Chapter 38: August 21st: My Dear and Kind Barbara Alexievna

August 21st: My Dear and Kind Barbara Alexievna August 21st. My dear and kind Barbara Alexievna—I feel that I am guilty, I feel that I have sinned against you. Yet also I feel, from what you say, that it is no use for me so to feel. Even before I had sinned I felt as I do now; but I gave way to despair, and the more so as I recognised my fault. Darling, I am not cruel or hard-hearted. To rend your little soul would be the act of a bloodthirsty tiger, whereas I have the heart of a sheep. …