Book 1 Chapter 25 Nekhludoff Consults an Advocate

His conversation with the president and the fresh air quieted
Nekhludoff a little. He now thought that the feelings experienced
by him had been exaggerated by the unusual surroundings in which
he had spent the whole of the morning, and by that wonderful and
startling coincidence. Still, it was absolutely necessary to take
some steps to lighten Maslova's fate, and to take them quickly.
"Yes, at once! It will be best to find out here in the court
where the advocate Fanarin or Mikishin lives." These were two
well-known advocates whom Nekhludoff called to mind. He returned
to the court, took off his overcoat, and went upstairs. In the
first corridor he met Fanarin himself. He stopped him, and told
him that he was just going to look him up on a matter of
business.

Fanarin knew Nekhludoff by sight and name, and said he would be
very glad to be of service to him.

"Though I am rather tired, still, if your business will not take
very long, perhaps you might tell me what it is now. Will you
step in here?" And he led Nekhludoff into a room, probably some
judge's cabinet. They sat down by the table.

"Well, and what is your business?"

"First of all, I must ask you to keep the business private. I do
not want it known that I take an interest in the affair."

"Oh, that of course. Well?"

"I was on the jury to-day, and we have condemned a woman to
Siberia, an innocent woman. This bothers me very much."
Nekhludoff, to his own surprise, blushed and became confused.
Fanarin glanced at him rapidly, and looked down again, listening.