I did not know what reply to make to her question.
'Arina!' cried the miller from a distance. She got up and walked away.
'Is her husband a good fellow?' I asked Yermolaï.
'So-so.'
'Have they any children?'
'There was one, but it died.'
'How was it? Did the miller take a liking to her? Did he give much to buy her freedom?'
'I don't know. She can read and write; in their business it's of use. I suppose he liked her.'
'And have you known her long?'
'Yes. I used to go to her master's. Their house isn't far from here.'