“‘Well, that’s right. I dare say you have a good large family, Yermolai Grigorevitch?’
“‘Three sons and two daughters, Your Worship, and my eldest daughter’s husband has lived in our house these five years.’
“‘And I dare say there are some grandchildren by this time?’
“‘Indeed there are, Your Worship—a few of them too.’
“‘And thank God for it! He told us to increase and multiply. Well, you’ve come a long way, Yermolai Grigorevitch; will you drink a glass of brandy with me?’
“The visitor seems doubtful. The Judge fills the glass, saying:
“‘Come, come, friend—the holy fathers have not forbidden us the use of wine and oil on this day.’
“‘It is true that we are allowed it, but strong drink brings a man to all bad fortune.’ Thereupon he crosses himself, bows to his host, and drinks the dram.
“‘Now, with a family like that, Grigorevitch, you must find it hard to feed and clothe them all. One horse and one cow would never do for you—you would run short of milk for such a number.’
“‘One horse, bátyushka! That wouldn’t do at all. I’ve three, and I had a fourth, a roan, but it died in St. Peter’s Fast; it was bewitched; our carpenter Doroféi hates to see others prosper, and he has the evil eye.’