Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/251



. My advice is for you not to interfere with him. If he wants it, and she wants it, may God help them! She is a good girl. Don't pay any attention to her being so dressed up! This is city style,—she can't help it! She is a clever girl.

. Well, if he wants her, let him! It is not I who will live with her, but he. Only she looks too clean. How can we take her to the hut? She won't even let her mother-in-law pat her.

. My friend, it does not depend upon the cleanliness, but on the character. If she has a good character, she will be submissive and respectful.

. I will take her if the lad has set his heart upon her. Of course, it is bad to live with one you do not love! I will take counsel with the old woman, and God aid them!

. Agreed?

. I suppose so.

. How it fortunes you, Zakhár: you have come for the accomplishment of business, and be-