He did not come in the dinner-hour, and I, sinner that I am, suspected that our whole conversation was not so important to him as it seemed to me, and that he did not want the books, and that, in general, I had attributed to him what was not in him. But he came in the evening, all perspiring from his work and from the walk. After finishing his work, he had ridden home, put up the plough, attended to his horse, and had now come a quarter of a mile to fetch the books. I was sitting, with some visitors, on a splendid veranda, looking out on to flower-beds with ornamental vases on flower-set mounds--in short, in luxurious surroundings such as one is always ashamed of when one enters into human relations with working people. I went out to him, and at once asked, "Have you not changed your mind? Will you really keep your promise?" And again, with the same kindly smile, he replied, "Of course!... I have already told mother. She's glad, and thanks you." I saw a bit of paper behind his ear. "You smoke?" "I do," he said, evidently expecting that I should begin persuading him to leave that off too. But I did not try to. He remained silent; and then, by some strange connection of thoughts (I think he saw the interest I felt in his life, and wished to tell me of the important event awaiting him in the autumn) he said: "But I did not tell you.... I am already betrothed...." And he smiled, looking questioningly into my eyes. "It's to be in the autumn!" "Really! That's a good thing! Where is she from?" He told me. "Has she a dowry?" "No; what dowry should she have? But she's a good girl." The idea came to me to put to him the question which always interests me when I come in contact with good young people of our day. "Tell me," said I, "and forgive my asking--but please tell the truth: either do not answer at all, or tell the whole truth...." He looked at me quietly and attentively. "Why should I not tell you?" "Have you ever sinned with a woman?" Without a moment's hesitation, he replied simply: "God preserve me! There's been nothing of the sort!" "That's good, very good!" said I. "I am glad for you." There was nothing more to say just then. "Well then, I will fetch you the books, and God's help be with you!" And we took leave of one another. Yes, what a splendid, fertile soil on which to sow, and what a dreadful sin it is to cast upon it the seeds of falsehood, violence, drunkenness and profligacy! OPEN ROAD PRESS, 3 AMEN CORNER, LONDON, E.C. The Free Age Press POPULAR PUBLICATIONS OF LEO TOLSTOY'S AND KINDRED WRITINGS The following are all by Leo Tolstoy SIXPENNY SERIES (postage 1d.) Also Cloth bound, 1s. net (postage 2d.), except those marked * What is Religion? What I Believe On Life The Kingdom of God is within You What Shall We Do?