Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/63

 56 ones," the woman said; "something suitable for spring wear."

"Very well, we will do that for you with pleasure," the shoemaker replied. "We have never before made shoes for children, yet I am sure we can do so. Do you wish the shoes made plain or with linings? Here, Michael, you know most about such work."

Simeon, on turning to Michael, saw that he had dropped his work and was looking earnestly and rather anxiously at the little girls. This action on the part of his assistant very much surprised the shoemaker.

The children were remarkably pretty, having large dark eyes and full round faces, in which a healthy color glowed. Their dress was rich and tasteful. Yet with all these attractions Simeon was very much puzzled to understand why Michael displayed such deep interest in them. He was looking at them as if they were old acquaintances.

The shoemaker, on seeing his faithful helper