Thus, thinking of his son, of Serejka, but more often of Malva, Vassili paced up and down the sandy beach, turning every now and then to look anxiously out to sea.  But Malva did not come.

This is what had happened.

Iakov rose early, and on going down to the beach as usual to wash himself, he saw Malva.  She was seated on the bow of a large fishing boat anchored in the surf and letting her bare feet hang, sat combing her damp hair.

Iakov stopped to watch her.

“Have you had a bath?” he cried.

She turned to look at him, and glanced down at her feet:  then, continuing to comb herself, she replied: 

“Yes, I took a bath.  Why are you up so early?”

“Aren’t you up early?”

“I am not an example for you.  If you did all I do, you’d be in all kinds of trouble.”

“Why do you always wish to frighten me?” he asked.

“And you, why do you make eyes at me?”

Iakov had no recollection of having looked at her more than at the other women on the fishing grounds, but now he said to her suddenly: 

“Because you are so—­appetizing.”

“If your father heard you, he’d give you an appetite!  No, my lad, don’t run after me, because I don’t want to be between you and Vassili.  You understand?”

“What have I done?” asked Iakov.  “I haven’t touched you.”

“You daren’t touch me,” retorted Malva.

There was such a contemptuous tone in her voice that he resented this.

“So I dare not?” he replied, climbing up on the boat and seating himself at her side.

“No, you dare not.”

“And if I touch you?”

“Try!”

“What would you do?”

“I’d give you such a box on the ear that you would fall into the water.”

“Let’s see you do it”

“Touch me if you dare!”

Throwing his arm around her waist, he pressed her to his breast.

“Here I am.  Now box my ears.”

“Let me be, Iakov,” she said, quickly, trying to disengage herself from his arms which trembled.

“Where is the punishment you promised me?”

“Let go or take care!”

“Oh, stop your threats—­luscious strawberry that you are!”

He drew her to him and pressed his thick lips into her sunburnt cheek.

She gave a wild laugh of defiance, seized Iakov’s arms and suddenly, with a quick movement of her whole body threw herself forward.  They fell into the water enlaced, forming a single heavy mass, and disappeared under the splashing foam.  Then from beneath the agitated water Iakov appeared, looking half drowned.  Malva, at his side swimming like a fish, eluded his grasp, and tried to prevent him regaining the boat.  Iakov struggled desperately, striking the water and roaring like a walrus, while Malva, screaming with laughter, swam round and round him, throwing the salt water in his face, and then diving to avoid his vigorous blows.