"That's just what I say. If a man is careful in his behavior, if he does not speak vile words, if he does not speak vain words, if he does not judge others, if, in addition to all this, he does not vex anybody or take away what is not his--that man will have a clear conscience, and no mud can soil him. And if anyone secretly speaks ill of a man like that, give it no heed. Spit at his insinuations--that's the long and short of it." "In such cases the precepts of Christianity recommend forgiveness." "Yes, forgive also. That's what I always do. If someone speaks ill of me, I forgive him and even pray to God for him. He is the gainer because a prayer on his behalf goes to Heaven, and I, too, am the gainer, for after I have prayed I forget about the whole matter." "That's correct. Nothing lightens one's heart as much as a prayer. Sorrow and anger, and even ailment, all run before it as does the darkness of night before the sun." "Well, thank God, then. And we should always conduct ourselves so that our life is like a candle in a lantern--seen from every side. Then we will not be misjudged, for there will be no cause. Take us, for example. We sat down here a while ago, have been chatting and talking things over--who could find fault with us? And now let us go and pray to the Lord, and then--to bed. And tomorrow we shall rise again. Isn't that so, father?" Yudushka rose noisily, shoving his chair aside in sign that the conversation was at an end. The priest also rose and made ready to raise his arm to bless, but Porfiry Vladimirych, as an indication of special favor, caught the priest's hand and pressed it in his own. "So he was christened Vladimir, father?" said Yudushka, shaking his head sadly in the direction of Yevpraksia's room. "In honor of the saintly Prince Vladimir, sir." "Well, God be praised. She is a good and faithful servant, but as to intelligence--well, she hasn't much of it. That's why they fall into adultery." CHAPTER III The whole of the next day Porfiry Vladimirych remained in his study, praying to God for guidance. On the third day he emerged for morning tea, not in his dressing gown, as usual, but in full holiday attire, the way he always dressed when he intended to transact important business. His face was pale, but radiated inner serenity; a benign smile played upon his lips; his eyes looked kindly and all-forgiving. The tip of his nose was slightly red with elation.