“Now, Maryánka, it’s your turn to offer us wine and a kiss,” said Belétski, seizing her hand.
“Yes, I’ll give you such a kiss!” she said playfully, preparing to strike at him.
“One can kiss Grandad without payment,” said another girl.
“There’s a sensible girl,” said Belétski, kissing the struggling girl. “No, you must offer it,” he insisted, addressing Maryánka. “Offer a glass to your lodger.”
And taking her by the hand he led her to the bench and sat her down beside Olénin.
“What a beauty,” he said, turning her head to see it in profile.
Maryánka did not resist but proudly smiling turned her long eyes towards Olénin.
“A beautiful girl,” repeated Belétski.
“Yes, see what a beauty I am,” Maryánka’s look seemed to endorse. Without considering what he was doing Olénin embraced Maryánka and was going to kiss her, but she suddenly extricated herself, upsetting Belétski and pushing the top off the table, and sprang away towards the oven. There was much shouting and laughter. Then Belétski whispered something to the girls and suddenly they all ran out into the passage and locked the door behind them.
“Why did you kiss Belétski and won’t kiss me?” asked Olénin.