Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/267

. Semén said—

(rapidly). He said?

. But I can't make him out.

. I can't tell you now, but I will try, I will. Here is your document! (Points to the document under her apron.) If just one thing goes right! (Squeaks.) Oh, how good it would be!

. Look out and don't lose the paper. It has cost us a little something.

. Have no fear! All you want is for him to sign it?

. What else? If he has signed it, let me say, that is the end of it! (Turns his cup upside down.) That will do.

(aside). He will sign it. You will see, he will. Drink some more! (Fills the glass.)

. You just fix the accomplishment of the sale of the land, and we will get you married at the Commune's expense. (Refuses the tea.)

(filling a glass and handing it). Drink!

. Do it, and we will get you married, and, let me say, we will dance at your wedding. Although I have never danced in all my life, I will then.

(laughing). I shall expect that. (Silence.)

(examining Tánya). All right, but you are not good for peasant work.

. Who, I? You think I am not strong enough? You ought to see me pull in the lady. Many a peasant could not pull her in that way.

. Where do you pull her in?

. It is made of bone, like a jacket, as high as this. It is laced with cords, and you have to pull it in, just as people spit in their hands and hitch up.

. That is, you pull in the girth?

. Yes, yes, I pull in the girth. But I dare not put my foot on her. (Laughing.)