more freely translated a "tramp." This type has come very much into
vogue since Gorky has put him into his stories.--Translator.]

Piotr fixed his eyes on Elisaveta. She replied calmly:

"I think you very unjust to him. He is a good man."

Every one was glad when dinner was ended. It was a provoking
conversation. Even the imperturbable Miss Harrison rose from her place
rather sooner than usual. Rameyev went to his own room to get his
hour's nap. The young people went into the garden. Misha and Elena ran
downhill to the river. They had a keen desire to run one after the
other and to laugh.

"Elisaveta!" called out Piotr.

His voice trembled nervously. Elisaveta paused. She now stood within
the deep shadow of an old linden. She looked questioningly at Piotr,
her graceful bare arms folded on her breast; suddenly her heart beat
faster. What a power of bewitchment was in those most lovable
arms--oh, why did not some sudden impulse of passion throw them upon
his shoulders!

"May I speak a few words to you, Elisaveta?" asked Piotr.

Elisaveta flushed a little, lowered her head, and said quietly:

"Let's sit down somewhere."

She walked along the path towards the small summer-house which looked