Marie listened with dignity; she felt as I did, but repeated that
without my parents' consent she would never be my wife. I could not
reply to this objection. I folded her to my heart, and my project
became our mutual resolve.

An hour after, the Corporal brought me my passport, having the scratch
which served as Pougatcheff's sign-manual, and told me that the Czar
awaited me. I found him ready for his journey. To this man--why not
tell the truth?--cruel and terrible to all but me, I was drawn by
strong sympathy. I wanted to snatch him from the horde of robbers,
whose chief he was; but the presence of Alexis and the crowd around
him prevented any expression of these feelings. Our parting was that
of friends. As the horses were moving, he leaned out of the kibitka
and said to me: "Adieu, again, your lordship; perhaps we may meet
once more."

We did meet again, but under what circumstances!

I returned to Father Garasim's, where our preparations were soon
completed. Our baggage was put into the Commandant's old equipage.
The horses were harnessed. Marie went, before setting off, to visit
once more the tomb in the church-yard, and soon returned, having wept
in silence over all that remained to her of her parents. Father
Garasim and Accoulina stood on the steps. Marie, Polacca, and I
sat in the interior of the kibitka. Saveliitch perched himself up
in front.

"Adieu, Marie, sweet little dove! Adieu, Peter, our handsome falcon!"
exclaimed the kind Accoulina.