Page:Leskov - The Sentry and other Stories.djvu/88

 72 "Only dreams," answered Sergei.

"Why have these dreams never been before?"

"Many things have not been before. Formerly I could only look at you with my eyes and pine for you, and now behold! Your whole white body is mine."

Sergei caught Katerina Lvovna in his arms, swung her round in the air, and playfully threw her down on the thick carpet.

"Oh, I am quite giddy!" said Katerina Lvovna. "Serezha, come here and sit down next to me," she called to him tenderly as she stretched herself out luxuriously.

The young fellow bent down, got under the low branches of the apple tree, which were covered with white blossoms, and seated himself on the carpet at Katerina Lvovna's feet.

"So you pined for me, Serezha!"

"How could I not pine for you?"

"How did you pine for me? Tell me all about it."

"How can one explain it? Is it possible to explain how one pines away? I was melancholy!"

"Serezha, why did I not feel that you were dying for me? They say that can be felt."

Sergei remained silent.

"Why did you sing songs if you were longing for me? Why? I heard you, believe me, singing