is under lock and key in Basilia's keeping."

I was too happy to harbor spite, so I entreated for Alexis, and the
kind Commandant, with his wife's permission, consented to set him at
liberty. Alexis came at once to see me. He expressed regret for all
that had happened, confessing that the fault was all his, and begged me
to forget the past. Being naturally incapable of revenge, I pardoned
him, forgiving both our quarrel and my wound. In his calumny I now
saw the irritation of wounded vanity and despised love. I generously
forgave my unfortunate rival. As soon as completely cured I returned
to my lodging. I awaited impatiently the reply to my letter, not
daring to hope, yet trying to stifle all sad presentiments. I had not
yet had an explanation with Basilia and her husband, but my suit could
not surprise them. Neither Marie nor I had concealed our feelings,
and we were sure in advance of their consent.

At last, one pleasant day Saveliitch came to my room, letter in hand.
The address was written in my father's hand. This sight prepared me
for something grave, for usually my mother wrote me, and he only added
a few lines at the end. Long I hesitated to break the seal. I read
again and again the solemn superscription:

"To my Son,
Peter Grineff,
Principality of Orenbourg,
Fortress of Belogorsk."

I tried to discover by my father's writing his mood of mind when he
wrote that letter. At last I broke that seal. I saw from the first
lines that our hopes were crushed! Here is the letter: