He walked past an organ-grinder standing in the pouring rain. His instrument was covered by a sheet. He was playing ‘Castilliana’.
As he walked past, Sponer tossed him a coin, for the song stirred something in the depth of his soul. He had heard it before, only he no longer remembered when and where.
Then he saw Marie standing on a street corner.
For a moment he was overcome by a feeling of shame. But then he realized that he must overcome it.
When Marie noticed him, she came running towards him, almost tripping over in her excitement, and held out the envelope containing the money. Then, sobbing, she threw her arms around his neck.
He embraced her, and they stood there for a few moments without moving or speaking. A couple of people turned and glanced at them.
He stroked her hair.
“Thank you,” he said, and took the money. “But I don’t need it anymore. I’m not guilty.”
“What did you do then?” she sobbed.
He kissed her. “You probably won’t know what I’m talking about,” he said. “I was just on my way to you. I was Jack Mortimer.”
TRANSLATOR’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My thanks go to Jane Shuttleworth, the Dostoevsky expert, who read my translation, and Gerlinde Buchberger, who read the novel in the original; both of whom offered many kind words of support and encouragement; also to John Francis Moloney.
Last but not least, I wish to acknowledge my gratitude to the highly efficient and helpful Pushkin Press editorial team headed by Gesche Ipsen and supported by Bryan Karetnyk, but above all to the Publisher Adam Freudenheim who was a helpful and wise presence throughout.