"Well, then, knowing your relations toward Catherine Michaelovna, I consider it my duty to let you know my relations to her." "Well, go on," said Nekhludoff, involuntarily admiring Simonson's simplicity and straightforwardness. "I wished to tell you that I would like to marry Catherine Michaelovna----" "Remarkable!" exclaimed Maria Pablovna, fixing her gaze on Simonson. "And I have decided to ask her to be my wife," continued Simonson. "What, then, can I do? It depends on her," said Nekhludoff. "Yes; but she would not decide the matter without you." "Why?" "Because, while the question of your relations remains undecided, she cannot choose." "On my part the question is definitely decided. I only wished to do that which I considered it my duty to do, and also to relieve her condition, but in no case did I intend to influence her choice." "Yes; but she does not wish your sacrifice." "There is no sacrifice." "And I also know that her decision is irrevocable." "Why, then, talk to me?" said Nekhludoff. "It is necessary for her that you should also approve of it." "I can only say that I am not free, but she is free to do what she wishes." Simonson began to ponder. "Very well, I will tell her so. Do not think that I am in love with her," he continued. "I admire her as a good, rare person who has suffered much. I wish nothing from her, but I would very much like to help her, to relieve her----" Simonson's trembling voice surprised Nekhludoff. "To relieve her condition," continued Simonson. "If she does not wish to accept your help, let her accept mine. If she consented, I would ask permission to join her in prison. Four years is not an eternity. I would live near her, and perhaps lighten her fate----" His emotion again compelled him to stop. "What can I say?" said Nekhludoff. "I am glad that she has found such a protector." "That is just what I wanted to know," continued Simonson. "I wished to know whether you, loving her and seeking her good, could approve of her marrying me?" "Oh, yes," Nekhludoff answered, decisively. "It is all for her; all I wish is that that woman, who had suffered so much, should have some rest," said Simonson, with a childlike gentleness that no one would expect from a man of such gloomy aspect. Simonson rose, took Nekhludoff's hand, smiled bashfully and embraced him. "Well, I will so tell her," he said, and left the room. CHAPTER VII. "What do you think of him?" said Maria Pablovna. "In love, and earnestly in love! I never thought that Vladimir Simonson could fall in love in such a very stupid, childish fashion. It is remarkable, and to tell the truth, sad," she concluded, sighing. "But Katia? How do you think she will take it?" asked Nekhludoff.