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I did not doubtmy father's character, I foresaw that my love would not be received by him favorably, and that in all probability he would treat it as one of my youthful follies This I avowed plainly to Marie, but nevertheless I resolved to write toon our ht it so touching and convincing that she did not doubt of success, and abandoned herself, with all the confidence of youth and love, to the feelings of her heart

I made peace with Alexis in the first days ofht to put you under arrest, but indeed you have been well punished without that Alexis is, by uard in the barn, and his sword 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 hiret for all that had happened, confessing that the fault was all his, and begged e, I pardoned hi both our quarrel and my wound In his calumny I no the irritation of wounded vanity and despised love I generously forgave my unfortunate rival As soon as co I awaited i 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 thes, and ere sure in advance of their consent

At last, one pleasant day Saveliitch came to my room, letter in hand The address ritten in rave, for usually my mother wroteI hesitated to break the seal I read again and again the solemn superscription: "To , Fortress of Belogorsk"

I tried to discover byhis 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: "MY SON PETER: We received the 15th of this month the letter in which you ask our paternal benediction and consent to your hter Not only have I no intention of giving either o to you and punish you for your childish follies, notwithstanding your officer's rank, because you have proved that you are not worthy to bear the shich was given you for the defense of your country, and not for the purpose of fighting a duel with a fool of your own stamp I shall write instantly to Andrew Karlovitch to transfer you froorsk to so of your wound your mother was taken ill, and is still confined to her bed What will become of you? I pray God to reforoodness Your father, AG"