14. The Object—And Afterwards

Maroussia rested as one rests on the sharp edge of a perpendicular rock whose base plunges into the sea; one sleeps, but at the same time, one feels that an abyss is nigh and hears its threatening sound. One dreams of many things, but has the vague consciousness that one may disappear in this vast ocean like a drop of water.

Sometimes a smile trembled on her lips, she saw again in her dreams her parents’ house, the orchard of cherry-trees so fragrant, her little brothers, all the dear faces; but very soon all disappeared as in a mist. Her past life so calm and joyous moved to the background. In the front arose, in characters of fire, new pictures, terrible or grotesque figures which she had known but a little time, but to whom belonged all her future.

Suddenly she awoke, raised herself a little on her improvised bed, and looked with all her eyes.

They were not asleep.

Tchetchevik was still seated, leaning with his elbows on the table, and his eyes were like very stars, which shone in a calm, equal, resplendent manner.

The great Ataman was standing in the middle of the room. It could be seen that he had jumped from his seat in a moment of grieved indignation, and stood as if the violence of a blow, aimed very accurately, had petrified him.

Finally, he spoke:

“Ah! That is what you want! But the remedy will be worse than the disease. I know well that I have thrown myself into the water without searching for the place of the ford, but no more than I, will you reach the shore with the other. Our country without defenses, without forces, without union, without councils, is but a house open to all winds, and our neighbors are very foolish to fight with us, they can obtain everything from our own discords.”

“Our discords? What is the principal cause of them, if it is not this government with two heads?” Tchetchevik answered coldly.

“We must establish unity in affairs. There is no hope, no safety, but in union.”