XXXIV + 

Mikhail has finished the song. For a time no one speaks. Then the agitated voices all ring out together, stirring the heavy silence of the woods. + 

Clear, girlish eyes are looking earnestly upon Mikhail Lvovich’s morose set face. A clear, girlish voice implores insistently and gently: + 

“Sing again, please. Be a dear. Sing it once more. I will make a note of the words. I want to know them by heart.” + 

Natasha approaches nearer and says quietly: + 

“We will all of us learn the words and sing them each day, like a prayer. We shall do it with a full heart.” + 

Mikhail Lvovich at last lifts his eyes. They are small, sparkling, shrewd. This time they have fixed themselves severely and inquisitively on Natasha’s face, which suddenly has become confused at this snakelike glance. + 

Mikhail Lvovich addresses her gruffly. + 

“It doesn’t require much bravery to sing on the quiet, in the woods. Anyone can do that.” + 

Natasha’s face becomes pale. Dark flames of unchildish determination kindle in her eyes. Excitedly she cries: + 

“We will learn the words, and we will sing them where they are wanted. My God, are we to depend upon words, and upon words alone? We are ready for deeds.” + 

Borya repeats after her: “We are ready. We shall do all that is necessary. Yes, even die if need be.” + 

Mikhail Lvovich says with a calm assurance: + 

“Yes, I know.” + 

In his eyes, fixed intently upon the ground, a dim, small flame is visible. + 