letters, sometimes joked, and sometimes, impressed by the solemnity of the moment, uttered words of deep wisdom. His diary, kept till four days before his death, ends with the words:
"Also my plan, fais ce que doit, adv[1] All is for the best, for others, and especially for myself."
During the last days he more than once repeated: "All is well . . . all is simple and well . . . well . . . yes, yes."
His death was so calm and peaceful that it actually had a tranquillising effect on those around him. After successive hours of heavy respiration, the breathing grew suddenly light and easy. A few minutes later this light breathing also ceased. There was an interval of absolute silence—no efforts, no struggle. Then two scarcely audible, deep, long-drawn sighs . . .
On November 22nd the body was conveyed to the Saseka railway station, where it was met by a group of relations and near friends and a large crowd—mostly peasants, students, and deputations from Moscow.
The imposing simplicity of the funeral made a touching and exalting impression. The chanting of the "De Profundis" by the many thousands following the rude coffin, which was borne by
- ↑ Fais ce que doit, advienne que pourra.
