Eh, rogues. Where have they hidden
themselves? Eh?"
And the sun shone cheerfully and playfully upon the old worn-out
body, which yet retained a youthful soul, and upon the old life,
that was adorning, according to its strength and abilities, the
life-path of two children.
Ignat used to go to the Exchange early in the morning and
sometimes stayed away until evening; in the evening he used to go
to the town council or visiting or elsewhere. Sometimes he
returned home intoxicated. At first Foma, on such occasions, ran
from him and hid himself, then he became accustomed to it, and
learned that his father was better when drunk than sober: he was
kinder and plainer and was somewhat comical. If it happened at
night, the boy was usually awakened by his trumpet-like voice:
"Anfisa! Dear sister! Let me in to my son; let me in to my successor!"
And auntie answered him in a crying and reproachful voice:
"Go on. You better go to sleep, you cursed devil! Drunk again, eh?
You are gray already?"
"Anfisa! May I see my son, with one eye?" Foma knew that Anfisa
would not let him in, and he again fell asleep in spite of the
noise of their voices.
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