The dark-green, wind-swept grass grew sweet and succulent in summer. The sun seemed to shine from out a deep blue ocean of light. The nights were silvery, the sky seemed dissolved into a pale, mist; sunset and dawn co-mingled, and a white wavering crept over the earth. Here life was strong and swift, for it knew that its days were brief.  
Marina was installed in Makar's room, and he was transferred to
Demid's.
Makar greeted Marina with an inhospitable when he saw her for the first time; then, showing his teeth, he struck her with his paw. Demid beat him for this behaviour, and he quieted down. Then Marina made friends with him.
 
Demid went into the woods in the daytime, and Marina was left alone.
 
She decorated her room in her own fashion, with a crude, somewhat exaggerated, yet , taste. She hung round in symmetrical order the skins and cloth hangings, brightly with red and blue cocks and reindeers. She placed an image of the God-Mother in the corner;............