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Chapter 2

The Old Buffoon

T

HEY entered the room almost at the same moment that

the elder came in from his bedroom. There were already

in the cell, awaiting the elder, two monks of the hermit-

age, one the Father Librarian, and the other Father Paissy,

a very learned man, so they said, in delicate health, though

not old. There was also a tall young man, who looked about

two and twenty, standing in the corner throughout the in-

terview. He had a broad, fresh face, and clever, observant,

narrow brown eyes, and was wearing ordinary dress. He

was a divinity student, living under the protection of the

monastery. His expression was one of unquestioning, but

self-respecting, reverence. Being in a subordinate and de-

pendent position, and so not on an equality with the guests,

he did not greet them with a bow.

Father Zossima was accompanied by a novice, and by Aly-

osha. The two monks rose and greeted him with a very deep

bow, touching the ground with their fingers; then kissed his

hand. Blessing them, the elder replied with as deep a rever-

ence to them, and asked their blessing. The whole ceremony

was performed very seriously and with an appearance of