had flayed my skin half off my back, even then the mountain would not have moved at my word or at my cry.
And at such a moment not only doubt might come over one but one might lose one’s reason from fear, so that one would not be able to think at all.
And, therefore, how should I be particularly to blame if not seeing my advantage or reward there or here, I should, at least, save my skin.
And so trusting fully in the grace of the Lord I should cherish the hope that I might be altogether forgiven.”
VIII
Over the Brandy
The controversy was over. But, strange to say, Fyodor Pavlovitch, who had been so gay, suddenly began frowning. He frowned and gulped brandy, and it was already a glass too much.
“Get along with you, Jesuits!” he cried to the servants. “Go