She sat down beside him, and took his head upon her lap. For a
long time he was silent, only shivering as if in fever.

"Father!" she finally whispered, "let me take you away!"

He sat up on the floor and looked around; but as his eyes
encountered the portrait, he gave a loud howl and covered his face
with his hands.

"She turns her head!" he cried. "Take her away,--she follows me
with her eyes! Paint her head black, and cover it up!"

With some difficulty he was borne to his bed, but he would not rest
until assured that his orders had been obeyed, and the painting
covered for the time with a coat of lamp-black. A low, prolonged
attack of fever followed, during which the presence of Helena was
indispensable to his comfort. She ventured to leave the room only
while he slept. He was like a child in her hands; and when she
commended his patience or his good resolutions, his face beamed
with joy and gratitude. He determined (in good faith, this
time) to enter a monastery and devote the rest of his life to pious
works.

But, even after his recovery, he was still too weak and dependent
on his children's attentions to carry out this resolution. He
banished from the castle all those of his poor relations who were
unable to drink vodki in moderation; he kept careful watch over his
serfs, and those who became intoxicated (unless they concealed the
fact in the stables and outhouses) were severely punished: all