'Yes,' thought Olenin, as he walked home.

'I need only slacken the reins a bit and I might fall desperately in love with this Cossack girl.' He went to bed with these thoughts, but expected it all to blow over and that he would continue to live as before.
But the old life did not return.

His relations to Maryanka were changed.

The wall that had separated them was broken down.

Olenin now greeted her every time they met.
The master of the house having returned to collect the rent, on hearing of Olenin's wealth and generosity invited him to his hut.