The Awakening | Page 8

an
unconscious awe of that mysterious creature, woman.
However, in favor of marrying Missy in particular (Korchagin's name
was Maria, but, as usual in families of the higher classes, she received a
nickname) there was, first, the fact that she came of good stock, and
was in everything, from her dress to her manner of speaking, walking
and laughing, distinguished not by any exceptional qualities, but by
"good breeding"--he knew no other expression for the quality which he
prized very highly. Second, she valued him above all other men, hence,
he thought she understood him. And this appreciation of him, that is,
acknowledging his high qualities, was proof to Nekhludoff of her
intelligence and correct judgment. Finally, against marrying Missy in
particular, was, first, the extreme probability of his finding a girl of
much better qualities than Missy, and, consequently, more worthy of
him; and, second, Missy was twenty-seven years old and had probably
loved other men before him. This thought tormented him. His pride
could not reconcile itself to the thought that she could love some one
else, even in the past. Of course, she could not be expected to know that
she would meet him, but the very thought that she could have loved
some one else before offended him.
So that there were as many reasons for as there were against marriage
in general and marrying Missy in particular. At all events the
arguments were equally strong on both sides, and Nekhludoff laughed
as he compared himself to the ass in the fable who, while deciding
which of the two bales of hay before him he should have his meal from,
starved himself.
"However, until I have heard from Maria Vasilieona, the wife of the
commander, and have done with her for good, I can do nothing," he
said to himself.
And the consciousness that he could and must defer his decision
pleased him.
"Ah, but I will consider it all later," he said to himself, as his cabriolet

silently approached the asphalt pavement of the court-house.
"And now I must do my duty to the community conscientiously, as I
always do, and think it one's duty to do. Besides, it is often interesting,"
he said, and went past the door-keeper into the vestibule of the court.

CHAPTER V.
There was great commotion in the corridors of the court when
Nekhludoff entered.
The attendants flitted to and fro breathlessly, delivering orders and
documents. Police captains, lawyers and clerks passed now one way,
now the other; complainants and defendants under bail leaned sadly
against the walls, or were sitting and waiting.
"Where is the Circuit Court?" asked Nekhludoff of one of the
attendants.
"Which one? There is a civil division and a criminal one."
"I am a juror."
"Criminal division. You should have said so. This way, to the right,
then turn to your left. The second door."
Nekhludoff went as directed.
At the door two men stood waiting. One was a tall, stout merchant, a
good-natured man, who had evidently partaken of some liquor and was
in very high spirits; the other was a clerk of Jewish extraction. They
were talking about the price of wool when Nekhludoff approached
them and asked if that was the jury's room.
"Here, sir, here. Are you also one of the jurymen?" mirthfully winking
his eyes, the good-natured merchant asked.

"Well, we will drudge together, I suppose," he continued in response to
Nekhludoff's affirmative answer. "My name is Baklashoff, merchant of
the second guild," he introduced himself, extending his soft, broad hand;
"we must do our duty. Whom have I the honor of addressing?"
Nekhludoff gave his name and passed into the jury-room.
In the small jury-room there were about ten men of every description.
They had just arrived; some were sitting, others walked about, eyeing,
and making each other's acquaintance. One was a retired officer in
uniform; others were in short coats, and but one in peasant garb.
Notwithstanding that they were all complaining that the jury duty was
burdensome, and was taking them away from their business, they all
seemed to be pleased with the consciousness of performing an
important civic duty.
The jurymen talked among themselves of the weather, of the premature
spring, of the business before them. Those who were not acquainted
with Nekhludoff hastened to become so, evidently considering it an
honor. And Nekhludoff, as was usual with him among strangers,
received it as his due. If he were asked why he considered himself
above the majority of people he would not be able to answer, as there
was nothing in his life transcending the commonplace. The fact that he
spoke English, French and German fluently; that his linen, clothing,
scarf and cuff-buttons were of superior make would not be sufficient
reason for assuming his superiority, as