stand, some old chains, six lamps, ten candle-sticks, four icons, and one Russian book. It was dark, and we turned our steps toward home. As we passed the samovar shop, the merchant waylaid us, and told Tom he could have the one he liked for twelve roubles. The offer was thankfully accepted.
I noticed that all of these merchants kept their accounts by means of a wire frame and colored balls, which they pushed up and down. I remember having one of these to play with at school, when I was a very little girl.
When we reached home, Grace announced that she was sure we had taken the plague, or some dreadful disease; and she was apprehensive all of the evening. Judith kissed me before we went to dinner, and I gave her a silver belt which I had just bought: so the reconciliation was complete.
To-day has been gray and dismal. Low spirits, and the sense that I was unfit for any one's company, drove me out of the house the moment I had swallowed luncheon. What a curse it is to be subject to fits of the blues!
I struggled along in the face of a piercing Siberian air,—not strong enough to be called a wind, but cold enough to put life into my limbs, though my heart felt as if frozen. My poor little maid trotted after me, trying to keep up with my hasty steps.
Up the Nevsky I took my way, and scarcely noticed
