'There girls, now we'll have some fun,' she said, clinking on the plate the four rubles the men had put there.
Olenin no longer felt awkward, but became talkative.
'Now, Maryanka, it's your turn to offer us wine and a kiss,' said Beletski, seizing her hand.
'Yes, I'll give you such a kiss!' she said playfully, preparing to strike at him.
'One can kiss Grandad without payment,' said another girl.
'There's a sensible girl,' said Beletski, kissing the struggling girl.
'No, you must offer it,' he insisted, addressing Maryanka.

'Offer a glass to your lodger.' And taking her by the hand he led her to the bench and sat her down beside Olenin.
'What a beauty,' he said, turning her head to see it in profile.
Maryanka did not resist but proudly smiling turned her long eyes towards Olenin.
'A beautiful girl,' repeated Beletski.
'Yes, see what a beauty I am,' Maryanka's look seemed to endorse.
Without considering what he was doing Olenin embraced Maryanka and was going to kiss her, but she suddenly extricated herself, upsetting Beletski and pushing the top off the table, and sprang away towards the oven.

There was much shouting and laughter.

Then Beletski whispered something to the girls and suddenly they all ran out into the passage and locked the door behind them.
'Why did you kiss Beletski and won't kiss me ?' asked Olenin.
'Oh, just so.

I don't want to, that's all!' she answered, pouting and frowning.