moment or two I am
annoyed to find that I cannot overhear the women's conversation. In
time, however, the dogs cease their uproar, for want of breath, and the
suppressed dialogue filters once more to my ears.

"Never forget, my dear, that a muzhik's life is a hard one. Yes, for us
plain folk life is hard. Hence, one ought to make nothing of things,
and let them come easy to one."

"Mother of God!"

"And particularly should a woman so face things; for upon her
everything depends. For one thing, let her take to herself, in place of
her mother, a husband or a sweetheart. Yes, try that, and see. And
though, at first, your husband may find fault with you, he will
afterwards take to boasting to other muzhiks that he has a wife who can
do everything, and remain ever as bright and loving as the month of
May. Never does she give in; never WOULD she give in--no, not if you
were to cut off her head!"

"Indeed?"

"Yes. And see if that will not come to be your opinion as much as mine."

Again, to my annoyance, the dialogue is interrupted--this time by the
sound of uncertain footsteps in the street without. Thus the next words
of the women's conversation escape me. Then I hear:

"Have you ever read 'The Vision of the Mother of God'?"

"N-no, I have not."

"Then you had better ask some older woman than myself to tell you about
it, for it is a good book to become acquainted with. Can you read?"

"No, I cannot. But tell me, yourself, what the vision was?"

"Listen, and I will do so."

From outside the window Konev's voice softly inquires:

"Is that our lot in there? Yes? Thank God, then, for I had nearly lost
my way after stirring up a lot of dogs, and being forced to use my
fists upon them. Here, you! Catch hold!"

With which, handing me a large watermelon, he clambers through the
window with a great clattering and disturbance.

"I have managed also to gee a good supply of bread," he continues.
"Perhaps you believe that I stole it? But no. Indeed, why should one
steal when one can beg-a game at which I am particularly an old hand,
seeing that always, on any occasion, I can make up to people? It
happened like this. When I went out I saw a fire glowing in a hut, and
folk seated at supper. And since, wherever many people are present, one
of them at least has a kind heart, I ate and drank my fill, and then
managed to make off with provender for you as well. Hi, you women!"

There follows no answer.

"I believe those