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Updated: May 16, 2025
If not, I will. You've got a strong fist if you are a fool." Vassili did not reply, but watched the boat as it turned about and made toward the beach again. "You are right," he said finally. "Iakov will hear from me." "I don't like him. He smells too much of the village," said Serejka. In the distance, on the sea, was opening out the pink fan formed by the rays of the rising sun.
And they went back to the fishing grounds side by side. They walked slowly on account of the soft sand. Suddenly, as they were nearing the boats, Iakov stopped short and seized Malva by the arms. "Are you driving me desperate on purpose? Why do you play with me like this?" he demanded. "Leave me alone, I tell you," she said, calmly disengaging herself from his grasp.
"Why didn't you go to the headland to-day?" asked Iakov, suddenly. "What's that to you?" Iakov plucked a leaf and chewed it. "Listen," he said in a low tone and drawing near her. "Listen to what I'm going to say. I'm young and I love you." "You're a silly lad, very silly," said Malva, shaking her head. "I may be a fool," cried Iakov, passionately. "But I love you, I love you." "Be silent!
From behind a heap of barrels came the sound of voices. Iakov turned his steps in that direction. He thought he recognised Malva's voice, but when he arrived at the barrels he recoiled a step and stopped. In the shade, lying on his back, with his arms under his head, was Serejka. Near him were, on one side, Vassili and, on the other, Malva. Iakov thought to himself: "Why is father here.
Be silent, and I'll think, and then I'll talk." He began staring at Iakov, who gave way. Malva and Vassili walked for a few minutes in silence. Malva's eyes shone strangely. Vassili was gloomy and preoccupied. Their feet sank in the sand and they advanced slowly. "Vassili!" "What?" He turned and looked at her. "I made you quarrel with Iakov on purpose.
Vassili would have liked to look at Malva, but his son's rollicking eyes were upon him and he did not dare. The pride he felt at having a son so strong and handsome struggled in him with the embarrassment caused by the presence of Malva. He shuffled about and kept asking Iakov one question after another, often without waiting for a reply.
He was watching his father's movements, ready to ward off blows, peaceful outwardly, but steaming with perspiration. Between them was the table. "Perhaps I won't give you a good beating?" cried Vassili hoarsely, and bending his back like a cat about to make a spring. "Here we are equal," said Iakov, watching him warily. "You are a fisherman, I too. Why do you attack me like this?
Then Iakov told him that the horse was dead, that all the corn had been eaten before the beginning of February, and that he himself had been unable to find any work. Hay was also short, and the cow had almost perished from hunger. They had managed as best they could until April and then they decided that Iakov should join the father far away and work three months with him.
Serejka had told Iakov that his father was angry with him on account of Malva, and that he had threatened to beat Malva until she was half dead. He also said that was the reason she resisted Iakov's advances. This story had excited Iakov's resentment against his father. He now looked upon him as an obstacle in his road that he could neither remove nor get around.
Embarrassed by his son's smile, Vassili left the cabin hastily, Malva frowned and replied to Iakov: "What's that to you? Learn to mind your own business, my lad." Then she went out. Iakov turned over and went to sleep. Vassili had fixed three stakes in the sand, and with a piece of matting had rigged up a shelter from the sun. Then he lay down flat on his back and contemplated the sky.
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