"But here one earns more," replied quietly Jakoff. In his own mind Vassili admitted the truth of his son's argument Life was of course harder in the village than it was here; but he was displeased that Jakoff should notice it And he added in a severe tone—
"What do you know about what is earned here? In the village ..."
"It's like a narrow dark prison," said Malva sarcastically. "And the woman's life there especially, is nothing but tears."
"The woman's life is everywhere the same, and light is everywhere the same, and so is the sun!" said Vassili coldly.
"That's what you think!" cried Malva excitedly. "In the village, whether I wished it or not I should have to marry. And a woman once married is for ever a slave. She must weave and spin, and look after the animals, and bring children into the world. What is there left for her herself? Nothing but blows and abuse from her husband."
"That's not true, that she gets nothing but blows," replied Vassili.
"Whilst I, here," she continued, without listening to him, "I belong to no one. I am as free as a seagull! I fly wherever pleases me. No one can stop me, and no one can interfere with me."
"And if any one were to interfere with you?" said Vassili, amused with the allusion which he understood.
"Well, they would have to pay for it," she replied softly.
And she dropped her eyelids over her blazing eyes.