Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/183



(returning, in a whisper). Christ be with you! What are you thinking about? How can it be alive? All its bones are crushed.

. Give me some more liquor! (Drinks.)

. Go, my son! You will now fall asleep, and all will pass.

(stands and listens). It is alive! I hear it cry. Don't you hear it? Listen!

(in a whisper). No, I don't.

. Mother dear! I have forfeited my life. What have you done with me? Where shall I go? (Runs out of the room. Matréna follows him.)

. Grandfather dear, they have killed it!

(angrily). Sleep, I say! Oh, may the frogs kick you! I will strike you with the bath broom! Sleep, I say!

. Grandfather, golden one! Somebody is taking me by the shoulder! Somebody is taking me with his big hands! Grandfather, truly I will go away from here. Grandfather, golden one, let me come to you on the oven! Let me come, for Christ's sake— He is taking hold of me— He is taking me— Ah! (Runs to the oven.)

. I declare, they have frightened the girl,—those sluts,—may the frogs kick them! Climb up!

(climbing on the oven). Don't go away!

. Where should I go? Climb up! O Lord, St. Nicholas Most Holy Virgin of Kazán!—How they have frightened the girl! (Covering her up.) Silly little girl! The sluts have frightened her, though,—pea-pie choke them!