Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/162

. I tell you the truth, suitor: if it were not for me you would not get her in a lifetime. The Kormílins have sent to inquire about her, but I have stopped them. As to the money, I will tell you how it was: when the man was dying,—the kingdom of heaven be his,—he told the widow to take Nikíta to the house,—my son has told me so,—and the money was to go to Akulína. Another man would have made use of it, but Nikíta gives her every cent that belongs to her. Think what a sum it is!

. People say that there was more money left for her. My son is a shrewd one himself.

. Oh, my little white doves! A piece of bread looks big in other people's hands. She gets every cent that is coming to her. I tell you: stop all delay and clinch the bargain at once! The girl is as pretty as a beanstalk.

. That is so. My wife and I have been wondering why the girl has not come out? We thought she might be an ailing girl.

. Not at all. She is not a sickly girl. There is not another such a healthy woman in the whole country. She is so plump you can't pinch her. You saw her the other day. She is a great worker. It is true she is a little hard of hearing, but a worm bite does not hurt a good apple. She did not come out because she has had the evil eye upon her. Somebody has bewitched her. I know who the bitch is that has done it. They knew that the match-makers were to be at the house, so they bewitched her. I will take off the evil eye. To-morrow the girl will be up again. Have no doubts about the girl!

. All right,—the affair is settled.

. That's it. Don't back out again! And don't forget me! I have interceded for you, so don't forget me!