Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/70



woman and the children took their departure. When they had gone Michael arose from the bench. Putting his work aside and taking off his apron, he turned and bowed very low to Simeon and his wife, saying:

"I know, my friends, that you will forgive as God has already forgiven me."

As Michael spoke a bright light enveloped him.

Simeon arose and, bowing low before this strange being, said:

"I see, Michael, that you are no ordinary man, and I would not dare to question you or detain you longer under my roof. Only be pleased to tell me one thing: Why were you so despondent when I first found you and brought you home with me? When my wife gave you