Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 9, 2025
'I'll fetch some tobacco, he said, meaning to escape, but Beletski seized his hand. 'I have some money, he said to him in French. 'One can't go away, one has to pay here, thought Olenin bitterly, vexed at his own awkwardness. 'Can't I really behave like Beletski? I ought not to have come, but once I am here I must not spoil their fun.
Maryanka, of course you'll come to Ustenka's? he added, turning to the girl. Olenin felt surprised that Beletski could address this woman so easily. But Maryanka, as though she had not heard him, bent her head, and throwing the spade across her shoulder went with her firm masculine tread towards the outhouse. 'She's shy, the wench is shy, Beletski called after her.
It seemed strange to think that he would be there in the same hut with Maryanka and perhaps might have to talk to her. It seemed to him impossible when he remembered her majestic bearing. But Beletski spoke of it as if it were all perfectly simple. 'Is it possible that Beletski will treat Maryanka in the same way? That is interesting, thought he. 'No, better not go.
Do come! said Beletski, without the least surprise. 'But isn't it a pretty picture? he added, pointing to the motley crowds. 'Yes, very! Olenin assented, trying to appear indifferent. 'Holidays of this kind, he added, 'always make me wonder why all these people should suddenly be contented and jolly.
Eroshka winked at Olenin, pointing to Beletski. 'Eh, he's a proud one that kunak of yours, he said. Beletski raised his glass. ALLAH BIRDY' he said, emptying it. 'Speaking of holidays! he said, turning to Olenin as he rose and looked out of the window, 'What sort of holiday is that! You should have seen them make merry in the old days! The women used to come out in their gold trimmed sarafans.
Olenin however did not himself go to see Beletski. Vanyusha for his part approved of Beletski, remarking that he was a real gentleman. Beletski at once adopted the customary life of a rich officer in a Cossack village.
The girls grabbed his sweetmeats from him, and, laughing, struggled for them among themselves. Beletski and Olenin stepped aside. Lukashka, as if ashamed of his generosity, took off his cap and wiping his forehead with his sleeve came up to Maryanka and Ustenka.
His weapons hung on the wall with a little rug behind them, and on the table were his toilet appliances and some portraits. A silk dressing-gown had been thrown on the bench. Beletski himself, clean and good-looking, lay on the bed in his underclothing, reading Les Trois Mousquetaires. He jumped up. 'There, you see how I have arranged things. Fine! Well, it's good that you have come.
Olenin noticed Maryanka among the group of girls, who without exception were all handsome, and he felt vexed and hurt that he met her in such vulgar and awkward circumstances. He felt stupid and awkward, and made up his mind to do what Beletski did.
She seemed to radiate virginal strength and health. All the girls were good-looking, but they themselves and Beletski, and the orderly when he brought in the spice-cakes, all involuntarily gazed at Maryanka, and anyone addressing the girls was sure to address her. She seemed a proud and happy queen among them. Olenin felt more and more uncomfortable.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking