sidered strange conduct in the provinces in
those days. He assured people he could not do otherwise, as he was
acquainted with so many generals and generals' wives. And my birthday
came, and Nastasa Nastasaitch appeared at our house and said, "I have
never yet given you anything, but see what I have brought you to-day."
And he took from his pocket an old-fashioned silver watch, with a rose
painted on the face, and a bronze chain.

I stood motionless with joy, and my aunt screamed out, "Kiss his hand,
kiss his hand, stu--, boy!"

I kissed my godfather's hand, but my aunt added, "Oh, Nastasa, why do
you spoil him so? What should he want of a watch? He will be sure to
lose it or break it."

My father came in, looked at the watch, and having thanked Nastasa
somewhat coolly, called him into his office. I heard my father say, as
if he were talking to himself, "If you hope to get off in that way--"
But I could not wait a moment longer: I stuck the watch in my pocket
and rushed off to show it to David.

III.

David took the watch, opened it and examined it carefully. He had
a great talent for mechanics: he could work in iron, copper and all
kinds of metals. He had got himself several kinds of tools, and he
could easily repair or make anew a screw, a key, and so on. David
turned the watch about in his hands, and muttered between his
teeth--he was not talkative--"Old--poor," and asked, "Where did you
get it?"

I told him my godfather gave it to me.

"Nastasa?"

"Yes, Nastasa Nastasaitch."

David set the watch down on the table and walked off without a word.

"You don't like it?" I asked.

"No: that's not it; but in your place I would not have taken any
present from Nastasa."

"Why not?"

"Because he is a contemptible creature, and I would not be under any
obligations to him, or have to thank him for anything if I could help
it. You kissed his hand, I suppose?"

"Yes: my aunt made me."

David smiled with a singular expression. That was his way. He never
laughed aloud: he considered it a sign of weakness. David's words and
his quiet smile pained me much. "He is blaming me in his heart," I
thought. "In his eyes I am contemptible. He would never have lowered
himself in that way: he would never accept a present from Nastasa. But
what shall I do now?"

To give back the watch was impossible.

I tried to talk it over with David and get his advice, but he answered
that he never gave any one advice, and tha