Jakoff went in that direction; he thought he distinguished Malva's voice. But when he reached the barrels he stopped and paused. In the shade, lying on his back, his arms under his head, was the red-headed Sereja. Near him, on one side, was Vassili, and on the other side Malva.
Jakoff thought, "What is my father doing here? Has he left his employment so as to be near Malva, and to watch her? The old devil!... If only my mother knew what he was up to?" Should he speak to them or not?
"That's it," Sereja was saying. "Therefore you must say good-bye to each other. And then be off, and go and scratch your land ..."
Jakoff started, and his face grew joyful.
"I am going," said Vassili.
Then Jakoff stepped forward boldly.
"Good-morning, all of you!"
His father threw a rapid glance at him, and then turned away. Malva did not move. Sereja kicked out his leg, and said in a forced voice—
"Here is our well-beloved son Jakoff, who is returning from a far country."
Then he added in his ordinary voice—