on get his
position--you remember how he always asked for hard work?"

Pavel understood, and gratefully nodded his head. "Why, of course I
remember!" he answered, with a cheery smile in his eyes.

"Very well!" the mother uttered in a satisfied tone, content with
herself and moved by his joy.

On parting with her he held her hand in a firm clasp.

"Thank you, mamma!" The joyous feeling of hearty nearness to him
mounted to her head like a strong drink. Powerless to answer in words,
she merely pressed his hand.

At home she found Sasha. The girl usually came to Nilovna on the days
when the mother had visited Pavel.

"Well, how is he?"

"He's well."

"Did you hand him the note?"

"Of course! I stuck it into his hands very cleverly."

"Did he read it?"

"On the spot? How could he?"

"Oh, yes; I forgot! Let us wait another week, one week longer. Do you
think he'll agree to it?"

"I don't know--I think he will," the mother deliberated. "Why
shouldn't he if he can do so without danger?"

Sasha shook her head.

"Do you know what the sick man is allowed to eat? He's asked for some
food."

"Anything at all. I'll get him something at once." The mother walked
into the kitchen, slowly followed by Sasha.

"Can I help you?"

"Thank you! Why should you?"

The mother bent at the oven to get a pot. The girl said in a low voice:

"Wait!"

Her face paled, her eyes opened sadly and her quivering lips whispered
hotly with an effort:

"I want to beg you--I know he will not agree--try to persuade him. He's
needed. Tell him he's essential, absolutely necessary for the
cause--tell him I fear he'll get sick. You see the date of the trial
hasn't been set yet, and six months have already passed--I beg of you!"

It was apparent that she spoke with difficulty. She stood up straight,
in a tense attitude, and looked aside. Her voice sounded uneven, like
the snapping of a taut string. Her eyelids drooping wearily, she bit
her lips, and the fingers of her compressed hand cracked.

The mother was ruffled by her outburst; but she understood it, and a
sad emotion took possession of her. Softly embracing Sasha, she
answered:

"My dear, he will never listen to anybody except himself--never!"

For a short while they were both silent in a close embrace. Then Sasha
carefully removed the mother's hands from her shoulders.

"Yes, you're right," she said in a tremble. "It's all stupidity and
nerves. One get