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 it over the infant boy, who turned his bright eyes towards him. Black eyes they were; and he kicked and poked with his little fists and legs in true baby-fashion under the gown.

In the mean time Naninka came back with the parcel. It was not large, but pretty heavy. The priest went to the lamp with it and scrutinized it carefully, especially the seal, which bore the impression of a lady’s ring, with the letters “J. K.”

Cvok’s hands trembled, his brow grew moist, his breathing short and laboured. Naninka never took her eyes off him, and was burning with curiosity. As he did not open the parcel quickly enough for her, she said, “Do you want a pair of scissors?”

Cvok did not answer her, but took a penknife out of his pocket, and began to rip the seam, which was firmly sewed. When he had ripped it, he opened the wrapper of new black oilcloth, and saw that the contents of the parcel were rolled up in another cover of finely embroidered white linen. He opened this too, and found on the top of the contents a large letter sealed with the same seal.

The moment Cvok read the address on the letter he fell helplessly on the chair near him, and dropped his head and arms. Naninka did not utter a word.