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CHAPTER III.
About half an hour had passed when the youngest child began to cry and
Akulina arose to feed it. She had by this time ceased to weep, and after
feeding the infant she again fell into her old position, with her face
buried in her hands. She was very pale, but this only increased her
beauty. After a time she raised her head, and staring at the burning
candle she began to question herself as to why she had married, and as
to the reason that the Czar required so many soldiers.
Presently she heard steps outside, and knew that her husband was
returning. She hurriedly wiped away the last traces of her tears as she
arose to let him pass into the centre of the room.
Polikey made his appearance with a look of triumph on his face, threw
his hat on the bed, and hastily removed his coat; but not a word did he
utter.
Akulina, unable to restrain her impatience, asked, "Well, what did she
want with you?"
"Pshaw!" he replied, "it is very well known that Polikushka is
considered the worst man in the village; but when it comes to business
of importance, who is selected then? Why, Polikushka, of course."
"
What kind of business?" Akulina timidly inquired.
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