Page:Pushkin - Russian Romance (King, 1875).djvu/249

 softly addressing the stranger, asked him whether he would be pleased to take some refreshment! Dounia's appearance produced its usual effect. The traveller's anger passed off; he consented to wait for the horses, and ordered supper. Upon taking off his wet rough cap, undoing his shawl, and throwing off his cloak, the traveller turned out to be a slight young Hussar, with a small black moustache. He made himself at home, and conversed gaily with the station-master and his daughter. Supper was served. Horses had in the meanwhile returned, and the station-master ordered their being put to without being even baited; but on re-entering the room, he found the young man on a form, almost insensible: he had suddenly felt faint, his head ached, and he could not possibly proceed on his journey. What was to be done? The station-master gave up his bed to him, and it was decided that the doctor at S * * * should be sent for, should the patient not feel better in the morning.

The next day the Hussar was worse. His servant rode off to the town for the doctor. Dounia bound his head with a handkerchief steeped in vinegar, and sat down at her work by his bedside. In the station-master's presence, the patient groaned and scarcely spoke; but he managed nevertheless to empty two cups of coffee, and, still groaning, to order his dinner. Dounia never left him. He was constantly calling for something to drink, and Dounia would hold up a mug of lemonade, which she had herself prepared. The patient would wet his lips, and whenever he returned the mug, his feeble hand pressed Dounia's in token of gratitude. The doctor