'You could not get absolution from your sin if you were to pray all your life.'" "And did Mikhayeff make no reply ?" "He stood long enough to say: 'There should be peace on earth and good-will to men,' after which he resumed his ploughing and singing, the candle burning even more brightly than before." Simeonovitch had now ceased to ridicule, and, putting aside his guitar, his head dropped on his breast and he became lost in thought.

Presently he ordered the elder and cook to depart, after which Michael went behind a screen and threw himself upon the bed.

He was sighing and moaning, as if in great distress, when his wife came in and spoke kindly to him.

He refused to listen to her, exclaiming: "He has conquered me, and my end is near!" "Mishinka," said the woman, "arise and go to the moujiks in the field.
Let them go home, and everything will be all right.

Heretofore you have run far greater risks without any fear, but now you appear to be very much alarmed." "He has conquered me!" he repeated.