Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/293



. How can one deny the supernatural? They say that it does not agree with reason. But there may be a stupid reason, then what? Now, on Sadováya Street,—have you heard about it?—there was an apparition which came every night. The brother of my husband, what do you call him?—not beau frère, but in Russian,—oh, I never can remember those Russian family relations,—well, he went there three nights in succession, and could not see anything, so I said—

. So, who will stay?

. I, I!

. I!

(to Doctor). And you, too, will stay?

. I want to see at least once what it is Aleksyéy Vladímirovich finds here. I can't deny without having had any proofs.

. And so you want me by all means to take them to-night?

. Take whom? Oh, the pills! Yes, take them, if you please! Yes, yes, take them—I will call again.

. If you please. (Aloud.) When you get through, messieurs et mesdames, please come to my apartment to rest from your emotion, and to finish the game of cards.

. By all means.

. Yes, yes! (Anna Pávlovna exit.)

(to Petríshchev). I tell you, stay. I promise you unusual things. Will you wager?

. Do you believe in it?