Free eBooks at Planet eBook.com 1flashed and her face became quite serious. She began speak-
ing quickly and nervously in a warm and resentful voice:
‘Why has he forgotten everything, then? He used to carry
me about when I was little. We used to play together. He
used to come to teach me to read, do you know. Two years
ago, when he went away, he said that he would never forget
me, that we were friends for ever, for ever, for ever! And now
he’s afraid of me all at once. Am I going to eat him? Why
doesn’t he want to come near me? Why doesn’t he talk? Why
won’t he come and see us? It’s not that you won’t let him. We
know that he goes everywhere. It’s not good manners for
me to invite him. He ought to have thought of it first, if he
hasn’t forgotten me. No, now he’s saving his soul! Why have
you put that long gown on him? If he runs he’ll fall.’
And suddenly she hid her face in her hand and went off
into irresistible, prolonged, nervous, inaudible laughter.
The elder listened to her with a smile, and blessed her ten-
derly. As she kissed his hand she suddenly pressed it to her
eyes and began crying.
‘Don’t be angry with me. I’m silly and good for nothing...
and perhaps Alyosha’s right, quite right, in not wanting to
come and see such a ridiculous girl.’
‘I will certainly send him,’ said the elder.