"This is my position: you can trample me in the mud, make me the laughing-stock of the world, I will not abandon her, and I will never utter a word of reproach to you," Alexey Alexandrovitch went on.

" My duty is clearly marked for me; I ought to be with her, and I will be.

If she wishes to see you, I will let you know, but now I suppose it would be better for you to go away.

" He got up, and sobs cut short his words.