Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/266

 and he kept wiping it. His master saw it, and says he: "What is it? What makes you weep?" And the coachman said: "How can I help weeping when I think of the dog?" (Laughs.)

. And, I suppose, he was all the time thinking: "I would not weep even if you gave up the ghost." (Laughs.)

(on the oven). That is correct! That is so!

. Very well. The master came home, and says he to the lady: "What a kind man our coachman is! He has been crying all the way home: he is so sorry for my dog. Call him in! Here, take some brandy! And here is a rouble as a reward!" And just so she carries on, because Yákov does not take care of her dog.

. As is properly!

. Well, I declare!

. O girl, you have given us some fun!

(pouring out more tea). Drink some more! And so, although you may think we are having a good time, it makes me sick to clean up all their nastiness. Pshaw! It is better in the village.

(filling them). Drink, and may it give you health! Efím Antónych! Let me pour you out another glass, Mítri Vlásevich!

. Well, fill it, fill it!

. Well, how does our affair originate, clever girl?

. All right, it is progressing—