I felt I was going mad. I felt like jumping, crying, singing, and
fighting all at once. I felt as if even lashes would be welcome,
simply to get rid of that horrible heartache.
On that particular day Khlopov was late in coming home. Marusya
remarked that she had seen her father enter the tavern. Then Anna
began to curse "our Moshko," the tavern keeper. Marusya objected:
"Tut, tut, mother, is it any of Moshko's fault? Does he compel papa
to go there? Does he compel him to drink?"
Then Anna few into a temper, and poured out a torrent of curses and
insults on Marusya. I don't know what happened to me then. My
blood was up; my fists tightened. It was a dangerous moment; I was
ready to pounce upon Anna. I did not know that Marusya had been
watching me all the while from behind, and understood all that was
passing within me. Presently the door opened, and Khlopov entered,
rather tipsy, hopping and jigging. That was his way when in his
cups. When he was under the influence of liquor, his soul seemed to
spread beyond its usual limits and light up his face with smiles.
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