"Thank you, mamma!" The joyous feeling of hearty nearness to him
mounted to her head like a strong drink. Powerless to answer in
words, she merely pressed his hand.
At home she found Sasha. The girl usually came to Nilovna on the
days when the mother had visited Pavel.
"Well, how is he?"
"He's well."
"Did you hand him the note?"
"Of course! I stuck it into his hands very cleverly."
"Did he read it?"
"On the spot? How could he?"
"Oh, yes; I forgot! Let us wait another week, one week longer.
Do you think he'll agree to it?"
"I don't know--I think he will," the mother deliberated. "Why
shouldn't he if he can do so without danger?"
Sasha shook her head.
"Do you know what the sick man is allowed to eat? He's asked for
some food."
"Anything at all. I'll get him something at once." The mother
walked into the kitchen, slowly followed by Sasha.
"Can I help you?"
"Thank you! Why should you?"
The mother bent at the oven to get a pot. The girl said in a low
voice:
"Wait!"
Her face paled, her eyes opened sadly and her quivering lips
whispered hotly with an effort:
"I want to beg you--I know he will not agree--try to persuade him.
Pages:
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443