Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/174

 Rh I wash your feet. He that wishes to be first shall be last, and a servant unto all the others.' Because I read in the holy book where he says, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they shall surely go to heaven.' He also says, 'Blessed are the kind, the generous.'

Old Stepanovitch became so interested in all that Martin said that he forgot to drink his tea. The old soldier was easily moved to tears, and as he sat listening to Martin they slowly trickled down his cheeks.

"Come, Stepanovitch, won't you have some more tea?" asked Martin.

But the old soldier's only reply was to make the sign of the cross, after which he turned his glass upside down, and, thanking his host, arose.

"Thank you again," he said to Martin; "you have been very kind tome. You have warmed my body and refreshed my soul."

The old man then took his departure.

Martin, after having drunk the rest of the tea, put the dishes on the shelf, and sitting by the