"So this was what was in your mind!" (Vassili's voice was hoarse with rage.) "And all the time you said nothing; you kissed me, and you caressed me.... I'll teach you a lesson!"
He pushed her down towards the ground, and struck her with a feeling of satisfaction on the neck and shoulders; once, twice, with his heavy muscular fist He felt a pleasant sensation each time that his hand struck the warm, yielding flesh.
"Take that!... serpent!..." he said with a triumphant air, pushing her away.
Without uttering a complaint, silent and calm, she allowed herself to fall backwards, flushed, dishevelled, but still beautiful. Her green eyes watched him under their eyelids, and seemed to bum with the cold flame of hatred; whilst he, panting with excitement, and pleased with the outlet he had given to his anger, did not notice this glance; and when he leant over her full of the contempt bred of victory, she was smiling softly.
At first her lips trembled a little, then her eyes lighted up, dimples showed in her cheeks, and she began to laugh. Vassili watched her with astonishment, as she laughed loud and gaily, as if she had not just been beaten.
"What's the matter now, you little she-devil?" he cried anxiously, pulling her roughly by the sleeve.
"Vassia, was it you who beat me?" she murmured.
"Yes, it was I; who else could it be?"
He watched her, but failed to understand her mood. Should he beat her again? But his anger was now dead; he had no wish to begin again.
"Is it because you love me?" she asked gently.