Страница 271 из 2288

He raised his head, and fell to dreaming. Old Laska, who had not

yet fully digested her delight at his return, and had run out

into the yard to bark, came back wagging her tail, and crept up

to him, bringing in the scent of fresh air, put her head under

his hand, and whined plaintively, asking to be stroked.

"There, who'd have thought it?" said Agafea Mihalovna. "The dog

now ... why, she understands that her master's come home, and

that he's low-spirited."

"Why low-spirited?"

"Do you suppose I don't see it, sir? It's high time I should know

the gentry. Why, I've grown up from a little thing with them.

It's nothing, sir, so long as there's health and a clear

conscience."

Levin looked intently at her, surprised at how well she knew his

thought.

"Shall I fetch you another cup?" said she, and taking his cup she

went out.