“That’s right!” exclaimed Ookhtishchev.
“There is a great power of voice in that lady’s breast,” said the peasant, nodding his head.
At his words, the ladies burst out laughing and the men made some double-meaning remarks about Sasha.
After she had calmly listened to these and said nothing in reply, Sasha asked the peasant:
“Do you sing?”
“We sing a little!” and he waved his hand, “What songs do you know?”
“All kinds. I love singing.” And he smiled apologetically.
“Come, let’s sing something together, you and I.”
“How can we? Am I a match for you?”
“Well, strike up!”