“I don’t know⁠ ⁠… this is only today, once in her life.⁠ ⁠… She was so anxious to do honour, to celebrate the memory.⁠ ⁠… And she is very sensible⁠ ⁠… but just as you think and I shall be very, very⁠ ⁠… they will all be⁠ ⁠… and God will reward⁠ ⁠… and the orphans⁠ ⁠…”

Sonia burst into tears.

“Very well, then, keep it in mind; and now will you accept for the benefit of your relation the small sum that I am able to spare, from me personally. I am very anxious that my name should not be mentioned in connection with it. Here⁠ ⁠… having so to speak anxieties of my own, I cannot do more⁠ ⁠…”

And Pyotr Petrovitch held out to Sonia a ten-rouble note carefully unfolded. Sonia took it, flushed crimson, jumped up, muttered something and began taking leave. Pyotr Petrovitch accompanied her ceremoniously to the door. She got out of the room at last, agitated and distressed, and returned to Katerina Ivanovna, overwhelmed with confusion.