself still more unworthy of her; morally, he bowed down still lower before her and treasured the happiness that he had gained still higher. He understood the worth of it still better after this pardon.

CHAPTER XVII

he returned to his lonely room, Alekseï Aleksandrovitch involuntarily recalled, little by little, the conversations that had taken place at the dinner and in the evening. Darya Aleksandrovna's words about pardon merely aroused his vexation. Whether he should apply the Christian rule to his case or not, was a question too difficult to be lightly decided; besides, he had already considered this question, and decided it in the negative. Of all that had been said that day, the remark of that good stupid Turovtsuin had made the liveliest impression on his mind:—

''He did bravely, for he challenged the other man and killed him. ''

Evidently all approved this conduct; although out of politeness they had not said so openly.

"However, this matter is ended; it is useless to think about it," said Alekseï Aleksandrovitch to himself; and giving no more thought to anything except the preparations for his departure and his tour of inspection, he went to his room and asked of the Swiss who showed