Page:Pushkin - Russian Romance (King, 1875).djvu/71

Rh him to confide to her a service report of a confidential nature. Upon receiving the general's letter, he very cleverly disposed of Vassilissa Yegorovna, by telling her that Father Gherassim had received astounding news from Orenburg, which he mysteriously kept to himself. Vassilissa Yegorovna immediately decided upon paying a visit to the priest's wife, and acting upon the advice of Ivan Kouzmitch, she took Masha with her, so that she might not feel dull if left alone.

Ivan Kouzmitch left to himself, immediately sent for us, having locked Paláshka up in the lumber-room to prevent her from eavesdropping.

Vassilissa Yegorovna returned home without having been able to gather anything from the priest's wife, and learned that Ivan Kouzmitch had held a council of war during her absence, Paláshka being in the meanwhile locked up. Guessing that her husband had deceived her, she commenced to question him. But Ivan Kouzmitch was prepared for the attack. He never lost his presence of mind, and replied to the queries of his inquisitive helpmate courageously.

"You see, my little mother, our women here have taken to light their stoves with straw, and as an accident may easily result, in consequence, I have given strict orders that they shall henceforth be prohibited from doing so, and that they should light their stoves with faggots and brushwood."

"Then why didst thou lock up Paláshka?" asked the commandant's wife. "For what offence did the poor girl have to sit in the lumber-room until our return?"