KUSMA. Forgive me, your honour, I'm only telling them a little ...
what does it matter, anyway. ... I'm shaking all over. Pour out
some more. [Drinks.]

MERIK. [In a semitone] And did she love him?

KUSMA. [In a semitone which gradually becomes his ordinary voice]
How shouldn't she? He was a man of means. ... Of course you'll fall
in love when the man has a thousand dessiatins and money to burn. ...
He was a solid, dignified, sober gentleman ... always the same,
like this ... give me your hand [Takes MERIK'S hand] "How do you do
and good-bye, do me the favour." Well, I was going one evening past
his garden--and what a garden, brother, versts of it--I was going
along quietly, and I look and see the two of them sitting on a seat
and kissing each other. [Imitates the sound] He kisses her once,
and the snake gives him back two. ... He was holding her white,
little hand, and she was all fiery and kept on getting closer and
closer, too. ... "I love you," she says. And he, like one of the
damned, walks about from one place to another and brags, the
coward, about his happiness. ... Gives one man a rouble, and two to
another. ... Gives me money for a horse. Let off everybody's debts. ...

BORTSOV. Oh, why tell them all about it? These people haven't any
sympathy. ... It hurts!

KUSMA. It's nothing, sir! They asked me! Why shouldn't I tell them?
But if you are angry I won't ... I won't. ... What do I care for
them. ... [Post-bells are heard.]