Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/43

 36 This unexpected reply silenced. the shoemaker's wife for a few moments, when Simeon continued:

"He seems to be a good fellow, though a little strange. He would not say anything about himself. It may be that he is unable to do so."

"Sim!"

"Eh?" repeated the shoemaker.

"We give to others," said Matreona, "and why is it that no one gives us anything?"

To this question Simeon could make no reply, but after remaining silent for a few moments he said: "Well, I think we have talked enough for to-night;" and, turning over, he went sound asleep.