“I have a commission for you,” said Tushin, handing him the letter.
Without betraying any sense of discomfort, or any sign of pain or rage Mark read it rapidly.
“Allow me to leave that question unanswered, and instead to ask you whether you have any answer to give,” said Tushin.
“I take it for granted, that, in accordance with her wish, you will leave her in peace in the future, that you will not remind her of your existence in any way, will not write to her, nor visit this place....”
“What business is it of yours?” asked Mark. “Are you her declared lover, that you make these demands?”
“One does not need to be her fiancé to execute a commission; it is sufficient to be a friend.”
“And if I do write, or do come here, what then?” cried Mark angrily.
“I cannot say how Vera Vassilievna would take it, but if she gives me another commission, I will undertake it,” said Tushin.
“You are an obedient friend,” observed Mark maliciously.
“Yes, I am her friend,” replied Tushin seriously. “I thought her wish would be law to you too. She is just beginning to recover from a serious illness.”
“What is the matter with her?” said Mark, gently for him. As he received no answer he went on, “Excuse my outburst, but you see my agitation.”
“Calmness is desirable for you too. Is there any answer to this letter?”
“I do not need your assistance for that. I will write.”
“She will not receive your letter. Her state of health necessitates quiet, which she cannot have if you force yourself on her. I tell you what was told me, and what I have seen for myself.”
“You see that she loves me. She has told you so.”
“She has not said so to me; indeed she never spoke of love. She gave me the letter I handed you, and asked me to make it clear that she did not wish, and was not indeed in a condition to see you or to receive any letter from you.”
“How ridiculous to make herself and other people suffer. If you are her friend you can relieve her of her misery, her illness, and her collapse of strength. The old lady has broken down the arbour, but she has not destroyed passion, and passion will break Vera. You say yourself she is ill.”
“I did not say that passion was the cause of her illness.”
“What can have made her ill?” asked Mark.