The sisters, on hearing this, looked at each other significantly, and the young lady grew pale from amazement; though he had long tried to seize every moment in which he might be alone with her, he had never let himself ask for such a moment openly.
When the sisters had gone he rose, looked beyond one door and another, to convince himself that no one was listening, then he drew up to Anulka.
"Give me your hand," said he, "and be reconciled."
She drew back both hands unconsciously, and pushed away from him.
Martsian's wish for calmness was evident, but he sprang forward twice on his bow-legs, for he could never abandon that habit, and said, with a voice full of effort,--
"You are unwilling! But to-day I came very near drowning for your sake. I beg your pardon for that fright, but it was not caused by any bad reason. Mad dogs began yesterday to run between Vyrambki and this mansion, and I took a gun to make sure of your safety."
Anulka's knees trembled under her a little, but she said with good presence of mind and with calmness,--
"I want no protection which would bring only shame to me."
"I should like to defend you, not merely now, but till death and at all times! Not offending God, but with His blessing. Dost understand me?"
A moment of silence followed this question. Through the open window came the sound of cutting wood, made by an old lame man attached to the kitchen.