Page:Andreyev - A Dilemma (Brown, 1910).djvu/75

Rh that I had planned to crush it, and now that same head was telling how it would all end. It was telling and smiling, as without care. And yet there are people who believe in presentiments, and that death sends before it invisible heralds. What nonsense!

"One can't do much with this thing," said I. "It is altogether too light."

"So you think it's too light!" returned Alexis hotly, as he snatched the paper-weight from my hand and flourished it by its thin handle several times in the air. "Just try it!"

"Yes, I know. . ."

"No, take hold and see."

I smiled, as unwillingly I took the heavy object. Just then Tatiana Nikolayevna interfered. Pale, her teeth chattering, she said, or rather shrieked:

"Stop that, Alexis, stop that!"

"Why, Tanya? What is the matter with you?" said he in an astonished tone.

"Stop that! You know I don't like such jokes."