The turpentine worker, poor fellow, perhaps desired to speak of something else beside the father, but somehow he was frightened and unconsciously inquired for him; then he became silent and waited for Kasya to speak to him first. She stood confused, twisting the corners of her apron.
“John?”
“What is it, Kasya?”
“Does the turpentine works smoke to-day?” She also wished to speak of something else.
“Why should it not? The turpentine works never stop. I left lame Frank there; but dost thou wish to go there?”
“No, I go to gather plants.”
“I will go with thee, and on our return, if thou dost not chase me away, I will come to thy house.”
“Why should I chase thee away?”
“If thou dost like me thou wilt not chase me away, and if thou dost not, then thou wilt. Tell me, Kasya, dost thou like me?”