At this moment the door creaked
slightly
on its hinges.
Pushkin - Daughter of the Commandant
Chvabrine was a better swordsman than I was, but I was stronger and
bolder, and M. Beaupre, who had, among other things, been a soldier, had
given me some lessons in fencing, by which I had profited.
Chvabrine did not in the least expect to find in me such a dangerous
foeman. For a long while we could neither of us do the other any harm,
but at last, noticing that Chvabrine was getting tired, I vigorously
attacked him, and almost forced him backwards into the river.
Suddenly I heard my own name called in a loud voice. I quickly turned my
head, and saw Saveliitch running towards me down the path. At this
moment I felt a sharp prick in the chest, under the right shoulder, and
I fell senseless.
CHAPTER V.
LOVE.
When I came to myself I remained some time without understanding what
had befallen me, nor where I chanced to be. I was in bed in an
unfamiliar room, and I felt very weak indeed. Saveliitch was standing by
me, a light in his hand. Someone was unrolling with care the bandages
round my shoulder and chest. Little by little my ideas grew clearer. I
recollected my duel and guessed without any difficulty that I had been
wounded.
At this moment the door creaked slightly on its hinges.
"Well, how is he getting on? " whispered a voice which thrilled through
me.
"Always the same still," replied Saveliitch, sighing; "always
unconscious, as he has now been these four days. "
I wished to turn, but I had not strength to do so.
"Where am I? Who is there? " I said, with difficulty. Marya Ivanofna came
near to my bed and leaned gently over me.
"How do you feel? " she said to me.
"All right, thank God! " I replied in a weak voice. "It is you, Marya
Ivanofna; tell me--"
I could not finish. Saveliitch exclaimed, joy painted on his face--
"He is coming to himself! --he is coming to himself!
