Page:The Novels of Ivan Turgenev (volume VIII).djvu/79

 I beseech you!" "I can't disguise from you," I say, "Alexandra Andreevna; you are certainly in danger; but God is merciful." "I shall die, I shall die." And it seemed as though she were pleased; her face grew so bright; I was alarmed. "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid! I am not frightened of death at all." She suddenly sat up and leaned on her elbow. "Now yes, now I can tell you that I thank you with my whole heart  that you are kind and good—that I love you!" I stare at her, like one possessed; it was terrible for me, you know. "Do you hear, I love you!" "Alexandra Andreevna, how have I deserved" "No, no, you don't—you don't understand me."  And suddenly she stretched out her arms, and taking my head in her hands, she kissed it.  Believe me, I almost screamed aloud.  I threw myself on my knees, and buried my head in the pillow. She did not speak; her fingers trembled in my hair; I listen; she is weeping. I began to soothe her, to assure her.  I really don't know what I did say to her. "You will wake up the girl," I say to her; "Alexandra Andreevna, I thank you  believe me  calm yourself" "Enough, enough!" she persisted; "never mind all of them; let them wake, then; let them come in—it does not matter; I am dying, you see. And what do you fear? why are you afraid? Lift up your head. Or, perhaps, you don't love me; perhaps I am wrong. In that case, forgive me." "Alexandra Andreevna, what are