'Savely Alexyevitch.'

'Who is that?'

'My husband.' (Yermolai smiled to himself.) 'Has my master perhaps
spoken to you of me?' added Arina, after a brief silence.

I did not know what reply to make to her question.

'Arina!' cried the miller from a distance. She got up and walked away.

'Is her husband a good fellow?' I asked Yermolai.

'So-so.'

'Have they any children?'

'There was one, but it died.'

'How was it? Did the miller take a liking to her? Did he give much to
buy her freedom?'

'I don't know. She can read and write; in their business it's of use. I
suppose he liked her.'

'And have you known her long?'

'Yes. I used to go to her master's. Their house isn't far from here.'