Book 1 Chapter 43 Nekhludoff Visits Maslova

"God is my witness; I know nothing," screamed a prisoner from the
other side.

Noticing his excitement, Maslova recognised him.

"You're like . . . but no; I don't know you," she shouted,
without looking at him, and blushing, while her face grew still
more stern.

"I have come to ask you to forgive me," he said, in a loud but
monotonous voice, like a lesson learnt by heart. Having said
these words he became confused; but immediately came the thought
that, if he felt ashamed, it was all the better; he had to bear
this shame, and he continued in a loud voice: "Forgive me; I have wronged you terribly."

She stood motionless and without taking her squinting eyes off
him.

He could not continue to speak, and stepping away from the net he
tried to suppress the sobs that were choking him.

The inspector, the same officer who had directed Nekhludoff to
the women's ward, and whose interest he seemed to have aroused,
came into the room, and, seeing Nekhludoff not at the net, asked
him why he was not talking to her whom he wanted to see.
Nekhludoff blew his nose, gave himself a shake, and, trying to
appear calm, said: "It's so inconvenient through these nets; nothing can be heard."

Again the inspector considered for a moment.

"Ah, well, she can be brought out here for awhile. Mary
Karlovna," turning to the warder, "lead Maslova out."

A minute later Maslova came out of the side door. Stepping
softly, she came up close to Nekhludoff, stopped, and looked up
at him from under her brows. Her black hair was arranged in
ringlets over her forehead in the same way as it had been two
days ago; her face, though unhealthy and puffy, was attractive,
and looked perfectly calm, only the glittering black eyes glanced
strangely from under the swollen lids.