"
"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.
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