"Do you think he goes to see her?" Okoya asked.
"It may be, and it may be not. Hayoue goes to every one; he is like a fly,—he sits down everywhere and stops nowhere."
Okoya enjoyed hugely his mother's joke. The latter with some hesitancy continued,—
"Does he also visit Mitsha Koitza?"
Okoya bent down to avoid her glance, then he resolutely replied,—
"No."
"Are you sure of it?"
"I am sure." He cast a furtive glance at his mother.
"Did Mitsha tell you?"
Not in the harsh tone of an inquisitor were these words uttered. Say spoke them softly, gently; and Okoya was comforted. He was moved by the question.