Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/112

 for yourself, but, behold, you have only burdened yourself with trouble. We, so to speak, think that it is better without considering God, but it is worse.

. Of course, we must think of God.

. It is really worse; but if everything is done according to the Law, according to God's way, it, so to speak, makes your heart glad. It, so to speak, was before me like a dream. And so I guessed, so to speak, that I had better get my son married, in order, so to speak, to save him from sin and so he will be at home, so to speak, according to the Law, while I will try, so to speak, to find something to do in town. It is a work of love, and it is proper. According to God's way, so to speak, it is better. And she is an orphan at that. For example, last year they took some wood from the clerk in just such a manner. They thought they would cheat him. And so they did, but God, so to speak, they did not cheat, well, and—

. Did you call me? (Sits down, and takes out his tobacco.)

(softly and reproachfully). Don't you know the proprieties? Your father sent for you, and you take out your tobacco, and seat yourself. Come here, and stand up!


 * (Nikita stands up near the table, leaning carelessly against it, and smiling.)

. There is, so to speak, Nikíta, a complaint against you.

. Who complains?

. Who? A girl, an orphan, so to speak, complains. There is a complaint against you, so to speak, from that same Marína.

(laughing). Marvellous! What kind of a com-