"I wouldn't tell you for anything how I shall please you—you'd better guess yourself."
The sisters ran away laughing. Their voices and laughter ceased directly they were in the house. Peredonov turned away from the gate; he was not quite satisfied. He thought: "They babbled something and then ran away." It would have been far better if they'd put it on paper. But he had already stood here waiting long enough.
"Well, are you satisfied?" asked Routilov. "Which one do you like best?"
Peredonov was lost in thought. Of course, he concluded at last, he ought to take the youngest. A young woman is always better than an older one.
"Bring Valeria here," he said decisively.
Routilov went into the house and Peredonov again entered the garden.
Liudmilla looked stealthily out of the window, trying to make out what they were saying, without any success. But suddenly there were sounds of someone approaching by the garden path. The sisters kept silent and sat there nervously. Routilov entered and announced:
"He's chosen Valeria, and he's waiting at the gate!"
The sisters grew noisy at once and began to laugh.
Valeria went slightly pale.