Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/272



. I told you, we ought to have gone to the lodging. We should have paid a dime each, and would have had our peace; but God save us from what they are doing here. "Give me the money," says he. "What is this for?"

. He must have drunk a little too much. (The peasants turn over their cups, get up, and cross themselves.)

. Don't forget the words he has cast about sowing mint! You must understand this!

. Yes, sow mint! You try and bend your back, and you won't ask for any mint, I am sure! Thank you! Well, clever woman, where shall we lie down?

. One of you can lie down on the oven, and the other two on the benches.

. Christ save us! (Prays.)

. If God should give us the accomplishment of the affair (lying down), we could slide down on the train to-morrow, and on Tuesday we should be at home.

. Will you put out the light?

. Indeed not! They will be running in all the time now for one thing, now for another. Lie down, and I will turn down the light.

. How can one live on a small plot? I have been buying grain ever since Christmas. The oat straw is giving out, too. If I could, I should get four desyatínas, and would take Semén home.

. You have a family. You will have no trouble looking after the land, if you get it. If only the affair were accomplished.

. We must ask the Queen of Heaven. Maybe She will take pity on us.