I often took a plate of soup to her from our kitchen.
There was nothing but rags left on her bed, when the policeman had taken the pillow.
The Czar always got his dues, no matter if it ruined a family.

There was a poor locksmith who owed the Czar three hundred rubles, because his brother had escaped from Russia before serving his term in the army.

There was no such fine for Gentiles, only for Jews; and the whole family was liable.

Now, the locksmith never could have so much money, and he had no valuables to pawn.

The police came and attached his household goods, everything he had, including his young bride's trousseau; and the sale of the goods brought thirty-five rubles.