"That looks more like business," said Liudmilla. "Here you are."
She stretched out her hand to Sasha. He took her long thin fingers, kissed them once and asked with a sly smile, without letting go of her hand:
"And you'll not cheat me, Liudmillotchka?"
"Do you think I'm dishonest!" answered Liudmilla. "You can kiss without suspicion."
Sasha bent over her hand and gave it quick kisses; he covered her hand with loud kisses, pressing his open lips against her hand, and feeling happy that he could kiss her so often. Liudmilla carefully counted the kisses. When she had counted ten, she said:
"It must be very awkward for you to stand and bend over."
"Well, I'll make myself more comfortable," said Sasha.
He went down on his knees and kissed her hand with renewed zeal.
Sasha loved sweets. He was pleased that Liudmilla had brought him some sweet things. For this he loved her still more tenderly.