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RUDIN He stopped. Natalya’s eyes fastened directly upon him put him to confusion.

‘You try to prove to me that you are an honourable man, Dmitri Nikolaitch,’ she said. ‘I do not doubt that. You are not capable of acting from calculation; but did I want to be convinced of that? did I come here for that?’

‘I did not expect, Natalya Alexyevna’

‘Ah! you have said it at last! Yes, you did not expect all this—you did not know me. Do not be uneasy you do not love me, and I will never force myself on any one.’

‘I love you!’ cried Rudin.

Natalya drew herself up.

‘Perhaps; but how do you love me? Remember all your words, Dmitri Nikolaitch. You told me: “Without complete equality there is no love.” You are too exalted for me; I am no match for you. I am punished as I deserve. There are duties before you more worthy of you. I shall not forget this day. Good-bye.’

‘Natalya Alexyevna, are you going? Is it possible for us to part like this?’

He stretched out his hand to her. She 174