“God, can that too be false?” I thought as I wept. “In truth, perhaps, I am more than all others responsible for all, a greater sinner than all men in the world.” And all at once the whole truth in its full light appeared to me; what was I going to do? I was going to kill a good, clever, noble man, who had done me no wrong, and by depriving his wife of happiness for the rest of her life, I should be torturing and killing her too. I lay thus in my bed with my face in the pillow, heedless how the time was passing. Suddenly my second, the ensign, came in with the pistols to fetch me. “Ah,” said he, “it’s a good thing you are up already, it’s time we were off, come along!” I did not know what to do and hurried to and fro undecided; we went out to the carriage, however. “Wait here a minute,” I said to him. “I’ll be back directly, I have forgotten my purse.” And I ran back alone, to Afanasy’s little room. “Afanasy,” I said, “I gave you two blows on the face yesterday, forgive me,” I said. He started as though he were frightened, and looked at me; and I saw that it was not enough, and on the spot, in my full officer’s uniform, I dropped at his feet and bowed my head to the ground. “Forgive me,” I said. Then he was completely aghast. “Your honor ... sir, what are you doing? Am I worth it?” And he burst out crying as I had done before, hid this face in his hands, turned to the window and shook all over with his sobs. I flew out to my comrade and jumped into the carriage. “Ready,” I cried. “Have you ever seen a conqueror?” I asked him. “Here is one before you.” I was in ecstasy, laughing and talking all the way, I don’t remember what about. He looked at me. “Well, brother, you are a plucky fellow, you’ll keep up the honor of the uniform, I can see.” So we reached the place and found them there, waiting us. We were placed twelve paces apart; he had the first shot. I stood gayly, looking him full in the face; I did not twitch an eyelash, I looked lovingly at him, for I knew what I would do. His shot just grazed my cheek and ear. “Thank God,” I cried, “no man has been killed,” and I seized my pistol, turned back and flung it far away into the wood. “That’s the place for you,” I cried. I turned to my adversary. “Forgive me, young fool that I am, sir,” I said, “for my unprovoked insult to you and for forcing you to fire at me. I am ten times worse than you and more, maybe. Tell that to the person whom you hold dearest in the world.” I had no sooner said this than they all three shouted at me. “Upon my word,” cried my adversary, annoyed, “if you did not want to fight, why did not you let me alone?” “Yesterday I was a fool, to-day I know better,” I answered him gayly. “As to yesterday, I believe you, but as for to-day, it is difficult to agree with your opinion,” said he. “Bravo,” I cried, clapping my hands. “I agree with you there too. I have deserved it!” “Will you shoot, sir, or not?”