Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/103

. I have considered that it is impossible to oppose father's will, although I have no desire to marry.

. Refuse, and that's all.

. There was a fellow who did refuse, and so they gave him a walloping. I do not want that either: they say it is ticklish—

. Stop jesting. Listen, Nikíta: if you are going to take Marína for a wife, I do not know what I shall do to myself. I will take my life! I have sinned, and have violated the Law, but that cannot be remedied now. If you go away, I will do harm to myself—

. Why should I want to go away? I could have gone long ago, if I had wanted to. The other day Iván Seménych offered me a coachman's place. What a fine life that would be! But I did not go, for I considered that others like me. If you did not love me, that would be a different matter.

. Keep this in mind! The old man can't live long, and so, I think, we might be able to cover up our sin. I thought I might wed you, and you would be the master.

. What is the use saying this? What difference does it make to me? I work as though for myself. My master likes me, and, of course, my mistress loves me. But I can't help women's liking me,—that's all.

. Will you love me?

. (embracing her). Like this! You are deep in my heart—

. I have neither seen nor heard a thing. You have been disporting with the woman,—what of it? A calf, you know, likes to play, too. Why not? You