The approaching footsteps of a woman attracted his attention. He began listening, and laughed all by himself. Maryanka with bowed head, striking the pales of the fences with a switch, was walking with rapid regular strides straight towards him. Lukashka rose. Maryanka started and stopped.

‘What an accursed devil! You frightened me! So you have not gone home?’ she said, and laughed aloud.

Lukashka put one arm round her and with the other hand raised her face.

‘What I wanted to tell you, by Heaven!’ his voice trembled and broke.

‘What are you talking of, at night time!’ answered Maryanka. ‘Mother is waiting for me, and you’d better go to your sweetheart.’