Anna Karenina - Part 5

"Vassily Lukitch, do you know what I prayed for tonight extra

besides 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 Vassily Lukitch 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 Seryozha,

laughing gaily.

When the candle was taken away, Seryozha heard and felt his

mother. She stood over him, and with loving eyes caressed him.

But then came windmills, a knife, everything began to be mixed

up, and he fell asleep.