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Lizaveta was of lower rank than her sister, unmarried and awfully

uncouth in appearance, remarkably tall with long feet that looked

as if they were bent outwards. She always wore battered goatskin

shoes, and was clean in her person. What the student expressed

most surprise and amusement about was the fact that Lizaveta was

continually with child.

"But you say she is hideous?" observed the officer.

"Yes, she is so dark-skinned and looks like a soldier dressed up,

but you know she is not at all hideous. She has such a

good-natured face and eyes. Strikingly so. And the proof of it is

that lots of people are attracted by her. She is such a soft,

gentle creature, ready to put up with anything, always willing,

willing to do anything. And her smile is really very sweet."

"You seem to find her attractive yourself," laughed the officer.