The fact that this reflection was but one of millions of reflections, which as Mihailov knew for certain would be true, did not diminish for him the significance of Golenishtchev's remark.

His heart warmed to Golenishtchev for this remark, and from a state of depression he suddenly passed to ecstasy.

At once the whole of his picture lived before him in all the indescribable complexity of everything living.