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Updated: May 16, 2025
That is what they had written. Then they sold three sheep, bought flour and hay and Iakov had started. "How is that possible?" cried Vassali. "I sent you some money." "Your money didn't go far. We repaired the cottage, we had to marry sister off and I bought a plough. You know five years is a long time." "Hum," said Vassili, "wasn't it enough? What a tale of woe! Ah, there's my soup boiling over!"
If you did all I do, you'd be in all kinds of trouble." "Why do you always wish to frighten me?" he asked. "And you, why do you make eyes at me?" Iakov had no recollection of having looked at her more than at the other women on the fishing grounds, but now he said to her suddenly: "Because you are so appetizing." "If your father heard you, he'd give you an appetite!
Malva turned her green eyes from the father to the son and munched melon seeds between her small white teeth. Iakov smiled and for a few seconds, which were painful to Vassili, all three were silent. "I'll come back in a moment," said Vassili suddenly going towards the cabin. "Don't stay there in the sun, I'm going to fetch some water. We'll make some soup. I'll give you some fish soup, Iakov."
He tried, however, to appear absorbed in the meal so as to be able to watch Malva and Iakov at his ease. After awhile, when Iakov had eaten his fill he said he was sleepy. "Lie down here," said Vassili. "We'll wake you up." "I'm willing," said Iakov, sinking down on a coil of rope. "And what will you do?"
If Malva had not been present he would have told his son what he thought about it. Iakov was smart enough to leave the village on his own responsibility and without the father's permission, but he had not been able to get a living out of the soil. Vassili sighed as he stirred the soup, and as he watched the blue flames he thought of his son and Malva.
No, my lad, don't run after me, because I don't want to be between you and Vassili. You understand?" "What have I done?" asked Iakov. "I haven't touched you." "You daren't touch me," retorted Malva. There was such a contemptuous tone in her voice that he resented this. "So I dare not?" he replied, climbing up on the boat and seating himself at her side. "No, you dare not." "And if I touch you?"
"You're an odd fellow," said Iakov, "are you a priest?" "Imbecile question," replied Serejka. "Wasn't I servant to a priest at Ouglitch?" "I don't want to get married," said Iakov. "Give the money all the same, and I won't tell your father you're paying court to his queen," replied Serejka, passing his tongue over his dry and cracked lips.
The glowing orb was already emerging from the water. Amid the noise of the waves was heard from the boat the distant cry: "Draw in!" "Come, boys!" cried Serejka, to the other fishermen on the beach. "Let's pull together." "When you see Iakov tell him to come here to-morrow," said Vassili.
She looked up at Iakov and smiled. "Ah, there you are," he said, sitting down beside her. "Have you been looking for me long?" she asked, demurely. "Looking for you? What an idea?" replied Iakov, who was only just beginning to realize that it was the truth. "Do you know how to read?" she asked. "Yes I used to, but I've forgotten everything." "So have I."
Serejka appeared from behind a boat. He shook his fist at the couple, and said, threateningly: "So, that's how you go off together. Vassili shall know of this." "Go to the devil, all of you!" cried Malva. And she left them, disappearing among the boats. Iakov stood facing Serejka, and looked him square in the face.
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