Лев Толстой - Katia

“But tea is waiting,” he said, gently; and we went together to the drawing-room.

At the door I met Macha, and the nurse with Vania. I took the child in my arms, wrapped up the little bare feet, and, holding it close to my heart, barely touched its lips with a light kiss. Almost asleep as it was, it moved its little arms, stretched out the crumpled fingers, and opened its bewildered eyes, as if trying to find or remember something; all at once its eyes fell on me, a look of intelligence sparkled in them, and the pink pursed-up lips lengthened in a baby smile. “You are mine, mine!” thought I, with a delicious thrill running through me, and as I strained it to my heart I was half afraid of hurting it with my eager embrace. Over and over I kissed its cold little feet, its breast, its arms, and head with the scant covering of down. My husband came up to us, quickly drew the wrapping over the baby’s face, then, drawing it away again:

“Ivan Sergevitch!” he said with finger under the little chin.

But I, in my turn, covered up Ivan Sergevitch. No one should look at him so long, except myself. I glanced at my husband, his eyes laughed as they rested on mine, and it was long since I had met his with such happy joy.

This day ended my romance with my husband. The old love remained, and the dear remembrance of what could never come back to me; but a new love for my children and my children’s father, began another life and another way of happiness, up to this hour unending … for at last I know that in home, and in the pure joys of home will be found – real happiness!

Peasants attached to the household, and not to the soil.

Russian cart, consisting of a flat frame-work of bark, between four wheels.

This expression, peculiar to Russia, corresponds to what in Catholic countries is called: Making a preparatory retreat.

In the Greek Church the staroste acts as church-warden, collector of alms, etc.

Screen, upon which are the images.

Strong Russian phrase, to express great poverty.

Justice of the peace, of the district.

Diminutive of Nicolas.

Yvan.