"Of course he has done it to annoy us.

I suppose these are they." And she rose and approached the lads, who were standing by the door.

"Why, they are boys," she said in surprise, "and will do for playfellows for you, Olga.

Poor little fellows, how cruel to send such boys to fight!" Then she came up to the boys and bade them welcome with an air of kindness which they both felt.
"Katinka," she said, turning to her eldest daughter, "you speak French, and perhaps they do also.

Assure them that we will do our best to make them comfortable.