Page:Pushkin - Russian Romance (King, 1875).djvu/189

Aleksèy replied that he had not taken notice of her.

"What a pity!" said Lisa.

"And why?" was his question.

"Because I wanted to know whether what they say is true."

"And what do they say?"

"Is what they say true, that I am like her?"

"What nonsense! Why, she is a perfect fright compared to thee."

"Oh, sir! what a shame to talk like that! Our young mistress is so fair, dresses so beautifully. How is it possible to compare me to her?"

Aleksèy swore that she was prettier than all the fair ladies put together; and, anxious to reassure her, he began to describe her mistress in such ridiculous colours that it made Lisa laugh heartily.

"But," said she, with a sigh, "however absurd our mistress may be, still I am an unlettered dunce compared to her."

"Oh!" said Aleksèy, "much there is to be unhappy about! Why, if thou wishest it, I will teach thee to read."

"Why should I not indeed try?" said Lisa.

"All right, my dear, let us begin at once."

They sat down. Aleksèy drew out his pocket-book and pencil, and Akulina learned the alphabet with surprising facility. Aleksèy could not sufficiently wonder at her aptness. The next morning she wished to learn to write. The pencil would not at first obey her, but in a few moments she formed her letters pretty fairly.