“What pride! Tell me, Sister, forgive my bluntness: Do you pride yourself on this? I ask because Grandmother told me you were proud.”
“Grandmother must have her finger in everything. I am not proud. In what connection did she say I was?”
“Because I have made a gift of these houses and gardens to you and Marfinka. She said that you would not accept the gift. Is that true? Marfinka has accepted on the condition that you do not refuse. Grandmother hesitated, and has not come to a final decision, but waits, it seems, to see what you will say. And how shall you decide. Will a sister take a gift from a brother?”
“Yes, I accept ... but no, I can buy the estate. Sell it to me.... I have money, and will pay you 50,000 roubles for it.”
“I will not do it that way.”
She looked thoughtfully out on the Volga, the precipice, and the park.
“Very well. I agree to anything you please, so long as we remain here.”
“I will have the deed drawn up.”
“Yes, thank you!” she said, stretching out both hands to him.
He pressed her hands, and kissed Vera on the cheek. She returned the pressure of his hands and kissed the air.