. . I only said there is no need to keep . . . extra workmen if . . . if it is possible to get day labourers whenever they are wanted. Why, why the workmen have been doing nothing for a whole week. . . . I . . . I only said this and he shouted at me and he told me . . . many offensive, many deeply insulting things. Why, why?”

“Enough! Enough!” Kovrin said as he arranged a lock of her hair. “You have abused each other, you have wept, and that’s enough. One must not be angry for long, that’s wrong . . . all the more because he loves you tenderly.”

“He . . . he has spoilt my whole life,” Tania continued. “I am only insulted and .