Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/100

 I to do, my dear? Father has come to take me away. He commands me to go home. "We want to marry you by all means," says he, "and have you stay at home."

. Well, get married. What is that to me?

. I declare! I was hoping to consult with you, and you tell me to get married! What is the matter? (Winking.) Or have you forgotten?

. Get married. What do I care?

. What are you snorting about? I declare! She won't let me pat her. What is the matter with you?

. As to your wishing to leave, go if you want to! I don't need you! That is what I have to say to you.

. Stop, Anísya. Did I say I wanted to forget you? Not on my life. I sha'n't leave you for anything. I was thinking like this: let them marry me, but I will come back to you. If they will only not keep me at home!

. You won't be of much use to me when you are married.

. But what am I to do, my dear? It is not possible to oppose father's will.

. You are putting it on your father, but it is your trick. You have been carrying on all the time with your sweetheart, Marína. It is she who has put you on to it. I see now why she came here the other day.

. Marína? What do I care for her? I can't help her sticking to me!

. Then why did your father come? You told him to. You have deceived me! (Weeping.)

. Anísya, do you believe in God, or not? I have not even dreamt of this. I have absolutely no knowledge of it. My dad thought it all out himself.

. If you did not want it yourself, could they catch you in a sling?