The great majority of the prisoners believed that there lay a
mystic power in these gilt images, these vestments, candles,
cups, crosses, and this repetition of incomprehensible words,
"Jesu sweetest" and "have mercy"--a power through which might be
obtained much convenience in this and in the future life. Only a
few clearly saw the deception that was practised on the people
who adhered to this faith, and laughed at it in their hearts; but
the majority, having made several attempts to get the
conveniences they desired, by means of prayers, masses, and
candles, and not having got them (their prayers remaining
unanswered), were each of them convinced that their want of
success was accidental, and that this organisation, approved by
the educated and by archbishops, is very important and necessary,
if not for this, at any rate for the next life.
Maslova also believed in this way. She felt, like the rest, a
mixed sensation of piety and dulness. She stood at first in a
crowd behind a railing, so that she could see no one but her
companions; but when those to receive communion moved on, she
and Theodosia stepped to the front, and they saw the inspector,
and, behind him, standing among the warders, a little peasant,
with a very light beard and fair hair. This was Theodosia's
husband, and he was gazing with fixed eyes at his wife. During
the acathistus Maslova occupied herself in scrutinising him and
talking to Theodosia in whispers, and bowed and made the sign of
the cross only when every one else did.