When she had found the spoons, she said she must go down to the sea to wash them, and that in the boat she had some vodka.
The father and son watched her as she walked away, and, when they found themselves alone, remained silent.
"Where did you meet her?" said Vassili at last
"I asked at the office where you were; she was there. And she said to me—'Why go on foot along the sand? Let us go in the boat; I also am going to see him.' And we set off."
"Yes?... Well, I have often said to myself, 'I wonder how he is now, my Jakoff?'"
The son smiled good-naturedly. This gave Vassili back his courage.
"And ... how are you?"
"Oh! all right ..." said Jakoff, dropping his eyelids.
"What the devil could I do?" exclaimed Vassili, waving his arms about "I kept straight at first ... But I couldn't go on like that It was habit ... you see I am a married man!... And then she mends my clothes, and so on.... Besides, one can't escape either women or death!"
This simple maxim seemed to bring his explanation to a close.