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opinion would have rendered further exposition of Metrov’s theories
superfluous. But later on, feeling convinced that they looked at the
matter so differently, that they could never understand one another, he
did not even oppose his statements, but simply listened. Although
what Metrov was saying was by now utterly devoid of interest for him,
he yet experienced a certain satisfaction in listening to him. It flattered
his vanity that such a learned man should explain his ideas to him so
eagerly, with such intensity and confidence in Levin’s understanding
of the subject, sometimes with a mere hint referring him to a whole
aspect of the subject. He put this down to his own credit, unaware that
Metrov, who had already discussed his theory over and over again with
all his intimate friends, talked of it with special eagerness to every new
person, and in general was eager to talk to anyone of any subject that
interested him, even if still obscure to himself.
“We are late though,” said Katavasov, looking at his watch directly
Metrov had finished his discourse.
“Yes, there’s a meeting of the Society of Amateurs today in com-
memoration of the jubilee of Svintitch,” said Katavasov in answer to
Levin’s inquiry. “Pyotr Ivanovitch and I were going. I’ve promised to
deliver an address on his labors in zoology. Come along with us, it’s
very interesting.”
“Yes, and indeed it’s time to start,” said Metrov. “Come with us,
and from there, if you care to, come to my place. I should very much like
to hear your work.”
“Oh, no! It’s no good yet, it’s unfinished. But I shall be very glad to
go to the meeting.”
“I say, friends, have you heard? He has handed in the separate
report,” Katavasov called from the other room, where he was putting on
his frock coat.
And a conversation sprang up upon the university question, which
was a very important event that winter in Moscow. Three old profes-
sors in the council had not accepted the opinion of the younger profes-
sors. The young ones had registered a separate resolution. This, in the
judgment of some people, was monstrous, in the judgment of others it
was the simplest and most just thing to do, and the professors were
split up into two parties.
One party, to which Katavasov belonged, saw in the opposite party
a scoundrelly betrayal and treachery, while the opposite party saw in
them childishness and lack of respect for the authorities. Levin, though
he did not belong to the university, had several times already during
his stay in Moscow heard and talked about this matter, and had his
own opinion on the subject. He took part in the conversation that was
continued in the street, as they all three walked to the buildings of the
old university.
The meeting had already begun. Round the cloth-covered table,
at which Katavasov and Metrov seated themselves, there were some
half-dozen persons, and one of these was bending close over a manu-
script, reading something aloud. Levin sat down in one of the empty
chairs that were standing round the table, and in a whisper asked a
student sitting near what was being read. The student, eyeing Levin
with displeasure, said:
“Biography.”
Though Levin was not interested in the biography, he could not
help listening, and learned some new and interesting facts about the
life of the distinguished man of science.
When the reader had finished, the chairman thanked him and
read some verses of the poet Ment sent him on the jubilee, and said a
few words by way of thanks to the poet. Then Katavasov in his loud,