Page:The Praises of Amida, 1907.djvu/118

But it was no longer the old Nehrodoff, but Nehrodoff risen from the dead. He turned a deaf ear to all their blandishments and refused to be tempted. It was a hard task that he had set before himself, and Cassia, for whom he was doing so much, did not make it easier. She still bore him a grudge for his cruelty in deserting her years before, and from time to time she would turn upon him with a flush of anger on her cheek, and words of contumely on her tongue. Poor Nehrodoff was but an ordinary man, and he winced under her treatment. He was impatient at times, cross, angry,—sometimes even the tears would rise to his eyes; but he always managed to recollect himself. He reminded himself that she had not always been a bad woman, and that her having fallen so low was due to himself. He would not therefore allow himself to lose his temper, he would do what he ought to do, and all would be well. So he went on quietly doing his best, and trying one plan after another; but, do what he would, he could not procure a pardon for Cassia.