Контрольная работа.Иностранный язык

Burmin was, really, a very nice young man. He had exactly the sort of mind women liked: the mind of decency and observation, claimless and carelessly derisive. His behavior with Marya Gavrilovna was simple and free; but whatever she said or did, his soul and his eyes followed her. He seemed to have a quiet and modest temper, but rumours talked he was once a terrible scapegrace, however, that did not spoil Marya Gavrilovna’s opinion about him, who forgave him with pleasure all his pranks revealing his courage and the passion of character.

However, most of all... the young hussar's silence inspired her curiosity and imagination most of all. She could not help but admit that he liked her very much; probably he, with his mind and experience, also could have already noticed that she distinguished him: why has she not seen him at her feet and has not heard his love confession yet? What held him back? Shyness, an inseparable part of true love, pride or coquetry of a sly lady-killer? It was a mystery to her. Having thought it over, she decided that shyness was the only reason for this, and made up her mind to encourage him with greater attentiveness and, depending on the circumstances, even tenderness. She was preparing the most unexpected outcome and was looking forward to a minute of romantic love confession. The mystery, whatever kind it was, is always burdensome to the female heart. Her war actions led to the desired success: anyway, Burmin got so lost in thoughts, and his black eyes looked at Marya Gavrilovna with such a fire, that a decisive minute seemed to be near. Neighbours talked about the wedding as a matter of fact, and kind Praskovya Petrovna was glad that her daughter had finally found a worthy fiancé for herself.

The old woman was once sitting quietly by herself in the living room, playing grand solitaire, as Burmin entered the room and immediately enquired about Marya Gavrilovna. "She's in the garden," the old woman answered; "go to her, and I will be waiting for you here." Burmin went out, and the old woman crossed herself and thought: perhaps, the thing will end today!

Burmin found Marya Gavrilovna by the pond, under the willow, with a book in her hands, dressed in white, the real heroine of the novel. After the first questions, Marya Gavrilovna deliberately stopped supporting the conversation, thus increasing mutual confusion, which could only be get rid of by a sudden and decisive confession. It happened so: Burmin, feeling the difficulty of his position, declared that he had been looking for a chance to open his heart to her for a long time, and asked for a minute of attention. Marya Gavrilovna closed the book and looked down in agreement.

"I love you," Burmin said, "I love you passionately..." (Marya Gavrilovna blushed and tilted her head even more). "I acted carelessly, indulging in a cute habit, a habit of seeing and hearing you daily..."