Read "The Cossacks" by Leo Tolstoy online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
"Yes," thought Olénin, as he walked home. "I need only slacken the reins a bit and I might fall desperately in love with this Cossack girl. " He went to bed with these thoughts, but expected it all to blow over and that he would continue to live as before.
But the old life did not return. His relations to Maryánka were changed. The wall that had separated them was broken down. Olénin now greeted her every time they met.