Page:Leskov - The Sentry and other Stories.djvu/250

 234 it is only from the heart it proceeds, and not from the reason. With reason you cannot construct it—but can only destroy: reason gives birth to doubt, Vladyko; faith gives peace, gives happiness. This, I tell you, consoles me greatly; you see how things are going and are angry, but I always rejoice."

"Why do you rejoice?"

"Because all is very good."

"What do you mean—'all is good'?"

"All, Vladyko, that is revealed to us, and all that is hidden from us. I think, Vladyko, that we are all going to a feast."

"Please be clearer; do you simply set aside the baptism with water? It that so?"

"Well, I never. I set it aside. Oh, Vladyko, Vladyko! How many years I have been pining, always waiting for a man with whom I could converse freely about spiritual things—soul to soul—and when I knew you, I thought, this is the man I am waiting for, and now you are splitting hairs like a lawyer! What do you want? All words are vain, and I too. There is nothing I set aside. Consider what various blessings come to me—and from love, but not from hate. Have patience listen to me!"

"Very well," I answered, "I will listen; what do you want to preach?"