The Garnet Bracelet and other Stories / Гранатовый браслет и другие повести. Книга для чтения на английском языке

Nina’s face was flushed from the ride, and her hair, which had slipped out of the hat at the temples, fell back in long, thin curls.

“Where did you get such a beauty?” asked Bobrov, when he had at last managed to pull up the prancing Fairway and, bending forward in the saddle, squeeze Nina’s fingertips.

“Isn’t she? It’s a present from Kvashnin.”

“I would have refused a present like that,” said Bobrov rudely, angered by Nina’s careless reply.

Nina blushed.

“Just why?”

“Because – what’s Kvashnin to you, after all? A relative? Or your fiance?”

“Goodness, how squeamish you are on other people’s behalf!” Nina exclaimed caustically.

But seeing the pained look on his face, she softened at once.

“You know he can afford it easily. He’s so rich!”

Svezhevsky was now a dozen paces from them. Suddenly Nina bent forward to Bobrov, gently touched his hand with the tip of her whip, and said under her breath, in the tone of a little girl confessing her guilt, “Don’t be cross, now, please.

I’ll give him back the horse, you grumpy man! You see how much your opinion means to me.”

Bobrov’s eyes shone with happiness, and he could not help holding out his hands to Nina. But he said nothing and merely drew a deep sigh. Svezhevsky was riding up, bowing and trying to sit his horse carelessly.

“I expect you know about our picnic?” he shouted from a distance.

“Never heard of it,” answered Bobrov.

“I mean the picnic that Vasily Terentyevich is getting up.

We’re going to Beshenaya Balka.”

“Haven’t heard about it.”

“It’s true. Please come, Andrei Ilyich,” Nina put in. “Next Wednesday, at five o’clock. We’ll start from the station.”

“Is it a subscription picnic?”

“I think so. But I’m not certain.”

Nina looked questioningly at Svezhevsky.

“That’s right – a subscription picnic,” he confirmed. “Vasily Terentyevich has asked me to make certain arrangements.

It’s going to be a stupendous affair, I can tell you. Something extra smart. But it’s a secret so far. You’ll be surprised.”

Nina could not help adding playfully, “I started all this. The other day I was saying that it would be fun to go on an outing to the woods, and Vasily Terentyevich – ”

“I’m not coming,” said Bobrov brusquely.

“Oh, yes, you are!” Nina’s eyes flashed. “Now march, gentlemen!” she cried, starting off at a gallop.