in his own words that tomorrow his mother, in time for his birthday, might leave off hiding herself and come to him.

`Vassilii Lukich, do you know what I prayed for tonight - extra beside the regular things?'

`That you might learn your lessons better?'

`No.'

`Toys?'

`No. You'll never guess. A splendid thing - but it's a secret. When it comes to pass I'll tell you. Can't you guess?'

`No, I can't guess. You tell me,' said Vassilii Lukich with a smile, which was rare with him. `Come, lie down, I'm putting out the candle.'

`Without the candle I can see better what I see and what I prayed for. There! I was almost telling the secret!' said Seriozha, laughing gaily.

When the candle was taken away, Seriozha heard his mother and felt her presence. She stood over him, and her loving gaze caressed him. But then came windmills - a penknife - everything became confused, and he fell asleep.