Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/55



some further conversation, Simeon turned to Michael and said:

"Well, we have taken the order; but I fear we have got ourselves into trouble. This is very expensive leather, and that nobleman is a hard customer to deal with. We will have to be careful not to make any mistake in the work; and, as your eyes are sharper than mine, you had better make the boots yourself. Here is the measure. Cut the leather and I will make the uppers for you."

Spreading the leather out upon the table, Michael doubled it, after which he seized his knife and began cutting.

While he was thus engaged, Matreona approached the table and was much surprised on seeing what he was doing. She was sufficiently