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CHAPTER XXVI.
"At the station before the last, when the conductor came to take the
tickets, I took my baggage and went out on the car platform, and
the consciousness that the climax was near at hand only added to my
agitation. I was cold, my jaw trembled so that my teeth chattered.
Mechanically I left the station with the crowd, I took a tchik, and I
started. I looked at the few people passing in the streets and at the
dvorniks. I read the signs, without thinking of anything. After going
half a verst my feet began to feel cold, and I remembered that in the
car I had taken off my woollen socks, and had put them in my travelling
bag. Where had I put the bag? Was it with me? Yes, and the basket?
"I bethought myself that I had totally forgotten my baggage. I took out
my check, and then decided it was not worth while to return. I continued
on my way. In spite of all my efforts to remember, I cannot at this
moment make out why I was in such a hurry. I know only that I was
conscious that a serious and menacing event was approaching in my life.
It was a case of real auto-suggestion. Was it so serious because I
thought it so? Or had I a presentiment? I do not know. Perhaps, too,
after what has happened, all previous events have taken on a lugubrious
tint in my memory.
"
I arrived at the steps. It was an hour past midnight. A few isvotchiks
were before the door, awaiting customers, attracted by the lighted
windows (the lighted windows were those of our parlor and reception
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