The old woman received him kindly, and from the day of the party onwards Olenin often went in of an evening and sat with them till late at night.

He seemed to be living in the village just as he used to, but within him everything had changed.

He spent his days in the forest, and towards eight o'clock, when it began to grow dusk, he would go to see his hosts, alone or with Daddy Eroshka.

They grew so used to him that they were surprised when he stayed away.

He paid well for his wine and was a quiet fellow.