Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/188

 across this beam. Then I would have made a good noose, would have climbed on the beam, and would have put my head into it. That is the life I lead.

. Stop talking that way! Christ protect you!

. You think I am jesting? Do you think I am drunk? No, I am not. can't get drunk to-day. Pining, pining is eating me up! I am completely undone, and nothing gives me pleasure. Oh, Marína, what a time we passed together, shortening the nights on the railroad!

. Nikíta, don't tear open old sores! I have accepted the Law, and you have, too. Don't stir up the past!

. What shall I do with my heart? Where shall I go?

. What shall you do? You have a wife of your own don't covet other women, but take care of your own! You loved Anísya before,—love her now!

. Oh, this Anísya is as bitter as wormwood to me, and she has enmeshed my feet like bad weeds.

. Still, she is your wife— What is the use of talking? Go to your guests, and send my husband to me!

. Oh, if you knew everything! What is the use of mentioning it?

(coming from the yard, red in his face and drunk). Marína! Wife! Old woman! Are you here?

. Here is your husband. He is calling you. Go!

. And what will you do?

. I? I will lie down here. (Lies down in the straw.)