The water under the sledge-runners was splashing, the muddy snow was kicked up by the hoofs of the horses.
"How foolish man is in his youth!" exclaimed Mayakin, in a low voice.
Foma did not look at him.
"Before him stands the stump of a tree, and yet he sees the snout of a beast--that's how he frightens himself.

Oh, oh!" "Speak more plainly," said Foma, sternly.
"What is there to say?
The thing is clear: girls are cream; women are milk; women are near, girls are far.

Consequently, go to Sonka, if you cannot do without it, and tell her plainly.

That's how the matter stands.

Fool! If she is a sinner, you can get her more easily.