SCHOOL DAYS IN RUSSIA 3 



the initials H. L., signifying Hirsch Loeb, the names 

 formally given him by his parents. 



Grisha was one of the first recommended for the free 

 scholarships which the gymnasium was offering to 

 the best pupils of the different schools. The scholar- 

 ship consisted of free tuition and free books. It meant 

 that he would have -to be supported, but though the 

 family had to battle with great hardships, it was de- 

 cided that Grisha should continue his studies. 



From the first year to -the very last Grisha was at 

 the head of his classes. But the gold medal which 

 was rightfully his he forfeited. It happened in this 

 way: During the last year at the Gymnasium one of 

 the teachers, who was greatly admired by the pupils, 

 was dismissed for expressing a little more liberalism 

 than was wanted. The pupils refused to return to the 

 classroom unless -this teacher was reinstated. As a 

 result of his participation in this protest my husband 

 lost the right to the gold medal. 



By the time he was ten he had begun to earn his 

 living as a teacher, coaching the more prosperous class- 

 mates, and preparing others for their entrance ex- 

 aminations. To be sure, the pay was a mere pittance, 

 but he was the pride of the family and the talk of the 

 town for earning it at so early an age. Money, how- 

 ever, did not mean much to him. He was exceedingly 

 kind-hearted, and he was always giving lessons gratis 

 to his less fortunate friends, especially during examina- 

 tion time. 



