Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/150

Rh out him we were so lonesome. Of course he could not do much work on account of his old age; but as he is the head of the household we feel more contented when he is with us. But oh! you should just have seen how overjoyed was his son when he learned that his father had come back to us. 'Without him,' said he, 'is just the same as without a light.' Yes," the old woman concluded, "it is always lonesome without our dear old Elissey. We love him and ever have sympathy for him."

"Well," asked Euthymus, "is he at home at present?"

"Yes, my dear," she replied; "he is at work among the bees—gathering the swarms. He says that the swarming is unusually good this year. God has given such increase to the bees that it has no parallel within the old man's recollection. The Lord has blessed us abundantly, notwithstanding our sins. Come inside, my dear friend; for Elissey will be very happy to see you."