"Don't be frightened, don't be frightened,"--Vasíly kept repeating:--"rely on me; I will not forsake thee ... I will arrange everything ... trust in me." The poor woman gazed at him with love ... yes, with love, and with profound, though hopeless devotion. "I will arrange everything, everything,"--said Vasíly to her at parting ... and for the last time kissed her ice-cold hands. Olga Ivánovna had just risen from her bed on the following morning, when her door opened ... and Anna Pávlovna made her appearance on the threshold. She was supported by Vasíly. Silently she made her way to an arm-chair, and silently seated herself. Vasíly stood beside her. He seemed composed; his brows were contracted, and his lips were slightly parted. Anna Pávlovna, pale, indignant, wrathful, tried to speak, but her voice failed her. Olga Ivánovna with terror, took in, in a single glance, her benefactress and her lover; she felt a frightful sinking at the heart ... with a shriek she fell down on her knees in the middle of the room and covered her face with her hands.... "So it is true ... it is true?" whispered Anna Pávlovna, and bent toward her.... "Answer!"--she went on harshly, seizing Olga by the arm. "Mamma!" rang out Vasíly's brazen voice,--"you promised me not to insult her." "I won't ... come, confess .... confess ... is it true? Is it true?" "Mamma ... remember!..." said Vasíly, slowly. That one word shook Anna Pávlovna violently. She leaned against the back of her chair, and fell to sobbing. Olga Ivánovna softly raised her head and attempted to fling herself at the old woman's feet, but Vasíly restrained her, raised her up, and seated her in another arm-chair. Anna Pávlovna continued to weep and whisper incoherent words.... "Listen, mamma,"--began Vasíly. "Don't be so overwhelmed! This calamity can still be alleviated.... If Rogatchyóff ...." Olga Ivánovna shuddered and straightened herself up. "If Rogatchyóff,"--pursued Vasíly, with a significant glance at Olga Ivánovna,--"has imagined that he can with impunity disgrace an honourable family ...." Olga Ivánovna was terrified. "In my house,"--moaned Anna Pávlovna. "Calm yourself, mamma. He has taken advantage of her inexperience, of her youth, he .... did you wish to say something?"--he added, perceiving that Olga was trying to get at him. Olga Ivánovna fell back in her chair. "I shall go at once to Rogatchyóff. I shall force him to wed her this very day. Be assured, I shall not permit him to jeer at us...." "But ... Vasíly Ivánovitch ... you ..." whispered Olga. He stared long and coldly at her. She relapsed into silence. "Mamma, give me your word not to disturb her until my arrival. See--she is barely alive. Yes, and you require rest yourself. Trust to me: I answer for everything; in any case, await my return. I repeat to you--do not kill her, nor yourself--rely upon me." He walked to the door, and paused. "Mamma,"--he said: "come with me. Leave her alone, I beg of you."