Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/176

 Rh blasts, but without sufficient clothes to do so. Those which she wore were old and very shabby. They were also of thin material, and only fit for summer weather. Through the window Martin could hear the baby crying and the mother trying to quiet it; but her efforts were not successful. Martin arose and, going to the outer door, called out from the steps, saying: "My good woman! my good woman!"

On hearing a strange voice the woman with difficulty turned around, as the wind was blowing hard.

"Well," said Martin, "why are you standing in the cold with a babe in your arms? Come right into my room, where it is nice and warm, and where you can wrap the child up better. Here, come this way," he said, pointing to the door.

The woman looked greatly surprised, but, seeing a gentle, kindly-faced old man calling her, with his apron and eye-glasses on, she cheerfully followed him. They descended a few steps,