Lukáshka and Nazárka broke into the ring and started walking about among the girls. Lukáshka joined in the singing, taking seconds in his clear voice as he walked in the middle of the ring swinging his arms. “Well, come in, one of you!” he said. The other girls pushed Maryánka, but she would not enter the ring. The sound of shrill laughter, slaps, kisses, and whispers mingled with the singing.
As he went past Olénin, Lukáshka gave a friendly nod.
“Dmítri Andréich! Have you too come to have a look?” he said.
“Yes,” answered Olénin dryly.
Belétski stooped and whispered something into Ústenka’s ear. She had not time to reply till she came round again, when she said:
“All right, we’ll come.”
“And Maryánka too?”
Olénin stooped towards Maryánka. “You’ll come? Please do, if only for a minute. I must speak to you.”
“If the other girls come, I will.”
“Will you answer my question?” said he, bending towards her. “You are in good spirits today.”