“Why? Why, are you afraid of her?”

“I am afraid of the thought that I shall be a slave, and so I will make
up my mind at once, if I am ever in a position to do so. I am afraid
of being an independent woman. I know what you mean; I see it all in
your face.”

“You know I am very afraid of that,” said Aglaya. “I know that all my life
has been a lie, but I know now it is a lie--that is my fear.”

“Oh, you are lying!” cried Ivan, in great astonishment.

“It is a lie,” he said, “it is a fabrication, and it is the truth,
but--and I don't know what to do--why is it that you are so frightened?”

“Why--you are not frightened?” said Aglaya, turning her head to
him.