Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/231

. We were told that he was a military man, in the meritoriousness of the cavalry, for example.

. No. Being an only son, he is free from military service.

. He is left to take care of his parents, let us say. That is regular.

(shaking his head). Nice care he will take of them!

. O Lord!

. It is always that way. Really it is wonderful. At first they say that I have no occupation, and when I find an activity and am busy,―a serious society has been founded pursuing noble aims,—you begrudge me some paltry three hundred roubles!

. I told you I could not, and that is the end of it. I have none.

. But you have sold the land!

. In the first place, I have not sold it; and, above everything else, leave me in peace! You were told that I was busy. (Slams the door.)

. I told you this was not the time for it.

. I tell you this is a bad business for me, ah? I will go to mamma,—this will be my only salvation. He is raving with his spiritualism, and is forgetting everybody. (Goes up-stairs. Fédor Iványch sits down to read his paper.)