“No, she has no particular weakness. She is quite plump, and is only ‘nerastenic’ the doctors say. If you will only let me bring her this evening, Father Sergius, I’ll fly like a spirit to fetch her. Holy Father! Revive a parent’s heart, restore his line, save his afflicted daughter by your prayers!” And the merchant again threw himself on his knees and bending sideways, with his head resting on his clenched fists, remained stock still. Father Sergius again told him to get up, and thinking how heavy his activities were and how he went through with them patiently notwithstanding, he sighed heavily and after a few seconds of silence, said:

“Well, bring her this evening. I will pray for her, but now I am tired.⁠ ⁠…” and he closed his eyes. “I will send for you.”

The merchant went away, stepping on tiptoe, which only made his boots creak the louder, and Father Sergius remained alone.