I will talk to your mother and get her to be in your favour; but there is one thing you must promise me faithfully, and that is to be very, very careful.

When you go to the house of Tyope's wife and you are asked about anything, say nothing; reveal nothing in regard to matters of our clans but what you might shout over the housetops with perfect impunity.

Otherwise"-- and his voice sounded like an impressive warning--"you may do great injury to the tribe." "But if Mitsha herself inquires of me ?" "You must be wise, brother, wiser than she is; for women are seldom wise,--only forward, curious, and inquisitive.

Wisdom"-- and the dandy of the Rito shrugged his shoulders--"is a gift to man, never to woman.
When you and Mitsha are together alone, be wise.

Don't ask her anything that does not concern you; and if she begins to pry into your matters, you will have a right to say to her, 'I don't pry into your affairs, so don't ask me about those of my people.' I am sure that she will let you alone thereafter, for Mitsha is a good girl.