And laughter would accompany him to his destruction.
Sometimes he was delirious under the pressure of this nightmare.

Certain meaningless and unconnected words burst from his lips; he even perspired from this painful struggle within him.

At times it occurred to him that he was going mad from intoxication, and that that was the reason why this terrible and gloomy picture was forcing itself into his mind.

With a great effort of will he brushed aside these pictures and excitements; but as soon as he was alone and not very drunk, he was again seized by his delirium and again grew faint under its weight.

And his thirst for freedom was growing more and more intense, torturing him by its force.
But tear himself away from the shackles of his wealth he could not.
Mayakin, who had Foma's full power of attorney to manage his affairs, acted now in such a way that Foma was bound to feel almost every day the burden of the obligations which rested upon him.