Neither her father, nor her stepmother, nor her brother Jakov thought about Saruča's marriage, and

her
friends already had two, some even three, children. Saruča often heaved a heavy sigh from the depths
of her soul. She used to think that everyone forgot about her, that nobody in the world takes care of
her. It was difficult for her, but nevertheless, hidden, in one corner of Saruča's heart, there still lived a
glimmer of hope and the girl would get carried away thinking that her father will still one day, suddenly,
come home and immediately, from the gate of the garden, solemnly and cheerfully, shout "Where are
you, Saracha, where are you, my daughter? Come to kiss my hand! I got you engaged, I did, my dear
Saruča! "For years she waited to hear this news, her father's cry. Every afternoon she was sharping her
ears and, even though she had been disappointed so many times already in her waiting/anticipation, her
heart would always be trembling with joy whenever she would hear footsteps in an unusual hour in the
garden. Here he is! - she'd be all excited - here he is, now he'll shout: "Saruča, where are you? Where
are you, my daughter?" These frenzied excitements tore her soul. She struggled not to fall in
desperation/despair/hopelessness. She finally gave in/up, but for some time (she was twenty-four at
that time) suddenly a strange belief was born in her. Not even she knew how it came about, for why, but
some sensation was telling her that she will surely get engaged and married that summer. Shadows on
her face quickly disappeared. Her eyes brightened up. She went home smiling. Sometimes she sang.