"Papa says it all comes from the poor crop. This is the second year we've had a bad harvest. The people are exhausted. That's the reason we have such peasants springing up now. What a shame! You ought to hear them shout and fight at the village assemblies. The other day when Vosynkov was sold out for arrears he dealt the starosta (bailiff) a cracking blow on the face. 'There are my arrears for you!' he says."
Heavy steps were heard at the door. The mother rose to her feet with difficulty. The blue-eyed peasant came in, and taking off his hat asked:
He lifted the valise lightly, shook it, and said:
"Why, it's empty! Marya, show the guest the way to my house," and he walked off without looking around.
"Are you going to stay here overnight?" asked the girl.
"Yes. I'm after lace; I buy lace."
"They don't make lace here. They make lace in Tinkov and in Daryina, but not among us."
"I'm going there to-morrow; I'm tired."
On paying for the tea she made the girl very happy by handing her three kopecks. On the road the girl's feet splashed quickly in the mud.