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172 The Gospel in DostoyevskyThe Mysterious VisitorHe had long been an official in the town in a prominentposition; he was respected by all, rich, and with a reputation forbenevolence. He subscribed considerable sums to the almshouseand the orphan asylum; he was very charitable in secret too, afact which only became known after his death. He was a man ofabout fifty, almost stern in appearance and not much given toconversation. He had been married about ten years, and his wife,who was still young, had borne him three children. I was sittingalone in my room one evening when my door suddenly openedand this gentleman walked in.I must mention, by the way, that I was no longer living in myformer quarters. As soon as I resigned my commission, I tookrooms with an old lady, the widow of a government clerk. Mylandlady’s servant waited upon me, for I had moved into herrooms simply because on my return from the duel I had sentAfanasy back to the regiment, as I felt ashamed to look him inthe face after my last interview with him. So prone is the man ofthe world to be ashamed of any righteous action.“I have,” said my visitor, “with great interest listened to youspeaking in different houses the last few days, and I wanted atlast to make your personal acquaintance so as to talk to you moreintimately. Can you, dear sir, grant me this favor?”“I can, with the greatest pleasure, and I shall look upon it asan honor.” I said this, though I felt almost dismayed, so greatlywas I impressed from the first moment by the appearance of thisman. For though other people had listened to me with interestand attention, no one had come to me before with such a serious,stern, and concentrated expression. And now he had come to seeme in my rooms. He sat down.