BARGAMOT AND GARASKA
207
Garaska, in endeavouring to swallow, choked, and throwing down his spoon, dropped his head on the table, right on the greasy spot which he had just made. From his breast there escaped again that rough, piteous howl, which had before so disturbed Bargamot.
The children, who had almost left off taking any notice of the guest, dropped their spoons and joined their treble to his tenor. Bargamot looked at his wife with a troubled and woeful expression.
"Now, what's the matter with you, Garasim Andreich. Leave off," said she, trying to quiet the perturbed guest.
"By my father's name! Since I was born no one ever called me so!"
