getting a sight of Insarov was vanishing. A little old beggar-woman
came into the chapel, shook herself, said with a curtsy: 'Out of the
rain, good lady,' and with many sighs and groans sat down on a ledge
near the well. Elena put her hand into her pocket; the old woman
noticed this action and a light came into her face, yellow and
wrinkled now, though once handsome. 'Thank you, dear gracious lady,'
she was beginning. There happened to be no purse in Elena's pocket,
but the old woman was still holding out her hand.

'I have no money, grannie,' said Elena, 'but here, take this, it will
be of use for something.'

She gave her her handkerchief.

'O-oh, my pretty lady,' said the beggar, 'what do you give your
handkerchief to me for? For a wedding-present to my grandchild when
she's married? God reward you for your goodness!'

A peal of thunder was heard.

'Lord Jesus Christ,' muttered the beggar-woman, and she crossed
herself three times. 'Why, haven't I seen you before,' she added after
a brief pause. 'Didn't you give me alms in Christ's name?'

Elena looked more attentively at the old woman and recognised her.

'Yes, grannie,' she answered, 'wasn't it you asked me why I was so
sorrowful?'

'Yes, darling, yes. I fancied I knew you. And I think you've a