Page:Complete Works of Count Tolstoy - 18.djvu/303

. He took me by my hair!

(in a whisper). Don't be afraid! It will not hurt! Give him your hand! The hand is generally cold, but I like it.

(hiding her hands). Not for the world!

. Yes, it is strange, it is strange.

. He is here and wants to communicate. Who wants to ask any question?

. Please let me ask?—Do I believe, or not? (Tánya raps twice.)

. An affirmative answer.

. Allow me to ask again. Have I a ten-rouble bill in my pocket?

. Ah! (Catches the thread and breaks it off.)

. I should like those present not to put any indefinite or jocular remarks. He does not like it.

. Excuse me, but I have a thread in my hand.

. A thread? Keep it! That frequently happens. Not only threads, but silk cords, very antique cords, too.

. Still, where does the thread come from?

(Tánya throws a cushion at him.)

. Excuse me, excuse me! Something soft has struck my head. Let us have some light. There is something here—

. We beg you not to interfere with the manifestations.

. For the Lord's sake, don't interfere! I want to ask something. May I?

. You may, you may. Ask him!