Upon awaking, I called Saveliitch; instead of him, I saw before me Marie, whose gentle voice greeted me.  I seized her hand and bathed it with my tears.  Marie did not withdraw it, and suddenly I felt upon my cheek the impression, humid and delicious, of her lips!  A thrill shot through my whole being.

“Dear, good Marie, be my wife, and make me the happiest of men!”

“In the name of heaven be calm,” she said, withdrawing her hand, “your wound may reopen; for my sake be careful.”

She left the room.  I was in a daze.  I felt life returning.  “She will be mine!” I kept repeating, “she loves me!” I grew better, hour by hour.  The barber of the regiment dressed my wounds, for there was no other physician in the fortress, and thank God, he did not merely play the doctor.  Youth and nature completed the cure.

The Commandant’s whole family surrounded me with care.  Marie scarcely ever left me.  I need not say that I took the first favorable moment to continue my interrupted declaration.  This time Marie listened with more patience.  She frankly acknowledged her affection for me.  And added that her parents would be happy in her happiness; “but,” she continued, “think well of it?  Will there be no objection on the part of your family?”

I did not doubt my mother’s tenderness, but knowing my father’s character, I foresaw that my love would not be received by him favorably, and that in all probability he would treat it as one of my youthful follies.  This I avowed plainly to Marie, but nevertheless I resolved to write to my father as eloquently as possible, and ask his blessing on our marriage.  I showed the letter to Marie, who thought it so touching and convincing that she did not doubt of success, and abandoned herself, with all the confidence of youth and love, to the feelings of her heart.

I made peace with Alexis in the first days of my convalescence.  Ivan Mironoff said, reproaching me for the duel:  “You see, Peter, I ought to put you under arrest, but indeed you have been well punished without that.  Alexis is, by my orders, under guard in the barn, and his sword is under lock and key in Basilia’s keeping.”

I was too happy to harbor spite, so I entreated for Alexis, and the kind Commandant, with his wife’s permission, consented to set him at liberty.  Alexis came at once to see me.  He expressed regret for all that had happened, confessing that the fault was all his, and begged me to forget the past.  Being naturally incapable of revenge, I pardoned him, forgiving both our quarrel and my wound.  In his calumny I now saw the irritation of wounded vanity and despised love.  I generously forgave my unfortunate rival.  As soon as completely cured I returned to my lodging.  I awaited impatiently the reply to my letter, not daring to hope, yet trying to stifle all sad presentiments.  I had not yet had an explanation with Basilia and her husband, but my suit could not surprise them.  Neither Marie nor I had concealed our feelings, and we were sure in advance of their consent.