Chapter 26

MÍTYA alone

MÍTYA. Oh, Lord, what misery! Everybody in the streets is having a holiday, and everybody in the houses too, and you have to sit between four walls! I am a stranger to all, no relations, no friends!--And then besides!--O well! I'd better get to work; perhaps this wretchedness will pass off. [_Seats himself at the desk and muses, then begins to sing_.

"Her beauty I cannot describe! Dark eyebrows, with languishing eyes."

Yes, with languishing eyes. And yesterday when she came from mass, in her sable coat, and her little handkerchief on her head, like this--ah!--I really think such beauty was never seen before! [_Muses, then sings_.

"Where, O where was this beauty born!"

My work all goes out of my head! I'm always thinking of her! My heart is tormented with sorrow. O misery most miserable!

_Covers his face with his hands and sits silent. Enter_ PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA, _dressed in winter clothes; she stops in the doorway._