Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/52

 Rh forward his foot, saying: "Here, take my measure, and be quick about it."

Simeon thereupon cut a strip of paper ten inches long. He next wiped his hands upon his apron, so as not to soil his "high nobility's" stocking, and proceeded to take the measurement of the nobleman's foot. He succeeded in taking the sole and the instep, and then attempted to measure the calf of the leg, but found that the paper was not nearly long enough. The leg was as thick round as a log.

"Look here," said Simeon's august customer, "you must be careful not to make the boots tight there."

While the shoemaker went for a longer piece of paper, his customer spent the time in playing with his fingers and gazing at the people about him. As his eyes wandered round the room, his attention was attracted particularly to Michael, who sat in one corner by himself.

Turning to Simeon the nobleman said: "Who is this man you have with you?"