Since Katiousha came to know her she saw that Maria Pablovna, everywhere and under all circumstances, never thought of herself, but was always occupied in helping some one else.  One of her present comrades, jesting, said of her that she had given herself up to the sport of charity.  And that was true.  Like a sportsman looking for game, her entire activity consisted in finding occasion for serving others.  And this sport became a habit with her, her life’s aim.  And she did it so naturally that all those that knew her ceased to appreciate it, and demanded it as by right.

When Maslova entered their ranks, Maria Pablovna felt a disgust and loathing for her.  Katiousha noticed it.  But she also noticed afterward that Maria Pablovna, making some effort, became particularly kind and gentle toward her.  The kindness and gentleness of such an uncommon person so affected Maslova that she gave herself up to her with her whole soul, unconsciously acquired her glance and involuntarily imitated her in everything.

They were also drawn together by that disgust which both felt toward physical love.  The one hated it, because she had experienced all the horror of it; the other, because not having experienced it, she looked upon it as something strange and at the same time disgusting and offensive to human dignity.

CHAPTER III.

The influence exerted by Maria Pablovna over Katiousha was due to the fact that Katiousha loved Maria Pablovna.  There was another influence—­that of Simonson, and that was due to the fact that Simonson loved Katiousha.

Simonson decided everything by the light of his reason, and having once decided upon a thing, he never swerved.  While yet a student he made up his mind that the wealth of his father, who was an officer of the Commissary Department, was dishonestly accumulated.  He then declared to him that his wealth ought to be returned to the people.  And when he was reprimanded he left the house and refused to avail himself of his father’s means.  Having come to the conclusion that all evil can be traced to the people’s ignorance, he joined the Democrats, on leaving the university, and obtaining the position of village teacher, he boldly preached before his pupils and the peasants that which he considered to be just, and denounced that which he considered unjust and false.

He was arrested and prosecuted.

During the trial he decided that the court had no right to judge him, and said so.  The judges disagreeing with him and proceeding with the trial, he concluded not to answer their questions and remained silent.  He was sentenced to exile in the Government of Archangel.  There he formulated a religious creed defining all his actions.  According to this religious teaching nothing in the world is dead, there is life in everything; all those things which we consider dead, inorganic, are but parts of a huge organic body which we cannot