Pyetushkov waited till he heard the gate bang, and at once went up to Vassilissa.
‘Where have you been?’
Vassilissa was confused.
‘Where have you been? I tell you,’ he repeated.
Vassilissa looked round ...
‘I am speaking to you ... where have you been?’ And Pyetushkov raised his arm ...
‘Don’t beat me, Ivan Afanasiitch, don’t beat me,’ Vassilissa whispered in terror.
Pyetushkov turned away.
‘Beat you ... No! I’m not going to beat you. Beat you? I beg your pardon, my darling. God bless you! While I supposed you loved me, while I ... I ... ‘
Ivan Afanasiitch broke off. He gasped for breath.