Russia in 1839 -Empire of the Czar: A Journey Through Eternal Russia

THE HISTORY OF THELENEF.103

" They have all lost their senses; but, hush !"

" "Well, Mother Pacome," said Thelenef, casting a sinister glance upon the old woman, " your good-for-nothing son has returned to you ; his wife, I suppose, is satisfied; his return will рголе to you and all, that I do not wish him ill."

" I am glad of it, sir, we need your protection ; the prince is coming, and we do not know him."

" How ! What! —the prince our master ?" then checking himself, " doubtless," exclaimed Thelenef, much sm`prised, but not wishing to seem ignorant of what a peasant appeared to know, " doubtless I will protect you ; but he will not be here so soon as you think: the report of his coming is current every year at tins season."

" Pardon me, sir, he will be here shortly."

The steward longed to question the nurse more closely, but his dignity restrained him. Xenie saw his embarrassment, and came to his help.

" Tell me, nurse, how have you become so well acquainted with the intentions and movements of our lord the Prince ? "

" I learned it from Fedor. Oh, my son knows many other things besides. He is now a man — he is twenty-one years old, just a year older than you, my pretty lady. I would say, if I dare, for he is so handsome — I would say you are like each other."

" Hold thy tongue ! old doter ; how should my daughter resemble thy son ? "

" They have sucked the same milk, and even — but, no — when you are no longer our master I will tell you what I think of them."

" When I am no longer your master!" г 4