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another; but it is quite unusual for a man of position to kiss a
village priest who calls as a visitor--and it indicates great intimacy
or great emotion.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Is it possible that you have thrown it all up?
PRIEST. I could stand it no longer.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I did not expect it so soon.
PRIEST. But it was really impossible. In our calling we cannot be
indifferent. We have to hear confessions, and to administer the
Sacrament, and when once one has become convinced that it is all not
true ...
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, and what now?
PRIEST. Now I am going to the Bishop to be questioned. I am afraid he
will exile me to the Solovétsk Monastery. At one time I thought of
asking you to help me to escape abroad, but then I considered that it
would seem cowardly. Only, there is my wife!
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Where is she?
PRIEST. She has gone to her father's. My mother-in-law came and took our
boy away. That hurt me very much. I should much like ... [pauses,
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