“What do you say, Sir?” said Tatiana Markovna, catching his words. “Come here, and since your Mama is not here, I will box your ears for you.” “But, Tatiana Markovna, you threaten these things and never do them,” he said, springing up to the old lady and bowing his head submissively. “Do box his ears well, Granny, so that his ears will be red for a month.” “How did you come to be made of quicksilver?” said Tatiana Markovna, affectionately. “Your late father was serious, never talked at random, and even disaccustomed your mother from laughter!” “Ah, Marfa Vassilievna,” broke in Vikentev. “I have brought you some music and a new novel.” “Where are they?” “I left them in the boat. That’s the fault of the carp. I will go and fetch them now.” In a moment he was out of the door, and Marfinka would have followed if her aunt had not detained her. “What I wanted to say to you is----” she began. She hesitated a little, as if she could not make up her mind to speak. Marfinka came up to her, and the old lady smoothed her disordered hair. “What then, Granny?” “You are a good child, and obey every word of your grandmother’s. You are not like Veroshka....” “Don’t find fault with Veroshka, Granny!” “No, you always defend her. She does indeed respect me, but she retains her own opinion and does not believe me. Her view is that I am old, while you two girls are young, know everything, and read everything. If only she were right. But everything is not written in books,” she added with a sigh. “What do you want to say to me?” asked Marfinka curiously. “That a grown girl must be a little more cautious. You are so wild, and run about like a child.” “I am not always running about. I work, sew embroider, pour out tea, attend to the household. Why do you scold me, Grandmother,” she asked with tears in her eyes. “If you tell me I must not sing, I won’t do it.” “God grant that you may always be as happy as a bird. Sing, play----” “Then, why scold me?” “I don’t scold you; I only ask you to keep within bounds. You used to run about with Nikolai Andreevich--” Marfinka reddened and retired to her corner. “That is no harm,” continued Tatiana Markovna. “There is nothing against Nikolai Andreevich, but he is just as wild as you are. You are my dearest child, and you will remember what is due to your dignity.” Marfinka blushed crimson. “Don’t blush, darling. I know that you will do nothing wrong, but for other people’s sake you must be careful. Why do you look so angry. Come and let me kiss you.” “Nikolai Andreevich will be here in a moment, and I don’t know how to face him.” Before Tatiana Markovna could answer Vikentev burst in, covered with dust and perspiration, carrying music and a book which he laid on the table by Marfinka. “Give me your hand, Marfa Vassilievna,” he cried, wiping his forehead. “How I did run, with the dogs after me!” Marfinka hid her hand, bowed, and returned with dignity: