She hesitated a little, as if she could not make up her mind to speak. Marfinka came up to her, and the old lady smoothed her disordered hair.
“What then, Granny?”
“You are a good child, and obey every word of your grandmother’s. You are not like Veroshka....”
“Don’t find fault with Veroshka, Granny!”
“No, you always defend her. She does indeed respect me, but she retains her own opinion and does not believe me. Her view is that I am old, while you two girls are young, know everything, and read everything. If only she were right. But everything is not written in books,” she added with a sigh.
“What do you want to say to me?” asked Marfinka curiously.
“That a grown girl must be a little more cautious. You are so wild, and run about like a child.”
“I am not always running about. I work, sew embroider, pour out tea, attend to the household. Why do you scold me, Grandmother,” she asked with tears in her eyes. “If you tell me I must not sing, I won’t do it.”
“God grant that you may always be as happy as a bird. Sing, play——”
“Then, why scold me?”