"Anastasia turned as white as snow, and trembled in every limb; her
bosom felt oppressed as with a heavy stone, a sound as of hammering
was in her ears. She seemed to hear all the images, one after another,
sternly repeating her father's words. He continued--'It is a great
thing, this blessing. He who remembereth it not, or lightly esteemeth
it, from him shall the heavenly Father turn away his face, and shall
leave him for ever and ever. He shall be cast out from the kingdom of
heaven, and his portion shall be in hell. Keep well my solemn word.'

"Every accent of Obrazétz fell upon Anastasia's heart like a drop of
molten pitch. She seemed to be summoned before the dreadful
judgment-seat of Christ, to hear her father's curse, and her own
eternal doom. She could restrain herself no longer, and sobbed
bitterly; the light grew dim in her eyes; her feet began to totter.
Obrazétz heard her sobs, and interrupted his exhortation. 'Nástia,
Nástia! what aileth thee?' he enquired, with lively sympathy, of his
daughter, whom he tenderly loved. She had not strength to utter a
word, and fell into her brother's arms. Crossing himself, the boyárin
put back the image into its former place, and then hastened to
sprinkle his child with holy water which always stood ready in the
oratory. Anastasia revived, and when she saw herself surrounded by
her father and brother, in a dark, narrow, sepulchral place, she
uttered a wild cry, and turned her dim eyes around. 'My life, my
darling child, my dove! what aileth thee?' cried the father.
'Recollect thyself: thou art in the oratory. 'Tis plain some evil eye
hath struck thee. Pray to the Holy Virgin: she, the merciful one,
will save thee from danger.'

"The father and son bore her to the image of the Mother of God. Her
brother with difficulty raised her arm, and she, all trembling, made