Her
face clouded over and her cheeks fell in. The muscles of her neck
stretched noticeably as if her head had suddenly grown heavy; it
involuntarily dropped on her breast. The mother observed this.
The physician's reluctant assent forced a sigh from her.
"You all take care of me," the mother said, smiling. "You don't take
care of yourselves." And the wave of joy mounted higher and higher.
"It isn't true. We look out for ourselves. We ought to; and we
very much upbraid those who uselessly waste their power. Ye-es.
Now, this is the way you are to do. You will receive the speeches
at the station." He explained to her how the matter would be
arranged; then looking into her face, he said: "Well, I wish you
success. You're happy, aren't you?" And he walked away still
gloomy and dissatisfied. When the door closed behind him Liudmila
walked up to the mother, smiling quietly.
"You're a fine woman! I understand you." Taking her by the arm,
she again walked up and down the room. "I have a son, too. He's
already thirteen years old; but he lives with his father. My
husband is an assistant prosecuting attorney. Maybe he's already
prosecuting attorney.
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