"Never mind.... Shall you remain here?"
"Yes, I shall remain.... What could both of us do at home?"
"Very well. I have nothing to say. Do as you choose I You are no longer a child. Only remember that I shan't live very much longer. I shall keep alive perhaps, but I don't know how I shall manage to work.... I have lost the habit of working on the land.... Don't forget therefore that you have your mother there."
It was evidently painful to him to speak. The words seemed to stick between his teeth. Whilst he twisted his beard, his hand trembled.
Malva watched him. Sereja had half closed one eye, and with the other which was wide open he watched Jakoff. The boy was glad, but fearing to betray his feelings, he was silent, and hung his head.
"Don't forget your mother therefore, Jakoff. Remember that you are all that is left to her!" said Vassilli.
"I know!" said Jakoff, shrugging his shoulders.
"That's all right if you know it," added his lather, with a distrustful glance. "I only warn you not to forget it."
"All right!"
Vassili sighed deeply. They were all silent for some minutes.