The Petty Demon by Fyodor Sologub Read Free Book Online Page A

only make mention of them because in our times the unlikely does happen.
     I even read in one newspaper that I was getting ready to write the second part of
The Petty Dimon
.
    I heard that supposedly Varvara succeeded in convincing someone that Peredonov had cause for acting as he had, that more than
     once Volodin had uttered shocking words and had revealed shocking intentions and that before his death he had said something
     incredibly impertinent that had prompted the fateful denouement. I have been told that Varvara interested Princess Volchanskaya
     with this story, and the Princess, who earlier had kept forgetting to put in a word on Peredonov’s behalf, apparently now
     was actively involved in his fate.
    My information is unclear and contradictory on the subject of what happened to Peredonov after he came out of the hospital.
     Some people have told me that Peredonov joined the police service, as Skuchaev had indeed advised him, and was a councillor
     in a provincial administration. He somehow distinguished himself in this post and was making a good career.
    From others I have heard that it was not Ardalyon Borisych who was serving with the police, but a different Peredonov, a relative
     of our Peredonov. Ardalyon Borisych himself had not succeeded in joining the police service, or had not wished to. He took
     up literary criticism. Those very characteristics that had distinguished him earlier were now evident in his articles.
    This latter rumor seems even less like the truth than the first.
    In any event, if I manage to receive specific information about the subsequent activities of Peredonov I shall pass it on
     in ample detail.

A UTHOR ’ S F OREWORD TO
THE S EVENTH E DITION
    T HE ATTENTIVE READERS of my novel
Smoke and Ashes
(the fourth part of
The Created Legend
) already know, of course, the path Ardalyon Borisych is now following.
    May 1913
    D IALOGUES
    (
To the seventh edition
)
    “My soul, why are you so dismayed?”
    “Because of the hatred that surrounds the name of the author of
The Petty Demon
. Many people who disagree in all else are agreed in this.”
    “Accept their spite and abuse in peace.”
    “But could it be that our work is not deserving of gratitude? Where does the hatred come from?”
    “This hatred can be likened to fear. You are too outspoken in arousing conscience, you are too frank.”
    “But is there really no benefit from my fidelity?”
    “You expect compliments. But this isn’t Paris here.”
    “Oh, indeed, it’s not Paris.”
    “You, my soul, are a true Parisienne, a child of European civilization. You’ve come in a fine dress and delicate sandals to
     a place where coarse peasant blouses and greased boots are worn. Don’t be surprised when at times a greased boot stamps rudely
     on your delicate foot. Its owner is a decent fellow.”
    “But so sullen. And so clumsy.”
    May 1913

The Petty Demon
    “
I wanted to burn her, the wicked witch
.”

I
    A FTER THE HOLIDAY MASS the parishioners headed home. Some lingered in the churchyard behind the white stone walls under the old lindens and maples
     and chatted. Everyone was attired in holiday dress, exchanging amiable looks, and it seemed as though people were living peacefully
     and harmoniously in this town. Eva happily. But it only seemed that way.
    Peredonov, a teacher at the gymnasium, stood in a circle of his friends, gazing sullenly at them with small swollen eyes from
     behind gold-framed spectacles, and said to them:
    “Princess Volchanskaya herself promised Varya, so it must be for certain. She said that as soon as Varya marries me then she
     will immediately take it upon herself to find me a position as an inspector.”
    “But how can you marry Varvara Dmitrievna?” asked the red-faced Falastov. “After all, she’s your first cousin! Has a new law
     been issued that allows marriage to first cousins?”
    Everyone burst into laughter. Peredonov’s ruddy and customarily indifferent, sleepy face grew