Chapter 52

_The same and_ MÍTYA

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. What do you want, Mítya dear?

MÍTYA. [_Keeping back his tears_] I--I--Pelagéya Egórovna, for all your kindness, and for all your consideration--even though it may be I am not worth it--seeing that while I was an orphan--you never deserted me--and like a mother--I will be thankful to you all my life, and will always pray to God for you. [_Bows down to her feet._

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. But what are you doing, Mítya?

MÍTYA. I thank you for everything. And now good-by, Pelagéya Egórovna. [_Rises._

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Where are you going?

MÍTYA. I plan to go to my mother's.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Are you going for long?

MÍTYA. Yes, I asked the master for a vacation, and it's most likely that I'll stay there for good.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. But why do you wish to leave us, Mítya?

MÍTYA. [Hesitating] Why, I just!--You see--I've already decided.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. But when are you going?

MÍTYA. To-night. [_Is silent_] I thought to myself that I shouldn't see you before to-night, and so I came to say good-by.

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Very well, Mítya, if you are needed there--we won't keep you; God be with you! Good-by!

MÍTYA. [_Bows down to the feet of _PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA, _exchanges kisses with her and with_ ANNA IVÁNOVNA; _then bows again and waits_] Might I be allowed to say good-by to Lyubóv Gordéyevna? You see we have lived in the same house--maybe I shall die before I see her again!

PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Yes, you must, you must. Say good-by to her, of course! Annushka, go and fetch Lyubóv.

ANNA IVÁNOVNA. [_Shaking her head_] "One man leads her by one hand, another by the other, a third stands and sheds tears; he loved her, but did not get her."