Early in the morning Ivan entered Gilbert's room.The face of the poor serf was distressing to see.His eyes were red and swollen, and his features bloated.The bloody marks of his nails were visible on his face; forehead and cheeks were furrowed with them.
He informed Gilbert that towards noon Count Kostia would go out with Vladimir Paulitch and would be absent the rest of the day.
"He left me here to watch you and to render an account to him upon his return of all I should see and hear.I am not ugly;--but after what has passed, you would be foolish to expect the least favor from me.My eyes, ears, and tongue will do their duty.You must know, too, that the barine is in a very gloomy mood to-day.His lips are white, and he frequently passes his left hand over his forehead, a sure sign that a storm is raging within.""My dear Ivan," answered Gilbert, "I also shall be absent all day;so you see your task of watching will be easy."Ivan breathed a sigh of relief.It seemed as if a mountain had been taken from his breast.
"I see with pleasure," said he, "that you repent of your sin, and that you promise to be wiser in the future; ah, if my young master would only listen to reason, like you.""Your young master, as you call him, will be as rational as myself.
But do me the favor to tell me--"
"Oh! don't be alarmed; his fainting fit was not long.I had hardly got to him, when he opened his eyes and asked me if you were still alive.On hearing my answer he exclaimed: 'Ah! my God! how happy Iam! He lives and loves me!' Then he tried to rise, but was so weak that he fell back.I carried him to his bed and he said to me: 'Ivan, for four nights I have not closed my eyes,' and at these words he smiled and fell asleep, smiling, and he is asleep yet.""In order to be wise, Stephane must be occupied.She must work with her mind and her hands.Here, take this little white flower,"added he, handing him the one he had plucked the day before; "ask her, for me, to paint it in her herbarium to-day."And as Ivan examined the plant with an air of distrust, he added: