“You see,” said Berg to his comrade, whom he called “friend” only because he knew that everyone has friends, “you see, I have considered it all, and should not marry if I had not thought it all out or if it were in any way unsuitable. But on the contrary, my papa and mamma are now provided for⁠—I have arranged that rent for them in the Baltic Provinces⁠—and I can live in Petersburg on my pay, and with her fortune and my good management we can get along nicely. I am not marrying for money⁠—I consider that dishonorable⁠—but a wife should bring her share and a husband his. I have my position in the service, she has connections and some means. In our times that is worth something, isn’t it? But above all, she is a handsome, estimable girl, and she loves me.⁠ ⁠…”

Berg blushed and smiled.